Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has appointed Alexander Dahm as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Prof. Dr. Indulis Kalnins. The change at the top comes as the German launch startup prepares for the maiden flight of its RFA ONE rocket, a milestone that could reshape Europe's position in the commercial small-launch market. Dahm's mandate is clear: steer the company through the critical final development stages and into operational service.
Dahm brings more than 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 career includes senior roles at Airbus Defence & Space, Airbus Operations, Astrium, and DASA, as well as contributions to the Ariane 5 program. He has a proven record of building and scaling complex industrial and defense programs, developing production capacities, and leading international organizations with several thousand employees.
Jean-Jacques Dordain, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, said, "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."
The appointment signals RFA's intent to transition from a technology-focused startup to an industrial-scale launch provider. Dahm's expertise in industrialization, ramp-up management, and operational excellence directly addresses the challenges of moving from prototype to serial production. As the company notes, his leadership will strengthen RFA's ability to execute its next growth phases. Prof. Dr. Kalnins will remain associated with the company, ensuring continuity.
Dahm commented, "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."
RFA's RFA ONE launch service offers flexible, customer-centric European launch services to low Earth orbit. It combines a customer-focused service with precise in-orbit delivery, high mission flexibility through its third stage "Redshift," and competitive pricing enabled by the staged-combustion engine "Helix," low-cost stainless-steel structures, and industrial components. In a market long dominated by established players, RFA's success could provide Europe with a sovereign, cost-effective launch option and challenge the dominance of foreign providers. The original release can be viewed on www.newmediawire.com.
