Blue Origin Seeks FCC Approval for 51,600-Satellite Project Sunrise for Orbital Data Centers

Blue Origin, led by Jeff Bezos, has applied to the FCC for authorization to launch Project Sunrise, a constellation of 51,600 satellites providing orbital computing services. This initiative aims to support U.S. companies developing AI by enabling advanced data processing in space. The project joins efforts by SpaceX and Starcloud in the orbital data center race. Blue Origin plans to launch the first of over 5,000 satellites by late 2027, utilizing optical links for communication and targeting the solar-powered polar orbits for continuous sunlight exposure.

Published Mar 21, 2026

Blue Origin has filed with the FCC to launch Project Sunrise, a constellation of 51,600 satellites aimed at providing orbital computing services. This initiative seeks to fulfill the increasing demands of AI workloads, asserting that space-based data centers can complement terrestrial infrastructure.

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The first satellite launch is planned by late 2027. Competitors include SpaceX, which has proposed up to a million satellites, and Starcloud. Blue Origin's project intends to utilize optical connections and target solar-powered, sunlit polar orbits, a strategic move in the emerging market for orbital data centers.