Blue Origin Launches TeraWave, Rocket Lab's 2026 Mission, and Space Grove's Innovation Hub

Blue Origin's TeraWave Network

• 🚀 Blue Origin has unveiled TeraWave, a new satellite communications network designed for global connectivity.
• 💡 The network aims to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 terabits per second to tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government users.
• 🛰️ TeraWave will consist of 5,480 optically interconnected satellites in low and medium Earth orbits to provide ultra-high throughput links.
• 🌍 The multi-orbit design specifically targets providing connectivity in remote, rural, and suburban areas where fiber deployment is challenging.
• 📅 The first spacecraft for the TeraWave constellation is slated for launch in the fourth quarter of 2027.

Rocket Lab and Lunar Outpost Updates

• 🌌 Rocket Lab successfully launched its first mission of 2026, named "The Cosmos Will See You Now," for Open Cosmos, deploying two spacecraft.
• ⚠️ Rocket Lab is also addressing a rupture during qualification testing of its Neutron rocket's stage 1 tank, stating it's a normal part of the testing process and development continues.
• 🛰️ Lunar Outpost announced a new in-orbit demonstration mission, TACOS, to support the launch, integration, and operation of thermal architecture components for space applications.

Space Grove: A New Innovation Hub

• 🏢 Dr. Melissa Patton introduced Space Grove, an upcoming innovation hub in Brevard County, Florida, designed to support the space ecosystem.
• 🤝 Space Grove will offer a physical space, global connections with international space agencies, and serve as a one-stop shop for deal flow and investment for space companies.
• 🏘️ A unique aspect of Space Grove includes real estate development to build out a community with housing, stores, and infrastructure for the space industry.
• 🚀 Dr. Patton will be moderating a panel on satellite manufacturing and scalable space infrastructure at SpaceCom in Orlando.

Other Space Industry News

• 🛰️ Thales Alenia Space secured a contract for the DESIR program from the French Space Agency (CNES) and Defense Procurement Agency for sovereign French space radar imaging capability.
• 📉 Orbex's Danish subsidiary, Orbital Express Launch APS, is reportedly set to file for bankruptcy, impacting approximately 90 employees.
• 🩺 The ISS crew that returned early for a medical evacuation confirmed they are fine, and highlighted the utility of the onboard ultrasound machine for future space flights.
• 🚀 The Artemis 2 mission will carry a variety of mission keepsakes, including flags, pins, and a swatch of fabric from the Wright brothers' plane.