SpaceX is preparing the next-gen Starship after a successful flight test

SpaceX's second-generation Starship vehicle has successfully completed its 11th flight test, achieving all the major objectives set for the super-heavy lift vehicle. The launch from Starbase in Texas on October 13 followed another successful test in August, where Starship deployed its payload for the first time. Prior to these two flights, SpaceX had experienced a series of failures, including explosions during the ascent stage and the failure to deploy payloads. The latest flight test saw all 33 Raptor engines ignite, and the stage separation and first-stage ascent went smoothly. The Super Heavy booster splashed down into the ocean as planned, while Starship deployed its Starlink simulators before re-entering the atmosphere. During the reentry burn, SpaceX intentionally stressed the vehicle to determine the capabilities of its heatshield, and the vehicle executed a banking maneuver to mimic the trajectory of future missions returning to Starbase. SpaceX now plans to focus on developing the next generation of Starship and Super Heavy, with multiple versions of the vehicle and the booster being prepared for tests and the first Starship orbital flights and operational payload missions.