Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt Looking to Back Relativity Space

Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, has reportedly invested in Relativity Space Inc., a California-based company specialising in 3D-printed rockets, according to Bloomberg sources familiar with the matter.

Founded in 2015, Relativity Space was once valued at $4.2 billion and has attracted prominent investors, including Fidelity Management, Mark Cuban, and actor Jared Leto. 

While the exact amount of his investment remains undisclosed, his involvement comes at a critical time for the company, which struggled to secure funding last year, as reported by Bloomberg. Neither Schmidt’s representative nor Relativity have announced the specifics of the deal.

About the Rockets

The company launched its first 3D-printed rocket, Terran 1, in March 2023, though it failed to reach orbit during its test flight. Terran 1 was not only the largest 3D-printed object ever created (110 feet tall and 7.5 feet wide) but also the first to attempt an orbital flight. 

Comprising 85% 3D-printed material by mass, the rocket was powered by nine Aeon 1 engines on its first stage and a single Aeon Vac engine on its second stage. It utilised liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid natural gas (LNG) as propellants, chosen for their efficiency and potential for high-rate reusability.

Subsequently, the startup shifted its focus to developing a larger rocket, the Terran R, slated for its maiden flight in 2026.

Terran R is a 270-foot-tall, two-stage rocket with an 18-foot diameter and a 5-meter payload fairing, engineered to cater to commercial and government needs for delivering payloads to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO). 

Prioritising first-stage reusability, Terran R can carry 23,500 kg to LEO with downrange landing, 5,500 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) with downrange landing, and up to 33,500 kg to LEO in an expendable configuration. 

Its architecture includes a high angle of attack reentry to minimise propellant use, an aerodynamic design for improved reentry stability, and a lightweight, passively actuated landing leg system for rapid reuse. 

Additionally, a heat shield on the aft end is optimised for frequent reusability, reinforcing Terran R’s focus on efficiency and operability in the growing space launch market.

Previously…

In 2024, Relativity faced financial difficulties, with dwindling reserves and challenges raising funds for the Terran R’s development and operations. Despite these hurdles, the company stated it is “fully committed” to its ambitious 2026 launch target and continues to partner with “strong capital partners” who share its vision.

Last year, the company also announced the appointment of Umer Khan as chief information officer and senior VP of software. In his role, Khan oversees software engineering for rocket design, launch, and mission control, as well as technology infrastructure, including AI, cybersecurity, and factory automation.

He brings over 25 years of experience, including leadership roles at SpaceX and MaxLinear, where he scaled IT systems and supported critical aerospace operations. 

As for Schmidt, who stepped down from Google’s board in 2019, he has since focused on investment, philanthropy, and advisory roles, including work with the U.S. government and his family foundation. He has also been recently famous for co-authoring the book ‘Genesis: Artificial Intelligence, Hope and the Human Spirit’. 

His support will be seen as a notable boost for Relativity Space as it aims to redefine space exploration with its pioneering 3D-printing technology.