Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has appointed Alexander Dahm as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The Supervisory Board selected Dahm to succeed Prof. Dr. Indulis Kalnins, who will remain associated with the company and continue to contribute his expertise. Dahm's primary responsibility will be to oversee the company's continued development and its path to the maiden flight of the RFA ONE launch vehicle, according to a company announcement.
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, where he was responsible for the entire operational value chain, including production, procurement, quality, and logistics. His career includes senior roles at Airbus Defence & Space, Airbus Operations, and previously Astrium and DASA. He also worked on the Ariane 5 program, and his achievements include building and scaling complex industrial and defense programs, developing industrial production capacities, and leading large international organizations with several thousand employees. He has extensive expertise in industrialization, ramp-up management, operational excellence, and space systems.
Jean-Jacques Dordain, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of RFA, welcomed the appointment: "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 about joining RFA: "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."
The leadership change comes as RFA seeks to strengthen its industrial and operational expertise to successfully carry out its next phases of growth and development. RFA 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 key 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 advanced technology including the superior staged-combustion engine "Helix," low-cost stainless-steel structures, and usage of industrial components.
Dahm's appointment signals RFA's commitment to transitioning from development to execution, a critical step for the European launch industry as it seeks to compete globally. His background in scaling complex programs and managing large organizations will be instrumental in guiding RFA through the final stages before the RFA ONE's maiden flight. The move also highlights the growing importance of private European launch providers in ensuring independent access to space. The original release is available on NEWMEDIAWIRE.
