Stoke Space is a startup developing fully reusable rockets, including both stages, to dramatically lower launch costs and increase flight frequency, aiming to make space access as routine as air travel. Founded by former Blue Origin engineers, the company uses innovative engineering—like a novel heat shield and in-house manufacturing—to overcome technical barriers and is preparing for its first orbital launch from Cape Canaveral.
Stoke Space is a startup aiming to revolutionize space travel by developing fully and rapidly reusable rockets, targeting the “holy grail” of rocket science: aircraft-like reusability for both rocket stages. Unlike current industry leaders who only reuse the first stage of rockets, Stoke Space is focused on making the entire vehicle—including the challenging second stage—reusable. Their approach could dramatically lower costs, increase launch frequency, and unlock new opportunities in the space economy, much like the transformative effect of the iPhone app store on mobile technology.
The company was founded by Andy and Tom, two propulsion engineers who met at Blue Origin. Motivated by the lack of industry focus on full reusability and convinced they had a viable solution, they left their secure jobs in 2019 to start Stoke Space. Their early days were marked by hands-on engineering in Tom’s backyard, building and testing prototype engines in shipping containers while simultaneously learning how to start and fund a company. Despite the risks and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, they secured initial investment and joined Y Combinator, which helped them navigate the fundraising landscape.
Stoke Space’s flagship vehicle, Nova, is a two-stage-to-orbit rocket. The first stage is designed for high fuel efficiency and rapid reuse, while the second stage—named Andromeda—features a novel heat shield system using cold liquid hydrogen to survive the intense heat of re-entry. This innovation addresses the main technical barrier to reusing upper stages, which typically burn up upon re-entry due to extreme speeds and temperatures. The Andromeda capsule also uses multiple thrusters to control its descent and landing, further enhancing its reusability.
The company has grown rapidly, moving into a 168,000-square-foot factory capable of producing seven vehicles per year and building out comprehensive in-house manufacturing capabilities. Their development philosophy emphasizes rapid iteration and learning from failures, with the ability to quickly manufacture and test new parts being central to their progress. Software also plays a critical role, not only in rocket operations but in managing the entire production and maintenance lifecycle. Stoke Space developed its own internal tool, Bolt Line, to streamline these processes and prepare for the demands of high-frequency, reusable launches.
Looking ahead, Stoke Space is preparing for its first orbital launch and is constructing a launch site at Cape Canaveral’s historic Complex 14. The founders envision a future where their rockets fly daily, making space access as routine as air travel. Their journey reflects a blend of technical ambition, entrepreneurial risk-taking, and a belief that full rocket reusability is an idea worth pursuing for the benefit of humanity and the future of space exploration.