SpaceX Challenges Blue Origin’s TeraWave Satellite Antennas Over Potential Starlink Interference

• April 18, 2026

SpaceX has formally contested Blue Origin’s satellite management strategy for its TeraWave network at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), asserting that the planned use of omnidirectional antennas could interfere with Starlink services. The dispute highlights growing concerns over spectrum sharing and wireless signal interference as new satellite constellations proliferate in low Earth orbit.

Interference Concerns Over TeraWave’s Antennas and Starlink Users

In its filing with the FCC, SpaceX argues that Blue Origin’s TeraWave satellites, designed to provide broadband connectivity, will employ antennas that emit signals broadly rather than focusing them directionally. This nondirectional transmission approach is expected to generate radio frequency interference across shared spectrum bands used by both networks.

SpaceX estimates that the interference resulting from Blue Origin’s non-focused antenna pattern could impact over 10 million Starlink subscribers. The concern stems from potential overlapping signal footprints that could degrade service quality or disrupt the connectivity experience for a significant user base relying on Starlink’s satellite internet service.

The complaint reflects the broader industry challenges involving the rapid deployment of satellite constellations competing for limited frequency resources. As companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin expand their satellite broadband infrastructure, managing electromagnetic spectrum efficiently while minimizing cross-interference has become a pivotal regulatory and technical challenge.

SpaceX’s opposition to Blue Origin’s antenna design underscores the need for clear regulatory frameworks and coordination mechanisms at the FCC, which oversees spectrum allocation in the United States. Ensuring that multiple satellite systems can coexist without detrimental signal interference is essential to preserving the quality and reliability of satellite-based internet solutions, especially as consumer demand continues to grow.

Though details regarding Blue Origin’s response or subsequent FCC actions were not disclosed, this dispute highlights the intensifying competitive and regulatory environment in the satellite internet sector. Both companies represent key players in advancing global broadband accessibility, yet their differing technical approaches to satellite antenna technology and spectrum sharing illustrate the complexities of operating in crowded orbital and radio frequency spaces.

As satellite networks increase in density, the industry and regulators are expected to intensify efforts to develop standards and technological safeguards to balance innovation with operational coexistence. The resolution of conflicts such as this one will likely shape the evolution of satellite communications infrastructure in the coming years.

SpaceX has raised concerns with the FCC about potential radio interference from Blue Origin’s TeraWave satellite antennas affecting Starlink users.