SpaceX recently moved its newest Starship upper stage to the launch pad at Starbase, South Texas, gearing up for its eleventh test flight. Images from September 17, 2025, show the impressive, gleaming stainless-steel rocket, standing nearly 171 feet (about 52 meters) tall, slowly making its way to the pad. There, the towering “chopstick” arms of the launch tower will carefully secure it. This move marks a crucial step in a long series of preparations, including engine firings and pressure tests, all designed to ensure Starship, and its Super Heavy booster, are fully ready for launch.
What Just Happened
SpaceX has successfully moved the Starship upper stage to the launch pad for testing, including wet-dress rehearsals and engine tests in preparation for flight. It will be supported by “chopstick” tower arms of the launch infrastructure during tests on the ground.
Flight 11 & What’s Next
While a firm launch date for Flight 11 is still pending, it follows the highly successful Flight 10, which launched on August 26, 2025. After Flight 11, SpaceX plans to phase out Starship Version 2. The company will then begin testing Version 3, a slightly taller model designed with improvements based on lessons learned from previous iterations.
Version 3 aims to build upon the achievements and insights gained from Version 2. If all goes well, we can expect to see early prototypes of this new iteration undergoing testing in the near future. Thus, Version 2’s final mission serves as both a culmination of its development and a stepping stone toward future advancements.
The current presence of Starship at the launch pad signals that SpaceX is nearing its next significant test flight. The entire spaceflight community will undoubtedly be watching with keen interest.