Stoke Space Plans Launch at Cape Canaveral

Stoke Space, a five-year-old launch startup, is making headlines with its ambitious goal of developing the first fully reusable rocket, featuring both a booster and second stage that can vertically return to Earth. The company received a significant boost last year when the U.S. Space Force granted it and three other startups access to launch facilities at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. Central to Stoke's vision is the Nova rocket, designed to carry up to 7,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit. Before launching, Stoke must undergo an environmental assessment mandated by federal law, which will evaluate the potential impacts of repeated launches on local ecosystems. This assessment is crucial for understanding the operational implications of the Nova rocket and could take several months to complete. The initial phase of the assessment will focus on the current plans, while a subsequent phase will address the environmental impacts of the fully reusable rocket. Stoke's approach mirrors that of SpaceX, which gradually developed its reusable technology over several years. While the draft document does not specify timelines for testing, Stoke is preparing for a phased rollout. The company emphasizes that the entire vehicle must be designed with its end goals in mind, ensuring that the rocket can effectively return to Earth. As Stoke Space gears up for its next steps, the focus will shift to demonstrating the rocket's ability to return safely after reaching orbit. The company is poised to advance its reusable technology, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of space launch capabilities.