Core Mission - The core mission of SpaceX's "Eleventh Flight" is to pave the way for the third-generation Starship and prepare for the spacecraft's return [3][10] - The B15.2 Super Heavy booster used in this flight is a reused component, with 24 out of 33 Raptor V2 engines being reused, which is crucial for cost reduction [3][10] - The booster aims to validate the landing burn configuration and collect data on engine performance during different flight phases [3][4] Testing Objectives - The flight includes various tests such as dynamic maneuvering, engine re-ignition stability, thermal protection limits, and payload deployment [6][7] - The spacecraft will not be recovered but will splash down in the Indian Ocean, allowing for the testing of dynamic tilt maneuvers and subsonic guidance algorithms [6][7] - A new "crusty coating" has been added to the thermal protection tiles to enhance insulation performance and reduce the time required for tile application [7] Transition to Third Generation - The Eleventh Flight marks the last performance of the second-generation Starship, with significant improvements in re-entry and recovery capabilities compared to the first generation [10][12] - Future modifications to the launch pad and the addition of new launch sites are planned to accommodate the third-generation Starship [12] - The third-generation Starship is expected to achieve a payload capacity of over 100 tons and full reusability by 2026, with design and structural upgrades aimed at enhancing performance and reducing fuel consumption [13][14] Technical Specifications - The third-generation Starship will feature a new design with improved engine performance, including a thrust increase from 230 tons to 280 tons and a fuel efficiency improvement of 10-15% [14][15] - The new grid fins for attitude control will be larger and more robust, with a reduction in the number of fins from four to three [15][17] - The overall height of the third-generation Starship will exceed 124 meters, with a 20% increase in payload bay volume [14][15] Future Plans - Ground testing for the third-generation Starship is expected to begin by the end of 2025, with the first flight potentially occurring in mid-2026 [17] - SpaceX plans to conduct cargo missions to the Moon by 2028 and to Mars by 2030, with an average cost of $100 million per ton for payload delivery [17]