SpaceX accuses Blue Origin of creating interference from TeraWave antennas that could affect 10 million Starlink users.

SpaceX raises concerns about “bad” Blue Origin antennas in the FCC

*Briefly:*

- SpaceX has filed a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding Blue Origin’s TeraWave satellite management scheme.
- The company claims that the non‑directional antennas used by Blue Origin will cause interference on frequencies shared with Starlink and could affect more than 10 million network users.
- SpaceX does not ask for the TeraWave application to be denied, but demands a switch to directional E‑band links with high gain.

What Blue Origin plans
Parameter Details System Terabit satellite internet (TeraWave) Number of satellites 5,408 Target audience Corporate and government clients Control technology Non‑directional antennas with low gain in the 18.8–19.3 GHz, 71–76 GHz and 81–86 GHz bands (Ka and E bands)
These same bands are used by Starlink for data reception and transmission.

Why SpaceX is concerned
1. Wide coverage area
Non‑directional antennas create “continental” zones rather than narrow beams, leading to stronger atmospheric attenuation and requiring significantly higher power.

2. High spectral density
To compensate for the low gain, Blue Origin must use narrowband signals with high power, increasing the likelihood of interference with Starlink’s uplink/downlink links.

3. Lack of coordination
SpaceX doubts Blue Origin’s willingness to coordinate technical parameters with other operators and ensure shared spectrum usage.

Current position
- SpaceX: Does not require denial of the application but strongly recommends switching to directional E‑band links.
- Blue Origin: Has not yet responded to a request for comments.

After the FCC accepted the TeraWave application for review, other operators joined the case.

Operator Requirement AST SpaceMobile Require Blue Origin to conduct technical tests and establish coordination to prevent mutual interference. Viasat filed a petition to reject the proposal, arguing that it would limit effective spectrum use and create unacceptable radio‑interference risks for other operators.

What’s next
The FCC is reviewing the TeraWave application and deciding whether additional technical requirements or adjustments to Blue Origin’s satellite management scheme are necessary. The issue remains open until the FCC issues a final decision.