The next dynasty of heavy-lift power begins with F1 Nova.
A next-generation propulsion program uniting F-1 heritage scale, Raptor-grade efficiency, and AI-optimized geometry — engineered for the launch vehicles that will define the coming century.
Propulsion built to the standard of a sovereign program.
F1 Nova exists to give commercial and heavy-lift launch vehicles a propulsion foundation that is both historically grounded and architecturally modern. We are not chasing spectacle — we are building an enduring capability: engines that scale, repeat, and endure across a generation of missions.
Vision
A methane propulsion dynasty that powers reusable, high-cadence access to orbit — credible, physics-grounded, and sovereign in its independence.
Mandate
Deliver engines that meet heavy-lift thrust demands without compromising reliability, reusability, or manufacturability at scale.
Heritage and innovation, held in balance.
Every design decision at F1 Nova traces back to three converging principles — the scale of the past, the efficiency of the present, and the intelligence of the future.
F-1 Heritage Scale
The raw architectural ambition of the Saturn-era F-1 — reimagined for a reusable, methane-fueled era. Scale is our starting point, not our ceiling.
Raptor-Grade Efficiency
A full-flow staged combustion cycle that pursues high chamber pressure and clean, complete combustion for demanding, repeatable performance.
AI-Optimized Geometry
Computational design inspired by LEAP-71 principles — allowing geometry to be shaped by physics and intent rather than legacy tooling constraints.
Methane full-flow staged combustion
F1 Nova engines are built around a methane full-flow staged combustion (FFSC) cycle — a high-efficiency architecture in which both propellant streams pass fully through their preburners before entering the main chamber. The result is complete combustion, favorable turbine conditions, and a clean-burning cycle well suited to rapid reuse.
This page presents only the conceptual framing of that architecture. Detailed internal engineering remains proprietary to the program.
Strategic Independence
F1 Nova is structured as a self-directed propulsion capability — engineered to serve national-scale and commercial ambitions with equal seriousness.
Built for the Long Horizon
A propulsion dynasty is measured in decades. Our roadmap prioritizes durability, scalability, and forward compatibility with future vehicle families.