Stoke Space

Stoke Space is developing Nova, a medium-class rocket designed to be 100% reusable and capable of delivering 1.65 metric tons to low Earth orbit in reusable mode. The company's technology significantly reduces launch costs by 20x compared to existing methods while cutting atmospheric impact by 98%. The 30.5-meter tall Nova rocket features an innovative second stage with 30 discrete thrusters arranged in a ring formation, where the plumes merge to act as one in vacuum conditions. The second stage utilizes a regeneratively cooled heat shield with propellant flowing through small cavities in the metallic outer layer to manage reentry temperatures. In September 2023, the company completed a successful 15-second test flight of its Hopper2 prototype, which demonstrated the vehicle's landing capabilities, deep throttle control, and active cooling system functionality. In February 2024, Stoke Space conducted the first test of its full-size 30-thruster version engine. The company has also successfully proof-tested a shortened first-stage tank built to the full diameter of 3.7 meters in December 2023. In March 2023, Stoke Space was allocated Launch Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida for its operations.