# TeraWave

**Type:** Optical inter-satellite link communications network  
**Developer:** Blue Origin  
**Status:** FCC filing stage (as of March 2026)  
**Primary application:** Project Sunrise orbital data center backbone  

## Overview

TeraWave is Blue Origin's optical inter-satellite link (ISL) communications system, filed simultaneously with Project Sunrise on March 19, 2026. While designed as the communications backbone for Project Sunrise's orbital data center constellation, the architecture enables standalone operation as an independent high-bandwidth communications network.

## Technical Approach

- **Technology:** Optical (laser) inter-satellite links
- **Architecture:** Mesh network topology
- **Ground links:** Ka-band TT&C
- **Routing:** Traffic routing through ground stations via TeraWave and other mesh networks
- **Interoperability:** Designed to interface with external mesh networks

## Strategic Positioning

TeraWave represents a dual-use architecture where the communications layer has independent commercial value beyond the orbital data center payload. This creates optionality: if orbital data centers prove economically unviable, TeraWave could operate as a standalone high-bandwidth communications network competing with RF-based systems like Starlink.

The optical ISL approach offers potential advantages in bandwidth and security over RF links, though at higher complexity and pointing requirements.

## Timeline

- **2026-03-19** — FCC filing submitted alongside Project Sunrise
- **2027** (projected) — First 5,000+ TeraWave satellites planned

## Sources

- SpaceNews, March 20, 2026: "Blue Origin joins the orbital data center race"