Blue Origin inks deal to launch satellite internet constellation
An artist’s rendering of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket during its ascent into orbit. Image Credit: Blue Origin
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket has been selected by Canadian-based Telesat to send a fleet of satellites into orbit. The payload for these flights could help improve web services around the globe.
The satellites, designed to provide internet services across the globe, will be sent to low-Earth orbit by Texas-based Blue Origin’s New Glenn over the course of multiple launches.
“Blue Origin is honored that Telesat has selected our powerful New Glenn rocket to launch Telesat’s innovative LEO satellite constellation into space,” Blue Origin’s CEO, Bob Smith, stated via a post on the company’s website. “We are excited to be partnering with this industry leader on their disruptive satellite network architecture. New Glenn’s 7-meter fairing, with its huge mass and volume capabilities, is a perfect match for Telesat’s constellation plans while reducing launch costs per satellite.”
Telesat is working to provide “…fiber-like broadband services anywhere on Earth” and it has selected New Glenn, in part, due to the rocket’s 23-foot (7-meter) fairing, more commonly known as the rocket’s nose cone. It is hoped that the expansive confines of the rocket’s fairing will cut Telesat’s cost in sending its fleet of satellites to orbit.
With this as well as a contract signed with the United States Air Force in October of 2018, New Glenn appears to be well-placed in terms of beginning its service which could take place as early as 2021.
Jason Rhian
Jason Rhian spent several years honing his skills with internships at NASA, the National Space Society and other organizations. He has provided content for outlets such as: Aviation Week & Space Technology, Space.com, The Mars Society and Universe Today.
