Blue Origin Plans Satellite Internet to Compete with SpaceX, Amazon
Jeff Bezos’ space company Blue Origin announced it will deploy 5,408 satellites to create a high-speed communications network. The service, called TeraWave, aims at enterprise, data center, and government users.
The network promises speeds of up to 6 terabits per second. Satellites will operate in low Earth orbit and medium Earth orbit, ranging from 100 miles to 21,000 miles above Earth. Blue Origin expects to start launching the constellation in late 2027.
Entering a Crowded Market
The satellite internet market is already crowded. SpaceX’s Starlink dominates with over 9,000 satellites and roughly 9 million users. Amazon, which Bezos founded, is also building a competing network. Its service, now called Leo, has launched 180 satellites since last April.
Amazon plans a total of 3,236 low-Earth satellites, serving businesses, governments, and consumers. The company recently opened an enterprise preview before a wider commercial rollout. Future launches will rely partly on Blue Origin rockets.
Bezos’ Ambitious Vision
Bezos predicts Blue Origin could become bigger than Amazon. Founded in 2000, Blue Origin has focused mostly on rocket launches, including tourist and research trips. Dave Limp, Amazon’s former devices chief, now serves as Blue Origin’s CEO.
In 2024, Bezos said, “I think it’s going to be the best business I’ve ever been involved in, but it will take a while.” Last January, Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket for the first time, although part of the booster could not be recovered for reuse.
