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Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA), the German launch vehicle startup, has announced a leadership change, replacing its chief executive officer as the company prepares for a second attempt at its inaugural launch.
Leadership Transition at Rocket Factory Augsburg
In a statement released on April 11, which received limited public distribution from the firm, RFA disclosed that Stefan Tweraser, CEO since October 2021, has been succeeded by Indulis Kalnins.
The rationale for the transition was not detailed in the announcement. However, the selection of Kalnins suggests a strategic move towards expertise in the aerospace sector for company leadership. Kalnins is an aerospace faculty member at Hochschule Bremen, a German university, and previously held the position of managing director at OHB Cosmos, a division specializing in launch services.
New CEO to Focus on Technical Advancement and Launch Readiness
Jean-Jacques Dordain, chairman of RFA’s supervisory board, stated, “For the challenges ahead, our emphasis is on technical progress and advancing towards the launchpad.” He added, “Dr. Kalnins’ broad skill set, combined with a highly motivated team, positions RFA favorably to continue preparations for its pivotal first launch attempt, with market access for launch services as the primary objective.”
Tweraser’s Background Outside the Space Sector
In contrast to Kalnins, Tweraser’s professional background was not within the space industry. His prior experience included roles as a consultant at McKinsey & Company, Country Director for the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) at Google, and an executive at the music streaming platform Deezer.
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When RFA initially appointed Tweraser, his lack of space industry experience was considered beneficial. Dordain commented in a 2021 announcement regarding Tweraser’s appointment: “We intentionally sought an individual with extensive experience in managing businesses beyond the space sector to introduce fresh perspectives and added momentum to RFA’s ongoing development.”
Stefan Brieschenk, RFA’s chief operating officer, remarked on Tweraser’s appointment in the same statement: “Under his leadership, we aimed to further refine RFA’s processes and structures. This was intended to facilitate the conversion of our rapid technical progress into a viable and sustainable business framework.”
Focus Shifts to Maiden Flight of RFA ONE Rocket
RFA’s current priority is to achieve the inaugural launch of its rocket. The company had been progressing towards the first flight of its RFA ONE rocket from SaxaVord Spaceport in the Shetland Islands, but the rocket’s first stage sustained damage during a static-fire test in August 2023.
OHB Chairman Emphasizes Technological Focus
Marco Fuchs, chairman of the board of OHB, the majority stakeholder in RFA, stated regarding the leadership change, “We must concentrate all our efforts on the technology and the first launch.” He further added, “I am very pleased with the appointment of Dr. Kalnins, a recognized expert, to RFA. My three-decade-long professional relationship with Dr. Kalnins assures me of his exceptional proficiency.”
Kalnins’ Familiarity and Eagerness for Launch Success
Kalnins commented, “Having followed RFA since its inception nearly seven years ago with keen interest, I am well aware of its progress. My recent engagement with RFA has affirmed the presence of a highly skilled, motivated, and technically proficient team, all eager to achieve a successful launch promptly.” He did not provide specifics on his prior involvement with RFA before assuming the CEO role.
Second Launch Attempt Targeted for RFA ONE
RFA is currently focused on a second attempt at the maiden flight of RFA ONE. The company obtained a launch license from the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority in January, permitting up to 10 launches annually from SaxaVord Spaceport. In a January interview with CNBC, Tweraser indicated that the company was “racing towards the third quarter” for a launch attempt.
Launch Within the Year Remains Top Priority
Brieschenk stated in an April 2 interview, “For us, the paramount objective is to conduct a launch this year.” While a specific launch window has not been established, as upgrades to the first stage are underway, he estimated, “We are likely approximately six to eight months away from the initial launch attempt.”