Stoke Space Technologies

What it does

Stoke Space Technologies is developing Nova, a fully and rapidly reusable medium-lift launch vehicle. The company aims to radically improve access to and from orbit by slashing the cost to orbit by 20x compared to current rockets. Nova features a reusable upper stage that can deliver on-demand access to any orbit at any time, enabling dynamic space operations such as capture, reposition, long-dwell, and return of assets, as well as space cargo and logistics missions. The company has demonstrated key technologies including a full-scale prototype of the reusable upper stage (September 2023), a reentry heat shield at flight heating conditions (February 2024), and vertical hotfire of its full-flow staged combustion engine Zenith (December 2024). The Andromeda engine was hotfired over 100% power level in April 2025.

Who it is for

Stoke Space serves the broader space economy, including satellite operators, government agencies (e.g., NASA), and commercial entities requiring affordable, flexible, and sustainable access to space. The company’s Nova rocket is designed for missions that need on-demand launch to any orbit, as well as return of assets from space. The reusable upper stage also supports space cargo and logistics, making it relevant for future in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing.

Why it matters

Current rocket technology is largely expendable or only partially reusable, leading to high costs and environmental impact. Stoke Space’s full reusability promises a 20x reduction in cost to orbit and a 98% reduction in atmospheric impact compared to today’s most prolific rockets. This could unlock a booming space economy by making space more accessible and sustainable. The company’s vertically integrated operations and rapid iteration (engines, structures, and avionics built in days) also signal a shift toward faster development cycles.

Launch signal

Stoke Space has raised significant funding: a $510 million Series D in October 2025 led by Thomas Tull’s US Innovative Technology Fund, extended to $860 million in February 2026. The company has also partnered with NASA to advance upper stage re-entry capabilities. Key technical milestones include a full-scale upper stage flight demonstration (September 2023), heat shield testing (February 2024), and engine hotfires (December 2024, April 2025). The company is currently in proto-qualification testing for Nova Stage 1.

Brand and naming

The name "Stoke Space" evokes the idea of stoking a fire or fueling momentum, aligning with the company’s mission to ignite the space economy. "Nova" for the rocket suggests a new, bright star, fitting for a vehicle that aims to be a breakthrough in reusability. The brand positions itself as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to traditional launch providers, with a focus on full reusability and environmental stewardship. The tagline "Any orbit. Any time." emphasizes flexibility and on-demand access.