Starship Flight Test 11: The Final V2 Launch from Pad-A Marks a New Chapter for SpaceX
SpaceX is preparing for a major moment in its Starship journey. Flight Test 11, set to launch soon from Pad-A at Starbase, Texas, will mark the final flight of a V2 Starship and Super Heavy booster — closing one chapter of development and opening another toward the V3 era.
This launch isn’t just another test — it’s a sendoff for a generation of hardware that’s paved the way for SpaceX’s next big steps toward Mars, the Moon, and beyond.
And for this historic flight, Launch Heaven’s coverage team — Matthew T. and Tyler R. — will be on-site at Starbase capturing the energy, sights, and emotion of the last V2 liftoff from Pad-A. Their footage and updates will bring fans around the world closer to this defining moment in modern rocketry.
A Historic Farewell to Pad-A
For nearly two years, Pad-A has been the heart of Starship testing. It’s where SpaceX transformed concept into reality — from the first fiery static tests to the fully stacked sub-orbital attempts. After Flight 11 SpaceX will be dismantling the old launch mount in order to construct a more robust, improved design, similar to the one at Pad-B.
“Pad A’s final launch in this configuration is very exciting yet emotional,” said Matthew T., Launch Heaven’s field Photographer. “It is the dawn of a new era for the Starship program and ultimately human spaceflight, but is also sad to see this awesome, albeit janky version of the launch pad go.”
“From being reduced to a literal crater during Starship’s first integrated flight test. To being the first orbital-class launchpad in history to catch a 12-story building out of midair. Pad A has served as a pinnacle for the Gateway to Mars”. Said Tyler R. “And here we are in the future, preparing for flight 11. While it is disappointing to see this pad support one last launch, we can look back on the many thrills it provided throughout its operational lifespan. This is not the end but only the beginning of a future full of excitement guaranteed!”.
What to Expect from Flight Test 11
Now, with the 11th flight, SpaceX is saying goodbye to the V2 generation, a platform that’s proven key systems, collected critical reentry data, and survived the highs and lows of rapid iteration.
Each test brought valuable lessons, improving everything from engine relights and heatshield performance to booster recovery precision. And while the V2 hardware is bowing out, it’s leaving behind a legacy of resilience, innovation, and daring that defines SpaceX’s test-fast, learn-faster approach.
This flight will continue testing orbital insertion, reentry accuracy, and thermal protection, with an eye on final refinements before SpaceX fully transitions to V3 Starship.
V3 vehicles will be larger, more powerful, and built for operational missions. They’ll feature next-gen Raptor engines, higher thrust-to-weight ratios, and expanded payload bays. This enables larger satellites, heavy lunar cargo, and deep-space missions.
If all goes as planned, Flight Test 11 will demonstrate the maturity of the V2 design, closing the door on this phase of testing while collecting the last pieces of data needed for the V3.
Launch Heaven on the Ground
With more than 1.3 million followers across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and X, Launch Heaven Media Inc. has become a trusted voice in spaceflight storytelling — covering launches from SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, ULA, NASA, and more.
For Flight Test 11, Matthew and Tyler R. will provide live updates, photos, and behind-the-scenes looks from Starbase — capturing moments the typical livestreams don’t show: the roar of Raptors from the ground, the cheers from the crowd, and the emotional energy of a team watching history unfold.
The Road Ahead
SpaceX’s transition to V3 will bring new engineering challenges — and new opportunities. The next generation is expected to support NASA’s Artemis missions, Starlink Gen3 deployments, and eventually, crewed Space flights.
But before all that, the spotlight turns to Pad-A one last time.
Flight Test 11 isn’t just another check mark on SpaceX’s roadmap — it’s a farewell salute to the hardware that helped get Starship off the ground. And for fans, engineers, and onlookers who’ve followed every fiery test and hard-earned landing attempt, this launch will be one to remember.
Stay tuned to Launch Heaven for full coverage, exclusive ground content, and reporting from Starbase, Texas, as SpaceX ignites the engines of progress — and sends off the last V2 generation in style.
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