Stoke Space, a Kent, Washington company, announces it has raised $1 billion to support development of its fully reusable rocket program, including a larger new variant. The company says it is building toward its first orbital launch in early 2027.
Alongside the funding update, Stoke Space reveals Nova Block 2, which it describes as a bigger vehicle designed to increase payload capacity to low Earth orbit. Space.com reports Nova Block 2 is capable of delivering about 15 tons to low Earth orbit. Quartz and Space.com both frame Nova Block 2 as a subsequent step in the company’s plans, with Quartz adding that Stoke is targeting 2029 for Nova Block 2’s first orbital launch.
The outlets largely align on the funding amount, the first-launch timing in early 2027, and the existence of Nova Block 2. Their differences are mainly in how they present details: Space.com emphasizes the payload figure and the “fully reusable” focus, while Quartz highlights the staggered milestones between the first orbital mission and the larger vehicle’s later deployment.
