Though the company has yet to make an official release on the matter, Relativity Space‘s co-founder Jordan Noone announced on Twitter this week that he is stepping down from his role as CTO and will begin the transition to becoming Executive Advisor. Noone and co-founder Tim Ellis started the company in 2015 and have played a huge part in advancing orbital launch services with their 3D printed rockets.
Noone goes on to say that his new role as Executive Advisor will enable him to prepare for his next venture, so we’ll be eagerly keeping an eye on what that may be. He said in his Twitter thread:
“As a first-time founder, I am so lucky and grateful to have been surrounded by the industry’s best and brightest to build this incredible organization with [Tim Ellis] for the past five years. It’s with great confidence that I transition the helm to Tim and the entire Relativity team to keep moving our mission forward to launch the world’s first 3D printed rocket into orbit. I’m looking forward to continuing to support Relativity as I move forth onto new adventures. I will share more details at a later date.”
The Relativity Space co-founder then goes on to highlight some of the company’s major accomplishments, including developing the world’s largest metal 3D printer, Stargate; developing state-of-the-art tests sites at NASA Stennis and successfully testing its Aeon 1 engine; and building the first 3D factory for aerospace in Long Beach. Noone also notes that the company is “on track to launch the world’s first 3D printed rocket.” (The company’s Terran 1 launch vehicle is scheduled to be deployed in 2021 from Cape Canaveral!)
Ellis replied to Noone on Twitter about the role change, saying: “It has been an absolute honor and privilege to partner with you and build this incredible place that we’re so proud to call Relativity Space. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Looking forward to cheering you on with your next adventure—I know it’ll be something amazing!”
