Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Relativity names Eric Schmidt as CEO as it updates Terran R development

The world of space exploration is constantly evolving and expanding, as new technologies and ideas emerge to push us towards the next frontier. And now, one of the biggest players in the tech industry is joining forces with a pioneering rocket company to help shape the future of space travel.

Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, has recently announced that he will be taking a stake in and becoming the CEO of Relativity Space. This move comes as the launch vehicle company makes significant strides in the development of its Terran R rocket, and aims to revolutionize the way we think about space transport.

Relativity Space, founded in 2015, has quickly made a name for itself in the competitive world of space technology. The company has developed the world’s first and only fully 3D printed rocket, the Terran 1, which is set to launch in 2021. But their ambitions don’t stop there. The team at Relativity is now working on the development of the Terran R rocket, a larger and more powerful version that will be able to carry heavier payloads into orbit.

And with Schmidt at the helm, the company is poised to achieve even greater success. Schmidt brings with him a wealth of experience in the tech industry, having led Google for 10 years and played a pivotal role in its growth and success. His expertise in innovation and disruptive technologies will undoubtedly be an asset to Relativity Space as it pushes the boundaries of space travel.

In a statement, Schmidt expressed his excitement about joining the team at Relativity Space and working towards their shared vision of advancing space technology. He also praised the company for its innovative approach, saying, “Relativity’s bold use of 3D printing and automation is the way of the future for aerospace and I am excited to join the team in their mission to revolutionize the industry.”

The feeling of excitement is mutual, as Tim Ellis, co-founder and CTO of Relativity Space, stated, “Eric’s deep technical expertise and unparalleled experience leading some of the world’s most innovative technology companies will be invaluable as we scale Relativity to fulfill our ultimate vision of 3D printing the first rocket made on Mars.”

But it’s not just Schmidt’s appointment as CEO that has the space industry buzzing. Relativity Space has also announced significant updates to the development of the Terran R rocket. The company has successfully completed several key tests, including a successful hot fire test of the rocket’s Aeon R engines, which are 3D printed in just 20 days. This marks a major milestone in the company’s progress towards a fully operational Terran R rocket.

These achievements have not gone unnoticed, with the industry taking notice of Relativity Space’s potential. In fact, just last year, the company secured a $650 million investment, making it one of the most well-funded private space companies in the world. And with Schmidt now on board, the company is well-positioned to continue its rapid growth and expansion.

The appointment of Schmidt as CEO and the progress made in the development of the Terran R rocket are all signs of a bright future for Relativity Space. The company’s innovative approach and dedication to pushing the boundaries of space technology are sure to make a significant impact in the industry. As we continue to look to the stars, it’s exciting to see companies like Relativity Space leading the way and making space travel more accessible and efficient.

In conclusion, the news of Eric Schmidt joining Relativity Space as CEO is a highly positive development for the company and the space industry as a whole. With Schmidt’s wealth of experience and expertise, coupled with the company’s groundbreaking technology and progress, the future looks promising for Relativity Space. We can’t wait to see what they will achieve next as they continue to push the boundaries and make their mark in the world of space exploration.

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