Stoke Space achieves key milestone in developing reusable rocket prototype

The company recently completed a critical test of its second stage prototype, known as "Hopper2."

The successful test flight of "Hopper2" involved a 15-second flight reaching a height of approximately 30 feet and a vertical landing. This achievement brings Stoke Space closer to its goal of flying a fully reusable launch vehicle.

The test flight of Hopper2 represented a vital assessment of various components, including avionics, software, ground systems, and the performance of its unique oxygen-hydrogen rocket engine.

What sets Stoke Space's rocket engine apart is its fully integrated design within the vehicle, operating as a distributed system with thrusters encircling the second stage. Stoke Space CEO Andy Lapsa emphasized that the entire test program was centered around evaluating the feasibility of this engine design.

The successful flight validated the effectiveness of Stoke's innovative rocket engine design and control systems. According to Lapsa, the results clearly confirmed that the concept works and that the vehicle can be controlled using these groundbreaking techniques.

With the second stage prototype development phase completed, Stoke Space is now shifting its focus to building the remaining components of its orbital system. This includes developing the first stage, first stage engines, ground systems, and launch complex.

Stoke Space's ambitious plans include conducting its first orbital flight test by 2025.