Inside The Startup Building Reusable Rockets - Y Combinator Startup Podcast Recap

Podcast: Y Combinator Startup Podcast

Published: 2026-01-08

Duration: 16 min

Summary

Stokes Base is pioneering fully reusable rockets designed to lower costs and increase availability in space travel. The founders, Andy and Tom, share their journey from backyard experiments to tackling a major challenge in the aerospace industry.

What Happened

Stokes Base is on a mission to achieve the 'holy grail of rocket science' by developing rockets that can be reused like aircraft, focusing on the entire vehicle including a revolutionary stage 2 capsule that can withstand the extreme conditions of re-entry. With only around 150 commercial space launches annually, the potential for growth in the space economy is significant if rockets can become fully reusable. As Andy pointed out, this innovation could spark a flood of creative ideas much like the iPhone App Store did.

The origin story of Stokes Space reveals a compelling narrative of risk and innovation. Founders Andy and Tom, who previously worked as propulsion engineers at Blue Origin, decided to leave their comfortable jobs and venture into uncharted territory. They identified a critical issue in the industry: the majority of rockets are discarded after a single use. Realizing that they could leverage their expertise to create a solution, they set out to design rockets that prioritize reusability from the ground up. Their key insight was simple yet profound: focusing on reusability could drastically reduce costs and enhance reliability.

After launching their company in 2019, they faced the immediate challenges of the pandemic but managed to gain traction and secure funding just in time. They initially built a prototype engine in a shipping container in Tom's backyard, highlighting their hands-on approach to engineering and problem-solving. The podcast details the technical specifications of their rockets, including the Nova and the Andromeda, emphasizing the innovative designs that allow them to survive the rigors of space and re-entry, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable space economy.

Key Insights

• The importance of reusability in rocket design to lower costs and improve reliability.
• Stokes Base's focus on developing a stage 2 capsule that can survive re-entry.
• The potential for a booming space economy with increased rocket availability.
• The founders' journey from backyard testing to establishing a startup in a challenging environment.

Key Questions Answered

What is Stokes Base working on?

Stokes Base is building fully and rapidly reusable rockets designed to go to space, through space, and back from space. Their goal is to lower costs, improve availability, and enhance reliability in the space travel industry, which currently sees a limited number of commercial launches each year.

How does Stokes Base's Andromeda capsule survive re-entry?

The Andromeda capsule is engineered to survive the brutal re-entry into Earth's atmosphere by utilizing a custom heat shield that employs cold liquid hydrogen flowing through a heat exchanger to absorb the extreme heat. Additionally, it uses 24 small thrusters to help slow down and land at the correct angle, making it capable of returning safely after delivering its payload.

What inspired Andy and Tom to start Stokes Base?

Both founders had a long-standing passion for rockets, dating back to their childhood. Their previous experience as jet propulsion engineers at Blue Origin led them to recognize a significant problem in the industry: rockets being thrown away after a single flight. They felt compelled to create a solution that focused on reusability, which they believed was essential for future advancements in space travel.

What challenges did Stokes Base face when starting their company?

Starting Stokes Base in 2019 came with significant risks, including leaving stable jobs and facing personal responsibilities, like having small children. The decision felt wildly irresponsible at times, especially as they launched their venture just before the pandemic hit. However, they set a six-month timeline to evaluate their progress, which ultimately led to securing their first funding and gaining momentum.

What are the key features of the Nova rocket?

The Nova rocket is a two-stage vehicle designed to reach orbit. Its first stage is similar to other rockets, capable of completing the initial ascent and then landing either downrange or back at the launch site. It boasts one of the highest-performing rocket engines in terms of fuel efficiency, crucial for longevity and rapid reusability, while the second stage continues the journey to orbit.