Eric Schmidt Becomes CEO of Relativity Space, Leading Terran R Rocket Development for 2026 Launch

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Updated Mar 11, 2025, 03:58 PM

Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, has been named the new CEO of Relativity Space, a California-based rocket startup specializing in 3D-printed, reusable launch vehicles. Schmidt has also made a significant investment in the company, taking a controlling stake. Relativity Space, founded in 2015, is focusing on the development of its medium-to-heavy lift Terran R rocket, which has a payload capacity of over 50,000 pounds to low-Earth orbit. The rocket, powered by Aeon R engines producing 270,000 pounds of thrust each, is expected to launch in late 2026 from LC-16 at Cape Canaveral. It features a reusable first stage designed for landing on a barge. Schmidt replaces Tim Ellis, the company's co-founder, who will remain on the board of directors. The company has completed critical design reviews for the Terran R and begun flight production. This follows the retirement of the Terran 1 rocket, which failed to reach orbit in its sole flight but demonstrated the viability of 3D-printed components.

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Sources

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Apple's big redesign 📱, Ozempic anti-aging 💊, AI hits the job market 💼 TLDR 2025-03-11 📱Big Tech & Startups Eric Schmidt joins Relativity Space as CEO Google's former CEO Eric Schmidt is now CEO of Relativity Space, a 9-year-old rocket startup - this is Schmidt's first CEO…