Stoke Space, a space company based in Kent, Washington, has successfully completed the first hot-fire test of the engine that will power the first stage of its Nova launch vehicle. The test took place on June 5 at Stoke’s testing site in Moses Lake, Washington, with the engine reaching its target starting power level of 350,000 horsepower in less than a second. The engine, designed to produce over 100,000 pounds of thrust, was developed and manufactured in just 18 months. Stoke’s CEO, Andy Lapsa, praised the team’s hard work and dedication, stating that the successful test brings them closer to launching the Nova vehicle to market.
Stoke Space’s medium-lift Nova rocket will be powered by seven of these engines on its first-stage booster. The engine is fueled by methane and is part of Stoke’s efforts to create a reusable launch vehicle. Last September, Stoke successfully conducted a vertical-takeoff-and-landing test flight of its reusable second stage and has since been focusing on first-stage development. The company plans to continue maturing its engine and vehicle design this year while scaling operations for orbital launch. The target for its first orbital test flight is 2025, subject to progress in the development program.
In October, Stoke announced that it had raised $100 million in Series B funding, with Industrious Ventures as the lead investor. Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures fund has also participated in multiple funding rounds. Additionally, Stoke has received research grants from NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Defense Department. Co-founders Andy Lapsa and Tom Feldman are both veterans of Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin space venture, with Stoke’s headquarters located near Blue Origin’s headquarters in Kent.
Stoke Space’s successful test of the booster engine marks a significant milestone in the development of its Nova launch vehicle. The engine’s performance during the hot-fire test demonstrates its capabilities in producing high levels of thrust efficiently. The use of methane as fuel aligns with Stoke’s goal of creating a reusable and sustainable launch system for commercial, civil, and defense customers. With the continued development of the engine and vehicle design, Stoke aims to establish itself as a key player in the space launch industry.
The completion of the hot-fire test highlights Stoke Space’s rapid progress in developing its launch vehicle technology. The successful test is a testament to the team’s talent and dedication, as well as the company’s ability to innovate in a challenging industry. Stoke’s focus on reusable technology and efficient engine design positions it well for future advancements in space transportation. As Stoke continues to work towards its first orbital test flight, the support from investors and research grants will be crucial in driving the company’s growth and success.
Stoke Space’s close proximity to Blue Origin’s headquarters and the experience of its co-founders underscore the company’s strong foundation in the space industry. Leveraging this expertise, along with strategic partnerships and funding, Stoke is poised to make significant advancements in space launch technology. The completion of the hot-fire test and the ongoing development of the Nova launch vehicle demonstrate Stoke’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration. With a clear focus on innovation and sustainability, Stoke Space is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact in the evolving space industry landscape.
