Stoke's Hopper2 completes a hop test of its reusable upper-stage design

Stoke Space/Nova

Stoke's Hopper2 test vehicle successfully launched to 30 feet and landed on target at Moses Lake, Washington on September 17, 2023 after 15 seconds of vertical flight. The hop validated key technologies for a reusable hydrogen/oxygen upper stage: a novel engine, regeneratively cooled heat shield, and differential-throttle steering.

• Hopper2 vertical takeoff and landing test at Moses Lake, WA on 17 September 2023; reached 30 feet, 15 seconds of flight, landed on target.
• Demonstrated hydrogen/oxygen engine, regeneratively cooled heat shield, and differential-throttle thrust vector control—all critical for orbital upper stage.
• Final phase of Hopper technology program; Stoke claimed fastest path from seed to demonstrating orbital-class VTVL rocket.