Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, has taken the reins at Relativity Space, a private aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company. This move marks another significant entry of a Big Tech executive into the space industry, following in the footsteps of Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. Schmidt will be replacing Relativity Space co-founder Tim Ellis as CEO, according to a company spokesperson.

Schmidt's appointment is not the only significant development in this story. The former Google CEO has also made a substantial investment in Relativity Space, taking a controlling stake in the company. This investment is expected to provide a significant boost to the company's ambitions in the space industry. Relativity Space has been working on developing reusable rockets, with its Terran 1 being touted as the world's first 3D printed rocket. Although the Terran 1 launch failed shortly after launch, the company is pressing on with its Terran R project, a reusable medium-to-heavy-lift launch vehicle slated for a late 2026 launch.

Schmidt's move into the space industry is not an isolated incident. In recent years, several Big Tech executives have made significant forays into space exploration. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has been a pioneer in this regard, with his company making significant strides in reusable rockets and space travel. Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, has also been actively involved in space exploration through his company Blue Origin. In 2023, former Amazon executive Dave Limp took over as CEO of Blue Origin, further solidifying the connection between Big Tech and the space industry.

The implications of Schmidt's move are far-reaching. With his experience in leading a tech giant like Google, he is expected to bring a new level of expertise and resources to Relativity Space. This could potentially accelerate the company's development of reusable rockets and space transport services, further intensifying the competition in the private space industry. As the space industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Schmidt's leadership and investment impact Relativity Space's trajectory.

In a post on X, Ellis expressed his confidence in Schmidt's ability to propel the company forward, stating, "I know there's no one more tenacious or passionate to propel this dream forward." Ellis will continue to support the team as Co-founder and Board member, ensuring a smooth transition. As the space industry continues to attract talent and investment from Big Tech, it remains to be seen how these developments will shape the future of space exploration and transportation.

With Schmidt at the helm, Relativity Space is poised to become a significant player in the private space industry. As the company continues to develop its reusable rockets and space transport services, it will be interesting to see how Schmidt's leadership and investment impact the company's growth and ambitions. One thing is certain – the intersection of Big Tech and the space industry is becoming increasingly intriguing, and Schmidt's move is just the latest development in this unfolding narrative.