Stoke Space Nova
Nova is a fully reusable medium-lift launch vehicle being developed by Stoke Space. Announced in October 2023, Stoke Space plans to use two stages with an expected payload capacity of 3 tons to low Earth orbit, with the first stage being able to perform a return-to-launch-site or a drone ship landing. The first stage will have 7 full-flow staged combustion rocket engines, burning methalox. The second stage will use a hydrolox engine with 24 thrust chambers ringing a regeneratively cooled heatshield, eliminating the need for thermal tiles. A center passive bleed in the second stage aims to create an aerospike engine-like effect for improved efficiency.
The vehicle was selected as part of the Space Force's Orbital Services Program.
Design
Prior to the company's unveiling of the rocket's name, Nova, in October 2023, Stoke Space noted various developments with the booster and second stage's design.The rocket's booster will have seven Zenith full-flow staged combustion cycle engines, designed and manufactured by the company. The rocket's second stage will measure in diameter and will stand at a height of. The second stage will have one Andromeda 2 engine, which will consist of a metallic heat shield and a "ring" of 24 thrusters. The thrust chambers and nozzles are 3D-printed, with second-stage engines being fueled by cryogenic hydrogen. The rocket, when fully stacked, will measure 4 meters in diameter and reach a height of approximately 40.2 meters.
Operations
Stoke Space in March 2023 announced that it will launch Nova from Cape Canaveral's Launch Complex 14. The company also owns and operates a test launch facility in Moses Lake, Washington, from where it conducted various tests of Nova.Development
An engine designed to be implemented on Nova's booster underwent its first test in June 2024, 18 months after the start of its development, and is designed to produce over of thrust upon lift-off. A hopper test of Nova's reusable second stage was conducted in September 2023, with an engine test being conducted in February 2024. A proof-test of a shortened first stage test tank was conducted in December 2023.Stoke Space said it plans to develop the rocket and reach orbit by 2025, with some independent estimates projecting a timeframe of 2026. On 28 July 2025, the company adjusted the target date to early 2026. The first launch will be to a heliocentric orbit, with the first stage not attempting a landing. Future launches will test reentry and landing of the first and second stages.