Eric Schmidt — Relativity Space

Summary

Eric Schmidt acquired Relativity Space in March 2025 (taking controlling stake and CEO role) and pivoted the company toward orbital AI compute. Public rationale (via Ars Technica commentary and subsequent X replies): launch AI data centres into orbit using Terran R, Relativity's 3D-printed reusable rocket. Funding: Schmidt's personal capital + strategic investment. Last reported Relativity valuation: $4.2B (2021 Series E).

Highlights

• Schmidt's personal capital and tech-industry network
• Terran R 3D-printed reusable rocket (first launch targeting late 2026)
• Public advocacy for orbital data centres — cited frequently in March 2026 coverage
• Relativity's $4.2B last-reported valuation provides capital cushion
• Schmidt warned of 92 GW power shortfall for AI (Feb 2026) — frames orbital as the answer

Watchlist

• No ODC hardware in orbit yet — pure-launch story for now
• Terran R not yet operational; first launch slip would push timeline
• US-centric, no European presence
• Governance concerns: no democratic oversight of Schmidt-controlled venture

Primary sources

• [1] Ars Technica — Schmidt commentary
• [2] Reuters — Relativity acquisition
• [3] X — Schmidt replies on orbital data centres