Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has appointed Alexander Dahm as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The Supervisory Board announced the decision, succeeding Prof. Dr. Indulis Kalnins, who will remain associated with the company in an advisory capacity. Dahm will be responsible for RFA's continued development and its path to the maiden flight of the RFA ONE launch vehicle. The appointment was first reported by NEWMEDIAWIRE.
Dahm brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in the aerospace and defense industry. A graduate in aerospace engineering, he most recently served as Chief Operating Officer of HENSOLDT Sensors and was a member of the Group Executive Committee, overseeing production, procurement, quality, and logistics. His prior roles include senior positions at Airbus Defence & Space, Airbus Operations, and previously Astrium and DASA. He also contributed to the Ariane 5 program. His expertise spans industrialization, ramp-up management, operational excellence, and space systems.
Jean-Jacques Dordain, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of RFA, commented, "I am delighted to welcome Alexander Dahm on board as the new CEO of Rocket Factory Augsburg. In him, we gain not only a proven space and industry expert, but also a leader who successfully brings complex programs to execution and can guide organizations through decisive growth phases. His experience from the Ariane 5 program, from senior roles at Airbus, and most recently at HENSOLDT will be of great value for the further development of RFA."
Dahm expressed enthusiasm for the role, stating, "I am very much looking forward to working with the RFA team. I am impressed by the grit, innovative strength, and passion with which a new generation of European launch vehicles is being developed here. Together, we will reach the next important milestones on the way to the maiden flight of RFA ONE and actively shape the company's future."
Rocket Factory Augsburg was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data-generating business models in space to better monitor, protect, and connect Earth. The company aims to offer flexible, customer-centric, and European launch services into low Earth orbit. Its RFA ONE launch service combines three competitive advantages: a customer-focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and high mission flexibility through its third stage "Redshift"; a highly competitive price; and superior staged-combustion engine "Helix," low-cost stainless-steel structures, and industrial components.
The leadership change comes at a critical juncture as RFA prepares for the maiden flight of RFA ONE. Dahm's operational and industrial expertise is expected to strengthen the company's ability to execute complex programs and scale production. The European launch market has seen increased competition, and RFA's success could bolster Europe's independent access to space. The appointment signals RFA's commitment to transitioning from development to operational launch services, with potential implications for satellite operators seeking reliable and cost-effective rides to orbit. The original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com.
