SpaceX schedules Starship Flight 11 test for October 13

SpaceX has announced that it is targeting October 13 for the next significant milestone in its Starship launch program - the eleventh test flight of its cutting-edge spacecraft. The launch window is set to open at 6:15 p.m. CT. A live webcast will begin approximately 30 minutes before launch, accessible through SpaceX’s website, its X account, and the X TV app.

As with previous launches, the timeline for Starship Flight 11 remains tentative and could be adjusted depending on a variety of factors, including weather conditions and final preparations.

Super Heavy Booster to Undergo Advanced Landing Test

The upcoming mission will see the Super Heavy booster, equipped with 24 flight-proven Raptor engines, take center stage. Previously flown during Flight 8, this booster has been outfitted with a new engine configuration aimed at enhancing its landing capabilities. SpaceX outlined in its blog post that the test will validate this updated system, which includes a multi-phase landing burn sequence.

Instead of returning to SpaceX’s Starbase facility in Texas, the Super Heavy booster will follow a trajectory over the Gulf of America. During its descent, the booster will ignite 13 engines before transitioning to a five-engine divert phase. It will then use three central engines to complete the landing burn. In a unique maneuver, the booster will enter a hover above the ocean before shutting down, ultimately dropping into the Gulf.

Starship Upper Stage to Test New Capabilities

In addition to the booster’s ambitious flight plan, the Starship upper stage will conduct its own set of experiments. The vehicle will deploy eight Starlink simulators, replicating the size and configuration of next-generation Starlink satellites. These simulators are designed to reenter the atmosphere and burn up during descent.

Engineers have also planned an in-space Raptor engine relight to gather critical performance data. To further evaluate the spacecraft’s durability, heat shield tiles have been intentionally removed from specific sections of the vehicle. This stress test will provide insights into the thermal protection system’s resilience during reentry.

The upper stage will perform additional experimental maneuvers during its descent, including a banking profile and the use of subsonic guidance algorithms. These tests are designed to simulate future missions involving return-to-launch-site operations. Ultimately, the upper stage is expected to splash down in the Indian Ocean.

Building on Previous Milestones

Starship Flight 11 is set to build on the achievements of its predecessor, Starship Flight 10, which marked a significant step in the development of what SpaceX envisions as the world’s first fully reusable launch vehicle. As SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of spaceflight technology, this latest test represents another crucial step in refining Starship’s design and capabilities.

"Next up: Flight 11 of Starship is targeted to launch as early as Monday, October 13", SpaceX confirmed via its official X account on September 29, 2025. As always, this date remains subject to change, with the final go-ahead dependent on readiness and environmental factors.

Starship Flight 11 promises a wealth of new data for the engineers and scientists driving SpaceX’s ambitious vision for the future of space exploration. Enthusiasts and industry observers alike will be watching closely as the next chapter in the Starship program unfolds.

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