Stoke Space plans more powerful rocket, raises $1 billion

Stoke Space closed a $1 billion Series E funding round led by Point72 Ventures and Spark Capital, valuing the launch startup at roughly $10 billion. The money will accelerate Nova Pathfinder development for a planned 2027 debut and support the larger Nova Block 2, targeted for first flight in 2029. Stoke says a fully reusable Block 2 could place up to 15 metric tons into orbit, serving growing satellite constellations. The company has now raised $2.3 billion, but neither vehicle has yet completed an orbital launch.