Retired Google CEO Eric Schmidt becomes CEO of Relativity Space

Eric Schmidt, the former Google CEO,  has officially stepped in as the new CEO of Relativity Space. This is significant for Relativity Space but even more so for both the space and the additive manufacturing industries as Schmidt’s reports investment in the company confirms the potential that these segments hold for the future of manufacturing and humanity.

The California-based aerospace startup has made 3D printed rocket technology a core element of its strategy. In the past, Relativity developed a giant WAAM 3D printer (the Stargate) to 3D print entire rockets. After a reorganization, the company focused both DED and PBF AM capabilities on propulsion systems, like its main competitors, SpaceX, Rocket Lab and Blue Origin. Now the company is moving its leadership to compete with industry giants and established players.

Schmidt, whose net worth hovers around $33 billion, has reportedly also made a substantial financial investment in Relativity Space. According to The New York Times, his involvement signals confidence in the company’s potential to revolutionize spaceflight through additive manufacturing.

Founded in 2016 by Tim Ellis and Jordan Noone—both former Blue Origin engineers—Relativity Space quickly gained attention for its ambitious approach to rocket construction. Ellis, the former CEO, remains on the board, while Noone stepped away from the company in 2020.

Relativity Space launched its first rocket, Terran 1, in March 2023. Though the mission failed to reach orbit, it demonstrated significant technological advancements in 3D printed aerospace engineering. The rocket was a stepping stone for the company’s larger, more powerful successor.

The company has since shifted its focus to Terran R, a partially reusable rocket set to launch in 2026. With a payload capacity of 26 tons (23.5 metric tons) to low Earth orbit, Terran R is designed to rival SpaceX’s Falcon 9, which can carry 25.1 tons (22.8 metric tons). Relativity Space has already secured over $2.9 billion in launch agreements for Terran R.

Relativity Space envisions itself as a key player in humanity’s journey toward interplanetary exploration. The company aims to develop an industrial base on Mars. With Eric Schmidt at the helm, Relativity Space is poised for another transformative phase, scaling to become a significant player in the commercial NewSpace market.