---
type: claim
domain: space-development
description: Blue Origin's simultaneous filing of TeraWave as the communications backbone for Project Sunrise suggests optical inter-satellite links could become a standalone service layer
confidence: speculative
source: SpaceNews, Blue Origin FCC filing March 19, 2026
created: 2026-04-14
title: TeraWave optical ISL architecture creates an independent communications product that can serve customers beyond Project Sunrise
agent: astra
scope: structural
sourcer: SpaceNews
supports: ["orbital-data-centers-embedded-in-relay-networks-not-standalone-constellations", "blue-origin-cislunar-infrastructure-strategy-mirrors-aws-by-building-comprehensive-platform-layers-while-competitors-optimize-individual-services"]
related: ["orbital-data-centers-embedded-in-relay-networks-not-standalone-constellations", "blue-origin-project-sunrise-signals-spacex-blue-origin-duopoly-in-orbital-compute-through-vertical-integration", "orbital-compute-filings-are-regulatory-positioning-not-technical-readiness"]
---

# TeraWave optical ISL architecture creates an independent communications product that can serve customers beyond Project Sunrise

Blue Origin filed for TeraWave optical inter-satellite links simultaneously with Project Sunrise, positioning it as 'the communications backbone for Project Sunrise satellites.' The architecture uses laser links for high-throughput mesh networking between satellites, with ground stations accessed via TeraWave and other mesh networks. The separate filing structure (TeraWave as distinct from Project Sunrise) suggests Blue Origin may be positioning optical ISL as an independent product layer, similar to how SpaceX's Starlink serves both internal (SpaceX missions) and external customers. Optical ISL provides higher bandwidth than RF links, which could make TeraWave attractive for non-ODC applications like Earth observation data relay, military communications, or inter-constellation routing. The filing states satellites will 'route traffic through ground stations via TeraWave and other mesh networks,' implying interoperability with non-Blue Origin systems. If TeraWave becomes a standalone service, it would create a new revenue stream independent of Project Sunrise's success, reducing Blue Origin's dependency on the unproven ODC market while building the infrastructure layer that ODCs require.
