The funding round and Pathfinder schedule
Stoke Space announced a $1 billion Series E round led by Point72 Ventures and Spark Capital. Total funding reached $2.3 billion; Reuters, citing an informed source, puts the company’s valuation at approximately $10 billion. [1 · Stoke Space] [2 · Reuters]
The funds will go toward completing Nova Pathfinder’s integration and testing, with its first flight scheduled for the first half of 2027, as well as infrastructure, manufacturing and a higher launch cadence. Chief executive Andy Lapsa told Reuters that Pathfinder’s first several years were already booked with orders. [1 · Stoke Space] [2 · Reuters]
The new Nova Block 2
Stoke unveiled Nova Block 2 for the first time: a larger rocket with 14 Zenith engines. The fully reusable configuration is designed to carry 15 tonnes to low Earth orbit, and the expendable version approximately 23 tonnes; the company expects a first launch in 2029. [1 · Stoke Space] [2 · Reuters]
Pathfinder must first demonstrate reaching orbit, recovering stages and handling commercial payloads. The company intends to retain the smaller rocket for individual spacecraft and small satellite groups even after Block 2 arrives. [1 · Stoke Space] [2 · Reuters]
Sources
- Stoke Space — funding round and plans for the Nova family — September 8, 2026
- Reuters — Nova Block 2 funding and specifications — September 8, 2026
Expert commentary
Stoke is aiming from the outset to recover both stages—a capability that no operational orbital launcher has yet demonstrated. The round therefore funds both completion of the first rocket and preparation of a substantially larger system, rather than scaling an already proven service. [1 · Stoke Space] [2 · Reuters]
Progress should be assessed through a successful Pathfinder orbital flight, controlled recovery of the stages and reuse of hardware. Until then, Block 2’s payload capacity and a 2029 launch remain company plans, rather than demonstrated capabilities. [1 · Stoke Space] [2 · Reuters]