# TeraWave

**Type:** Optical inter-satellite link (ISL) communications system  
**Developer:** Blue Origin  
**Status:** FCC filing submitted (March 19, 2026)  
**Primary application:** Project Sunrise orbital data center backbone  
**Architecture:** Laser-based mesh networking  

## Overview

TeraWave is Blue Origin's optical inter-satellite link system, filed simultaneously with Project Sunrise as the communications backbone for the orbital data center constellation. The system uses laser links for high-throughput mesh networking between satellites.

## Architecture

- **Link type:** Optical (laser)
- **Topology:** Mesh network
- **Ground access:** Via TeraWave and other mesh networks
- **Bandwidth:** High-throughput (specific capacity not disclosed)

## Strategic Positioning

The separate filing structure (TeraWave distinct from Project Sunrise) suggests Blue Origin may be positioning optical ISL as an independent service layer that could serve customers beyond Project Sunrise, similar to how SpaceX's Starlink serves both internal and external customers.

## Timeline

- **2026-03-19** — FCC application filed simultaneously with Project Sunrise
- **2027** (planned) — First 5,000+ TeraWave satellites as part of Project Sunrise deployment