Stoke Space Technologies secures a $1 billion round to accelerate development of its reusable Nova Pathfinder launch vehicle.

Stoke Space Technologies announced a $1 billion financing round, earmarked for accelerating the development of its reusable Nova Pathfinder launch vehicle and unveiling a larger, next‑generation rocket.

Funding round details

The capital infusion was led by a consortium of venture firms and strategic investors, though the company did not disclose the exact composition of the round. The funding is intended to expand manufacturing capabilities, increase test flight cadence, and scale up the larger launch vehicle’s propulsion systems.

Nova Pathfinder upgrades

The Nova Pathfinder, Stoke Space’s reusable two‑stage rocket, will receive a more powerful methane‑fuelled engine for its first stage, aiming to boost payload capacity to low Earth orbit by roughly 30 percent.

In addition to thrust upgrades, the company plans to implement a refined heat‑shield architecture and an automated refueling system to reduce turnaround time between flights.

Larger launch vehicle concept

Alongside the Pathfinder, Stoke Space unveiled concepts for a larger launch system capable of delivering up to 15 tonnes to LEO. This vehicle would feature a modular design, allowing additional stages to be stacked for deeper‑space missions.

  • Modular architecture for flexible payload integration
  • Methane‑based propulsion across all stages
  • Fully reusable first and second stages
  • Rapid turnaround enabled by automated refueling

The larger vehicle is positioned as a direct competitor to other reusable launch systems, targeting commercial satellite constellations and governmental payloads seeking cost‑effective access to orbit.

Our ambition is to make spaceflight as routine as air travel, and this funding brings that vision significantly closer to reality, said Stoke Space CEO John Doe.

Stoke Space aims to conduct the first orbital flight of the upgraded Nova Pathfinder within the next 12 months, with the larger vehicle slated for a prototype demonstration shortly thereafter.

SpaceNews coverage of Stoke Space’s $1 billion raise and vehicle reveal