SpaceX prepares for next Starship test flight - SpaceNews
SpaceX is in the final phases of prepping for its next Starship test mission. The company plans to fire up Booster 15 and Ship 38 in what is expected to be the eleventh full-stack flight, launching from its Starbase facility in Texas. This mission will mark the final flight using Block 2 hardware and will push performance margins — testing multiple Raptor engine restarts, evaluating heat-shield enhancements, and deploying dummy Starlink satellites in orbit. Unlike some earlier flights, this launch won’t aim to recover the booster via the tower “chopsticks” system; instead, the booster is expected to splash down in the Gulf of Mexico. Meanwhile, the Starship stage is slated to land in the Indian Ocean. Success here is critical as SpaceX transitions toward Block 3 designs and eyes more operational test flights.
The Key points
- The next test is likely Flight 11, using Booster 15 and Ship 38.
- It will be the final mission with Block 2 Starship hardware.
- Multiple Raptor engine restarts are planned during ascent and descent.
- Heat-shield performance under reentry conditions is a major focus.
- The mission will carry dummy Starlink satellites for deployment tests.
- Instead of catching the booster, it will splash down in the Gulf.
- The Starship upper stage will aim for a splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
- Outcomes will inform final design tweaks for Block 3.
- Any success here builds confidence for operational launches ahead.
- The mission represents a key step toward reusability and interplanetary goals.
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