The second stage will use a hydrolox (liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen) engine with 24 thrust chambers ringing a regeneratively cooled heatshield,[6] eliminating the need for thermal tiles.
[7][8] A center passive bleed in the second stage aims to create an aerospike engine-like effect for improved efficiency.
[9] Prior to the company's unveiling of the rocket's name, Nova, in October 2023,[10] Stoke Space noted various developments with the booster and second stage's design.
The rocket's booster will consist of seven Zenith full-flow staged combustion cycle engines,[11] designed and manufactured by the company.
Stoke Space says it plans to develop the rocket and reach orbit by 2025,[21] with some independent estimates projecting a timeframe of 2026.