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Stoke Space has successfully completed the first hot-fire test of an engine designed for its upcoming Nova launch vehicle, marking a significant step towards realizing its goal of creating the most robust, fully and rapidly reusable medium-lift rocket in the world.
The test took place on June 5 at Stoke Space's test site in Moses Lake, Washington. The engine, a full-flow, staged-combustion (FFSC) rocket engine, demonstrated impressive capabilities by reaching half of its maximum thrust, as evidenced by dramatic photos showing a large plume of sand and rocks. This achievement is crucial for Stoke Space's vision of rapid reusability, a cornerstone of the Nova rocket's design,Stoke Space Achieves Milestone with Hot-Fire Test of Nova Rocket Engine
Andy Lapsa, CEO of Stoke Space, expressed his pride and excitement following the successful test:
"We are incredibly proud of this achievement. Our team has worked tirelessly to bring this engine to life in record time. This successful test is a testament to their talent and dedication, and it puts us one big step closer to bringing the Nova launch vehicle to market. Nova has unique capabilities that give commercial, civil and defense customers access to, through, and from space."
The Nova rocket aims to revolutionize space travel with its 100% reusable design. Key features include:
Reusable Payload Fairing: Ensuring cost-efficiency and reducing waste.
Heat Shield with Active Cooling Technology: Integrated with its engine and powered by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, this design enhances durability and minimizes refurbishment time between launches.
Rapid Turnaround: The ultimate goal is to launch, land, and relaunch the rocket within just 24 hours.
Stoke Space has been steadily advancing its technology. In September 2023, the company conducted a successful flight test of a prototype rocket known as Hopper2. This test provided valuable data to further develop the Nova rocket's propulsion and landing systems.
Looking ahead, Stoke Space plans for an orbital test flight of the Nova rocket in 2025, with the aim of proving its capabilities and readiness for commercial use.
In addition to technological advancements, Stoke Space is strategically positioned within the industry. Last year, the company was one of four awarded launch pads at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida under the U.S. Space Force's new Launch Pad Allocation Strategy (LPAS). This allocation underscores the strategic importance and potential of Stoke Space's innovations in the field of reusable rockets.
Stoke Space's recent achievements with the Nova rocket engine highlight the company's commitment to innovation and rapid progress in reusable rocket technology. With a successful hot-fire test now completed, the Nova rocket is one step closer to transforming space access for commercial, civil, and defense customers. Keep an eye on Stoke Space as it continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in space travel.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Nova rocket and Stoke Space's journey towards a new era of rapid and reusable space travel.
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