SpaceX Prepares for Final Starship Version 2 Launch on October 13

SpaceX is scheduled to launch the final test flight of its Starship Version 2 on October 13, 2025, from its Starbase facility in Texas. This mission, known as Flight 11, marks the fifth full-scale test of Version 2 and precedes the introduction of the larger Version 3 in early 2026. The launch window opens at 7:15 p.m. EDT (2315 GMT), with a live webcast beginning 30 minutes prior.

The flight plan includes several new objectives. The Super Heavy booster, previously flown on Flight 8 in March, will demonstrate a revised landing burn sequence. Initially igniting 13 of its 33 Raptor engines, the booster will transition to five engines during the divert phase to adjust its trajectory, and conclude with three center engines for the final landing burn. This sequence aims to provide additional redundancy for engine shutdowns.

The upper stage, referred to as "Ship," will perform a dynamic banking maneuver during reentry to test subsonic guidance algorithms. Additionally, SpaceX plans to reignite one of Ship's Raptor engines prior to reentry and test the rocket's satellite deployer by releasing eight Starlink simulators into a suborbital trajectory. These simulators are expected to disintegrate upon reentry.

This mission will also continue the evaluation of Starship's thermal protection system. Similar to Flight 10, certain ceramic thermal protection tiles have been removed to stress-test specific areas of the vehicle. However, unlike the previous flight, no experimental metal tiles have been added to the heat shield this time.

The outcome of Flight 11 will influence the transition to Starship Version 3 and inform future design and operational decisions for the program.