Eric Schmidt, Former Google Head, Becomes CEO of Relativity Space

From Sillicon Valley to space! Eric Schmidt, who was CEO of Google from 2001 to 2011, has taken over as CEO of Relativity Space. The news comes alongside a significant investment by Schmidt himself in the company, sources tell The New York Times. Schmidt is recognized for the role he played in transforming Google into a global giant. Now, he will lead this innovative reusable rocket startup, taking over from Tim Ellis, who will continue to serve on the board.

Relativity Space, founded nine years ago in Long Beach, California, has made a name for itself in the space sector through its pioneering use of 3D printing, robotics and artificial intelligence in rocket manufacturing. In 2023, the company demonstrated its technology with the launch of Terran 1, a rocket almost 3D printed, albeit without reaching orbit. Since then, the company has focused on the development of the Terran R, a reusable rocket.

Eric Schmidt will be leading Relativity Space (photo credits: L’Express)

Relativity Space’s Return

For a few months, the company kept a low profile. It was known that they were working on the Terran R, but that was as far as it went. Just this week, Relativity Space shared a press release detailing progress on the development of the Terran R and remaining challenges before launch. One of the most relevant aspects of the update is the shift in manufacturing strategy.

In order to accelerate the commercialization of Terran R, Relativity Space has decided to adopt a hybrid approach that combines traditional manufacturing with additive manufacturing. The primary structures of its rocket will now be built from high-strength aluminum alloys using friction stir welding techniques, while the Aeon R engines will continue to employ additive manufacturing made using powder bed fusion (PBF) and wire arc manufacturing (WAAM).

Kevin Wu, Relativity Space’s chief technology officer, explained that this decision seeks to optimize speed to market and improve the rocket’s performance. He explained, “We are focused on making a high-performance, scalable, and cost-effective launch vehicle for our customers. To deliver on that mission, we are using both additive and traditional manufacturing methods in-house while strategically outsourcing certain components to trusted vendors. This hybrid approach is the right decision for the early days of the Terran R program, optimizing for speed to market.”

This change could be seen as an evolution in the company’s philosophy, which initially relied on 3D printing as the backbone of its strategy. However, Relativity has felt that the need to attract more investment and deliver a competitive rocket could be achieved with an adjustment in focus. Other new developments that Relativity has shared have been the end of the design and testing of the entire primary structure, the thrust structure, the barrels, the rocket domes, the avionics that control the rocket, fluid systems, test systems and even the launch pad.

Relativity Space has completed the design phase and revisions and are ready to begin manufacturing the hardware for Terran R (photo credits: Relativity Space)

Relativity’s Future Looks Bright

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. With an order backlog in excess of $2.9 billion and customers looking for launch solutions, Relativity Space is at a pivotal moment. By the looks of it, Eric Schmidt’s arrival will not only bring financial stability, but also a valuable network of contacts and experience in expanding business on a global scale.

The launch of Terran R is scheduled for the end of 2026 at its launch pad in Cape Canaveral, Florida. This event will undoubtedly mark a milestone in the evolution of the company and in the competition within the aerospace sector. With this new leadership and strategy, Relativity Space could consolidate its position as a key player in space exploration, facing giants such as SpaceX, Rocket Lab or Blue Origin. You can learn more HERE.

What do you think of Eric Schmidt becoming CEO of Relativity Space? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! If you want more aerospace and defense news, you can find it here.

*Cover Photo Credits: Relativity Space