Core Points - SpaceX's Starship conducted its 11th integrated flight test in Boca Chica, Texas, marking the fifth orbital-level launch of the year and the conclusion of the second-generation Starship program [1][6] - Unlike previous tests, this flight did not aim for recovery; the booster was planned to land in the Gulf of Mexico, while the Starship was expected to splash down in the Indian Ocean after testing [3][4] Flight Objectives - The primary goals of this test included deploying eight simulated Starlink satellites, conducting extreme pressure tests on the heat shield, and testing the Super Heavy booster’s controlled splashdown [6] - This flight represented the second successful landing of the Starship Version 2 prototype, following a series of failures earlier in the year [6] Performance and Challenges - Despite a visually impressive launch, the Starship did not achieve true orbital insertion, completing only a suborbital flight [7] - Throughout 2025, the second-generation Starship faced significant challenges, with three failures out of five flights, failing to deliver any payload into orbit [7] Transition to Version 3 - The transition to the third-generation Starship is underway, with plans to achieve a payload capacity of 100 tons by 2026, featuring full reusability and a target of weekly launches within a year [12] - Major upgrades are planned for the third-generation Starship, including improvements in design, structure, and engine performance, with a 10-15% increase in fuel efficiency and thrust [12][14] Structural and Design Improvements - The third-generation Starship will feature a new type of grid fin for attitude control, with a 50% increase in size and a reduction in the number of fins from four to three [14] - The overall height of the third-generation Starship will exceed 124 meters, with a 10-15% reduction in weight and a 20% increase in payload volume due to new materials and welding techniques [14][16] Fuel Supply Innovations - A new giant tunnel pipe will replace the complex fuel header tank design in the first-stage rocket to stabilize fuel supply during recovery [16] - Previous failures in recovery were attributed to immature propellant delivery systems, raising concerns about the new design's reliability [16]
SpaceX星舰第11次试飞:二代星舰完美句号?
Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2025-10-14 10:08