Los Angeles, California – Former Google chief executive officer Eric Schmidt has made a significant move in the tech industry by taking on the role of CEO at rocket startup company Relativity Space. This decision marks a significant shift for Schmidt, who last held a CEO position at Google nearly 15 years ago. The news of Schmidt’s new leadership position was first confirmed by a spokesperson from Relativity Space in a statement to TechCrunch.
Schmidt’s appointment as CEO comes as Relativity Space prepares for the upcoming launch of their new rocket, Terran R, in 2026. With plans to compete with industry giants like SpaceX, the company has already secured nearly $3 billion in launch contracts with various clients. Schmidt’s wealth of experience and connections could prove instrumental in guiding Relativity Space through this critical phase of growth and development.
Notably, Schmidt is taking over from the startup’s co-founder, Tim Ellis, as the new chief executive. Ellis, however, will continue to play a key role in supporting Relativity Space as a member of the company’s board of directors. The transition in leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the company, as it looks to innovate and expand its presence in the highly competitive space industry.
Relativity Space has made a name for itself with its unconventional production methods, utilizing technologies such as 3D printing, robotics, and artificial intelligence to manufacture its rockets. The company’s ambitious plans include a mission to Mars by 2024, although certain challenges have delayed this milestone. Despite setbacks, Relativity Space successfully launched its Terran 1 rocket in 2023, showcasing the effectiveness of its innovative technology.
As Schmidt steps into his new role at Relativity Space, industry insiders are keen to see how his leadership will impact the company’s trajectory. With competition in the space industry heating up, including players like SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and Blue Origin, Schmidt’s experience in scaling and growing tech startups could be a game-changer for Relativity Space’s future success. It remains to be seen how Schmidt’s strategic vision will shape the company’s path forward as it navigates the complexities of the evolving space sector.