Launch Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral Allocated to Stoke Space
Launch Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida has been allocated to Stoke Space by the Space Launch Delta 45. Launch Complex 14 is the launch pad from which John Glenn took his historic flight as the first American to orbit the Earth.
“To be trusted with the reactivation of the historic Launch Complex 14 is an honor, and we look forward to adding to its well distinguished accomplishments for America’s space program.”
Julia Black, Director of Range Operations at Stoke Space.
Julia Black, Director of Range Operations at Stoke Space.Stoke Space is developing what it says is a fully-reusable rocket. The first stage is powered by seven LNG/LOX engines which are designed to return to its launch site or land safely downrange. The second stage features an actively (regeneratively) cooled metallic re-entry heat shield with integrated modular LH2/LOX rocket engine that is robust, resilient to damage, and operates with passive failure modes. It is designed for minimal refurbishment between flights, unlocking rapid turnaround, according to the company. It is designed to fly daily.
“We are over the Moon excited by this opportunity,” said Julia Black, Director of Range Operations at Stoke Space. “To be trusted with the reactivation of the historic Launch Complex 14 is an honor, and we look forward to adding to its well distinguished accomplishments for America’s space program.”
First US Manned Orbital Flight Lifted Off from Launch Complex 14
On February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth when he lifted off from Launch Complex 14 on the Mercury-Atlas 6 mission. He successfully circled the Earth three times in the Friendship 7 capsule, before re-entering the atmosphere and splashing down in the Atlantic Ocean. Glenn’s historic flight occurred at a critical time during the space race when President John F. Kennedy vowed to land Americans on the Moon by the end of the decade.
“We’re standing on the shoulders of giants,” said Andy Lapsa, Co-founder and CEO of Stoke Space. “And we’re beyond humbled by the historic significance of LC-14. The opportunity to reactivate this site is a profound responsibility that our entire team holds in the highest regard. As we bring LC-14 back to life and carry its legacy into the future, we will be sure to do so in a way that preserves its existing history and pays homage to those who came before us.”
Stoke Space says its fully reusable upper stage is a novel design capable of delivering cargo to and from orbit, and this announcement enables them to continue moving rapidly through their development program. The Seattle, WA-based company is preparing to fly its reusable upper stage on a vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) “Hopper” flight, which will demonstrate its novel engine and thrust vector control via differential throttle, as well as avionics, software, and ground systems.
(Source: Stoke Space news release. Images provided by Stoke Space and NASA)