Stoke to test new project in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Stoke Space Technologies announced Wednesday it will begin testing its new vehicle in Moses Lake over the coming weeks.

The prototype, dubbed Hopper2, will go through a battery of system tests including wet dress rehearsals, countdown automation and static stage hot fire, according to the announcement. These will culminate in attempting a vertical takeoff and vertical landing flight test.

The Hopper2 unit is designed using data gained from tests earlier this year of its predecessor, Hopper1, according to the announcement, including fluid systems, propellant conditioning, operational procedures and terminal count.

Stoke’s goal is one of the holy grails of rocket technology, a reusable second stage. When a rocket is sent into space, it uses a powerful engine, called the first stage, to get to a certain altitude, then jettisons it and uses a second stage for the remainder of the ascent, Stoke engineer Katherine Cruz said at a Port of Moses Lake event in early August. Reusable first-stage engines are common, but once a second stage has served its purpose, it becomes space junk.

“Stoke’s design for its second stage is something completely new,” the announcement said. “With the Hopper development test program, we intend to demonstrate our novel engine and thrust vector control via differential throttle, as well as our avionics, software, and ground systems. Ultimately, the purpose of these developmental tests is to directly inform the orbital rocket designs and bring us one step closer to delivering payloads to, through and from orbit.”