- Stoke Space successfully conducted a vertical takeoff and vertical landing (VTVL) developmental test flight of its reusable second stage rocket, known as Hopper2, at its test site in Moses Lake, Washington.
- The test demonstrated Stoke Space’s novel hydrogen/oxygen engine, regeneratively cooled heat shield, and differential throttle thrust vector control system, marking the completion of the Hopper technology demonstration program.
September 17, 2023, Moses Lake, Washington- Stoke Space announced today that it has successfully completed a vertical takeoff and vertical landing (VTVL) developmental test flight of its reusable second-stage rocket at its test site in Moses Lake, Washington.
The test, known as Hopper2, achieved a launch altitude of 30 feet and a 15-second flight before landing at its planned landing zone. This test was the final one in Stoke Space’s Hopper technology demonstration program.
The Hopper2 test successfully demonstrated several key technologies, including a novel hydrogen/oxygen engine, a regeneratively cooled heat shield, and a differential throttle thrust vector control system. The test also validated the company’s avionics, software, and ground systems. Stoke Space stated that it has obtained an “incredible amount of data” that will enable the evolution of the vehicle design from a technology demonstrator to a reliable reusable space vehicle.
Stoke Space also highlighted several industry milestones reached with this test campaign. The company conducted the first flight test of a reusable VTVL rocket that uses differential throttling for attitude control. It also conducted the first flight test of a reentry vehicle that uses an active regeneratively cooled heat shield. Stoke Space became the fastest company to go from initial seed funding to demonstrating an orbital-class VTVL rocket, the second company in the world to fly a prototype of a fully reusable upper stage rocket, and the third U.S. company to develop a liquid hydrogen rocket engine.
The company’s focus is now shifting towards its reusable first stage, as part of its goal to design and build a rocket that is 100% reusable with a 24-hour turnaround.
