Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) has appointed Alexander Dahm as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The Supervisory Board selected Dahm to lead the company's continued development and its path to the maiden flight of the RFA ONE launch vehicle. He succeeds Prof. Dr. Indulis Kalnins, who will remain associated with the company and contribute his expertise. The leadership change, announced via NEWMEDIAWIRE, signals RFA's intent to strengthen its industrial and operational capabilities as it moves from development toward execution.
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, 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 has built and scaled complex industrial and defense programs, developed industrial production capacities, and led large international organizations with several thousand employees. His expertise spans 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's appointment is significant because it addresses a critical phase for RFA. The company, founded in 2018, aims to offer flexible, customer-centric, and European launch services to low Earth orbit. Its RFA ONE launch service combines a customer-focused service with precise in-orbit delivery and high mission flexibility through its third stage "Redshift," at a highly competitive price. This is made possible by the superior staged-combustion engine "Helix," low-cost stainless-steel structures, and the use of industrial components. As RFA approaches the maiden flight of RFA ONE, the company needs to transition from design and testing to serial production and reliable operations. Dahm's track record in industrialization and ramp-up management directly supports this transition.
Moreover, Dahm's experience leading large international organizations and managing complex defense programs can help RFA navigate the challenges of scaling production and meeting customer demands. His background at HENSOLDT and Airbus provides valuable insights into supply chain management, quality control, and operational efficiency—areas essential for a launch vehicle manufacturer aiming to compete globally. The appointment also underscores RFA's commitment to strengthening its European identity and industrial base, as highlighted by the original release available at www.newmediawire.com.
Dahm expressed his enthusiasm: "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."
With Dahm at the helm, Rocket Factory Augsburg is poised to accelerate its growth and development. The company's vision to enable data-generating business models in space to better monitor, protect, and connect Earth remains central. Dahm's leadership will be crucial in realizing that vision and ensuring RFA ONE becomes a competitive player in the global launch market.
