Seattle-based Stoke Space recently conducted a successful hot-fire test of the engine that will power the first stage of its reusable Nova launch vehicle. The test, which took place on June 5 at Stoke’s testing site in Moses Lake, Washington, saw the engine ramp up to its target starting power level in just two seconds, producing over 100,000 pounds of thrust. The rocket engine was designed and manufactured in just 18 months, with the booster stage set to be powered by seven of these engines. Stoke Space CEO Andy Lapsa praised his team’s efforts and dedication in bringing the engine to life, bringing them one step closer to launching the Nova vehicle to market.
Stoke Space’s Nova rocket engine is fueled by methane, providing unique capabilities for commercial, civil, and defense customers to access space. The company has been focusing on first-stage development after successfully conducting a vertical-takeoff-and-landing test flight of its reusable second stage last September. In the coming year, Stoke will continue to mature its engine and vehicle design while scaling operations for orbital launch. Stoke has set a target for its first orbital test flight in 2025, but this is dependent on the progress of their development program.
In October of last year, Stoke Space announced that it had raised $100 million in Series B funding, with Industrious Ventures leading the investment. Bill Gates’ fund, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, has also participated in multiple funding rounds for the company. Stoke has received research grants from various entities, including NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Defense Department. Stoke’s headquarters are located near Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin in Kent, Washington, with CEO Andy Lapsa and CTO Tom Feldman both being veterans of Blue Origin.
The successful hot-fire test of Stoke Space’s booster engine marks a significant milestone in the development of the Nova launch vehicle. With the engine producing impressive levels of thrust and power, Stoke is well on its way to achieving its goal of providing access to space for a variety of customers. The company’s focus on reusable technology and methane fuel sets it apart in the aerospace industry, signaling a new era of innovation and advancement in space travel. With continued progress and funding support, Stoke Space is poised to make a significant impact on the future of space exploration.
Stoke Space’s rapid development of the rocket engine within 18 months highlights the company’s commitment to advancing space technology. By leveraging the expertise of its team, which includes veterans from prominent space ventures like Blue Origin, Stoke has been able to accelerate its timeline for testing and launching the Nova vehicle. With a clear roadmap for development and continued investment, Stoke Space is well-positioned to meet its targets for orbital test flights and commercial operations. The successful hot-fire test demonstrates the capabilities of the engine and the potential for Stoke Space to become a key player in the space industry.
Overall, Stoke Space’s achievements in engine development and funding support position the company as a promising player in the aerospace industry. With a focus on reusable technology, unique capabilities, and a dedicated team, Stoke is setting new standards for space travel and exploration. The company’s proximity to established space ventures and research grants from government entities further solidify its place in the industry. As Stoke continues to progress with its development program and scaling operations for orbital launch, the future looks bright for the innovative space startup.
