The engine uses a design called full-flow staged combustion, where both the engine’s fuel and oxidizer — liquified natural gas and liquid oxygen, respectively — go through separate preburners before going into the main combustion chamber.
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Full-flow staged combustion is what the SpaceX Raptor uses. While also intending to reuse both first and second stages (again, like SpaceX), they are taking a very different approach to second stage propulsion and reentry
they are taking a very different approach to second stage propulsion and reentry
Interestingly, Nova’s actively cooled heat shield design bears some resemblance to one of the early Starship designs, though I think SpaceX was planning to “sweat” methane rather than recirculate hydrogen.
I am so hyped to follow Stoke’s development. They may just be the competition we need! Them and perhaps some Chinese companies?
I am team space, and cheap access to orbit is what makes more space stuff possible. The teams working towards that future get me very excited! I don’t think organizations not looking seriously at reusability are going to survive.
If SpaceX were the only company pursuing reusability, ULA could probably limp along on national security contracts. However, as soon as a second company cracks reusability, the playing field changes drastically. Looking forward to seeing which company that will be!
Agreed. With so many companies still looking like they are trying to catch up to Falcon, it is great to see at least a few looking to build what comes next
how
How is their second stage different, I guess you are asking?
They will use a 30 (I believe) nozzle engine that works like an aerospike and is steered but not gimbaled (they throttle chambers/nozzles instead), cool the exterior with the fuel, and use a traditional capsule shape overall. Might just work
