Technology
Stoke Space announces initial closing of $1 billion round for reusable rockets
Stoke Space has completed the initial closing of a $1 billion Series E round led by Point72 Ventures and Spark Capital, bringing reported total funding to $2.3 billion. The money will support production, launch infrastructure and a larger second-generation rocket. CEO Andy Lapsa targets an early-2027 debut for Nova Pathfinder and 2029 deployment for Nova Block 2. Stoke aims to recover both rocket stages, potentially expanding launch competition, but orbital performance, reuse and those schedules remain unproven.
Editorial summary · Publisher article
What matters
- Pathfinder is designed to carry three metric tons to low-Earth orbit; Block 2 targets 15 metric tons.
- Stoke’s heat shield circulates super-cooled liquid hydrogen; Lapsa says it has undergone extensive ground testing.
- Ground test-firing of both stages is the next step before flight.
Context & caveats
- Launch dates, payload goals and heat-shield readiness reflect company plans and claims.
- The announcement specifies an initial closing of the round.
Why this made the edition
Substantial funding reporting includes named investors, a CEO interview, technical detail and explicit development milestones and risks.
Source material