Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has appointed Alexander Dahm as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The Supervisory Board announced the decision, marking a leadership transition as the company advances toward the maiden flight of its RFA ONE launch vehicle. Dahm succeeds Prof. Dr. Indulis Kalnins, who will remain associated with the company in an advisory capacity.
Dahm brings over 30 years of leadership experience in aerospace and defense. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer of HENSOLDT Sensors and was a member of the Group Executive Committee, overseeing production, procurement, quality, and logistics. His previous roles include senior positions at Airbus Defence & Space, Airbus Operations, Astrium, and DASA, where he contributed to the Ariane 5 program and built complex industrial and defense programs.
Jean-Jacques Dordain, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of RFA, stated, "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."
Dahm's expertise in industrialization, ramp-up management, and operational excellence is expected to be instrumental as RFA prepares for the first launch of RFA ONE. The vehicle features the Helix staged-combustion engine, low-cost stainless-steel structures, and a flexible third stage called Redshift, designed to offer precise in-orbit delivery at competitive prices.
"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," Dahm said. "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."
This leadership change signals RFA's commitment to strengthening its industrial and operational capabilities as it aims to capture a share of the growing small satellite launch market. The company's success could bolster Europe's independent access to space, providing a competitive alternative to established launch providers. For the Long Beach and surrounding area, this development highlights the global nature of the aerospace industry and the potential for increased collaboration and innovation that could ripple through the sector.
RFA was founded in 2018 with the vision to enable data-generating business models in space. Its goal is to offer flexible, customer-centric, and European launch services to low Earth orbit. The appointment of Dahm is a strategic step toward achieving those ambitions. The original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com.
