Overview

• SpaceX reports the eleventh Starship test met its primary goals, including an in‑space Raptor engine re‑ignition and deployment of eight Starlink simulators.
• Engineers tested thermal protection by flying with select heat‑shield tiles removed and executed a new Super Heavy landing sequence for data on future recoveries.
• The Super Heavy booster splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico and the upper stage splashed down in the Indian Ocean after completing planned reentry maneuvers.
• SpaceX says this marks the final flight of the current V2 prototypes as it readies a larger Version 3 and seeks a higher test cadence toward operational missions.
• Advisers and NASA acknowledge Artemis schedules remain under strain, with on‑orbit refueling yet to be demonstrated and geopolitical pressure rising as China targets a crewed lunar landing around 2030; some coverage points to Blue Origin as a potential alternative approach.