Relativity names former Google CEO Eric Schmidt as its new CEO
Eric Schmidt, former Google CEO, has been named as the new CEO of Relativity Space, based in Long Beach, California, USA. Schmidt is replacing Relativity Space co-founder Tim Ellis, who has been chief executive officer since the company’s foundation in 2015. Following the transition, Ellis will remain on the board.
The news follows talk of Schmidt – then Google CEO – making a significant investment in the company earlier this year.
Schmidt held the role of Google CEO from 2001-2011 and acted as the executive chairman of both Google and its parent company, Alphabet, from 2011-2017. Alongside these roles, he was also a chairman of the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Advisory Board from 2016 to 2020.
In a post on X, Ellis stated, “Nine years ago, we scribbled Relativity’s wild vision on the back of a Starbucks receipt, never imagining how many incredible people would believe, join, invest in us, and work incredibly hard to build this company despite the risks. From first-ever 3D-printed rockets launched into space, to the next-generation reusable Terran R flight hardware now being built, it’s been awe-inspiring and profoundly humbling. Truly, thank you to everyone involved.”
”Today marks a powerful new chapter as Eric Schmidt becomes Relativity’s CEO, while also providing substantial financial backing. I know there’s no one more tenacious or passionate to propel this dream forward. We have been working together to ensure a smooth transition, and I’ll proudly continue to support the team as Co-founder and Board member,” added Ellis.
Regarding the status of the Terran R rocket, the company announced that it is beginning its first flight production. At its Long Beach headquarters, critical primary structures—including first-stage panels, second-stage barrels, the thrust structure, and Aeon R engines—are now being manufactured and assembled.
To get Terran R to market quickly, Relativity Space is combining traditional manufacturing with AM techniques. This hybrid approach allows the company to deliver a highly performant and cost-effective vehicle for its customers. Primary structures are made from friction stir welded high-strength aluminium alloys, enhanced by in-house machining and custom tooling. For the Aeon R engines, where fast iteration is critical, the company is using Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) from its Stargate Additive Manufacturing platform.
