Hello, have 2 questions regarding Standard Beta.
1. If I join today I have chance to play combat single player missions only? Cannot visit Space stations? No exploring? No trading? \even in single mission mode?/
2. After Standard beta expires I have a free access to all stages of beta, gamma and final release of the game?/axcept for major addons of course./?
thanks for your time in advance
1. The full standard Beta is not due for release until 29th July, the single player missions are an unexpected bonus for beta backers, it was never promised as part of the original beta package (as far as I know).
1a. You can visit space stations on the official beta release date (29th July);
1b. We do not yet know if exploring will be included in the standard beta release, Frontier are releasing updates on what to expect in the standard beta leading up to the 29th July. Usually we get a newsletter every week with major updates expected. It also depends on what you mean by exploring, you can visit a range of locations in the premium beta but I wouldn't call it exploring.
1c. Trading is included already in the premium beta so it will be in the standard beta, it is a cut down version of the overall trading model but you can trade, some PB players find the current trading limited and difficult, hopefully standard beta will bring more trading. But I do not think you can trade in the single player missions.
1d. You didn't ask but you will probably wonder at some point, mining is not included in the premium beta and we don't know if it'll be in the standard beta.
2. Yes
Based on your questions I would suggest waiting until the 29th July before you start playing, of course you could buy now but you won't be able to do the things you mentioned until your in the persistent multiplayer universe on 29th July. If you really want to do these things you can buy the premium beta which has all of this, except exploring.
The single player missions are designed to help pilots get used to the controls on their ship and general Elite Dangerous game mechanics.
Hope this helps.