Space
A Rocket Maker Burned Through Its Cash, Then Eric Schmidt Swooped In
Relativity Space tried to build spacecraft with 3D printing. After a series of setbacks, Google’s former chief has taken the helm — and the old boss’s big idea is being left behind.
Relativity Space sent what it called the world's first 3D-printed rocket toward space in 2023.
Photographer: Trevor Mahlmann/Shutterstock
Relativity Space Inc. co-founder Tim Ellis wanted to revolutionize the rocket industry with 3D printing. He persuaded big-name investors from BlackRock Inc. and Fidelity Investments to Mark Cuban and Jared Leto to back his vision.
But after burning through more than $1 billion, Ellis wasn’t entirely able to make his big idea pan out.