German launch vehicle startup Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has appointed a new chief executive officer as it navigates challenges leading up to a crucial second attempt at its maiden launch. In an April 11 announcement, the company revealed that Stefan Tweraser, CEO since October 2021, has been replaced by Indulis Kalnins. While the statement didn't specify reasons for the change, it emphasized the need for aerospace industry expertise to spearhead the company's efforts.
Mr. Kalnins, a faculty member at Hochschule Bremen and former managing director of OHB Cosmos, brings significant experience in launch services. Jean-Jacques Dordain, chairman of RFA's supervisory board, stated, “For the tasks that now lie ahead, we are focusing on technical progress and the path to the launchpad. With the wide range of skills that Dr. Kalnins brings to a highly motivated team, we believe that RFA is well on its way to continuing to prepare for the first launch attempt as the priority to get access to the market of launch services.”
This contrasts with Mr. Tweraser's background, which was outside the space industry. His prior roles included consulting at McKinsey & Company, heading Google's DACH region, and serving as an executive at Deezer. His appointment in 2021 was initially viewed as an asset, with Mr. Dordain commenting, “We deliberately looked for someone with extensive experience in managing enterprises outside the space sector to bring new expertise and additional impetus to the next steps of RFA’s development.” Stefan Brieschenk, RFA's chief operating officer, added, “Under his leadership, we will further professionalize RFA’s processes and structures. This will help us to transform our rapid technological progress into a sustainable business model.”
The company's current priority is the successful launch of its RFA ONE rocket. A static-fire test failure in August 2024 resulted in the destruction of the rocket's first stage, delaying the initial launch attempt planned from SaxaVord Spaceport. Marco Fuchs, chairman of OHB (RFA's majority shareholder), emphasized the focus on the upcoming launch, stating, “We must focus all our energy on the technology and the first launch. I am very pleased that we have been able to appoint a recognized expert for RFA in Kalnins. I have known Dr. Kalnins for almost 30 years and therefore know about his exceptional expertise.”
Dr. Kalnins expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I have known RFA since it was founded almost seven years ago and have always followed its progress with great interest. I have been working with RFA for some time now, so I know that I have a great, motivated and technically excellent team that is eager to get off to a successful launch as quickly as possible.” He did not detail his previous involvement with RFA. The company obtained a launch license from the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority in January, permitting up to 10 launches annually from SaxaVord.
While Mr. Tweraser previously targeted a third-quarter launch, Mr. Brieschenk recently stated that while the company aims to launch this year, a precise launch window remains undetermined as upgrades are implemented on the first stage. He estimated a timeframe of six to eight months before the next launch attempt. RFA remains committed to achieving its first successful orbital launch.