Ex-Google CEO Eric Schmidt is the newest Big Tech-to-space exec

is a news editor covering technology, gaming, and more. He joined The Verge in 2019 after nearly two years at Techmeme. Eric Schmidt, who was the CEO of Google from 2001 to 2011, is now the CEO of rocket startup Relativity Space, a company spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch. Schmidt will be replacing Relativity Space co-founder Tim Ellis in the CEO role. Schmidt isn’t alone in the segment – Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are known for their work with SpaceX and Blue Origin, respectively, and former Amazon executive Dave Limp took over as CEO of Blue Origin in 2023. Relativity Space launched “the world’s first 3D printed rocket,” called the Terran 1, though it failed shortly after launch. It’s also working on the Terran R, which it says is “our reusable medium-to-heavy-lift launch vehicle.” The company posted a press release on Monday detailing updates on Terran R’s development ahead of a planned “late 2026” launch. Schmidt also told Relativity Space employees today that he has made a s ... Read full article.