Stoke Space Achieves Milestone with Successful Test of Reusable Rocket Engine

A Washington-based aerospace startup has achieved a significant milestone in its quest to develop a fully reusable rocket, marking a potential shift in the landscape of space travel. Stoke Space Technologies successfully conducted the first test firing of its innovative rocket engine on June 5, 2024, at a testing facility in Moses Lake, Washington. This engine is designed to power the first stage of the company’s Nova launch vehicle, which aims to provide efficient access to space for commercial, civil, and defense purposes.

During the two-second test, the engine reached a remarkable power output equivalent to 350,000 horsepower in less than a second, sustaining a thrust of over 100,000 pounds. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that the engine was designed and built in just 18 months, a rapid pace in the aerospace industry, where development timelines can often stretch for years. The Nova rocket will utilize seven of these engines, collectively enabling it to lift approximately five metric tons into orbit.

The engine employs a cutting-edge technology known as full-flow staged combustion, a complex design that has only been successfully implemented in flight by a few companies, notably SpaceX. This technology allows for more efficient fuel combustion, which is crucial for the rapid reuse of rockets—a goal that many in the aerospace sector are striving to achieve. The CEO of Stoke Space emphasized the importance of this technology, stating, “In a world of rapid reuse, you need high performance. Full-flow staged combustion gives you the highest performance possible under the least stressing conditions.”

Stoke Space’s ambitions extend beyond just the engine. The company is developing a two-stage rocket that is intended to be fully reusable, with both stages returning to Earth for refurbishment and reuse. This approach mirrors the strategies employed by established players in the space industry, such as SpaceX, which has revolutionized space travel with its reusable Falcon rockets. The second stage of the Nova rocket features a novel design that includes a ring of thrusters and an actively cooled heat shield, allowing it to land safely after missions.

The successful test firing comes on the heels of a previous achievement in September 2023, when Stoke Space conducted a vertical-takeoff-and-landing test flight of its reusable second stage. This progression illustrates the company’s commitment to advancing its technology and operational capabilities. Following the recent engine test, the company plans to conduct longer-duration tests and further refine its designs throughout the remainder of the year.

Funding has played a crucial role in Stoke Space’s development. The company raised $100 million in a Series B funding round last October, with significant contributions from investors including a fund backed by a prominent technology entrepreneur. Additionally, Stoke has received research grants from various government agencies, including NASA and the Department of Defense, underscoring the strategic interest in its technology.

While Stoke Space is making rapid strides, the path to operational flights remains challenging. The CEO has indicated that the timeline for the first orbital test flight is tentatively set for 2025, contingent on the progress of ongoing development and regulatory approvals. The company is currently working with the U.S. Space Force to modernize a launch site at Cape Canaveral, Florida, which will be critical for future missions.

As the aerospace industry increasingly shifts toward reusability, Stoke Space’s efforts could have far-reaching implications. The ability to reuse rocket components not only reduces costs but also enhances the sustainability of space exploration. The CEO articulated a vision for the future, stating, “I think that you’ll find over time, just like fully rapidly reusable rockets will render all others obsolete, I think that these high-performing engines that make that mission possible will render over time the lower performing variants also obsolete.”

In a field where the stakes are high and the challenges daunting, Stoke Space’s recent success represents a beacon of innovation and ambition. As the company continues to refine its technology and approach, it stands at the forefront of a new era in space travel, one that promises to make access to the cosmos more efficient and sustainable than ever before.