Stoke Space Completes Nova Stage 1 Structural Verification

NASA SPACE FLIGHT - Stoke Space completed proto-qualification of the first stage of its Nova rocket at its testing site in Moses Lake, Washington, in early June 2026. This milestone paves the way for the debut of the medium-lift Nova vehicle targeted for the end of 2026 from the historic Launch Complex-14 (LC-14) in Cape Canaveral.

Nova Stage 1

Stoke has completed 46 structural verification tests of its first-stage flight article, in addition to testing critical fluid systems, avionics, and ground support systems during a three-week period.

During the campaign, the company filled both fuel tanks above the maximum expected pressure conditions and demonstrated automated pressure control across various fill levels.

The stage operated during challenging environmental conditions, including hurricane-force winds and lightning, proving its structural and operational robustness.

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Note:  Stoke Space is headquartered in Kent.

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