Stoke Space Raises $260 Million for Reusable Rocket Development

Stoke Space has secured $260 million in a Series C funding round, bringing its total investment to $480 million as it advances the development of its fully reusable medium-lift rocket, Nova. The funding, announced on January 15, includes contributions from notable investors such as Breakthrough Energy Ventures and Y Combinator, and will be used to complete construction of Launch Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Stoke's CEO, Andy Lapsa, expressed optimism that this investment will accelerate the company's efforts to revolutionize access to space. Recent advancements include the successful test of the Zenith engine, which utilizes a full-flow staged combustion cycle, and the development of an actively cooled metallic reentry heat shield. The Nova rocket is designed to carry payloads of up to 3,000 kg to low Earth orbit in a reusable configuration. The company aims for its maiden flight later this year, positioning itself as a competitive player in the evolving space launch industry.