Development Plans
David Braben has said there will be several features not included at launch but will be eventually added in future updates, features mentioned;
The ability to land on a planet's surface: At launch you will not be able to desend to the surface of a planet but instead you will see a re-entry animation and, I presume, cut to the landing pad.
The ability to move around in your ship: At launch Elite: Dangerous will be similar to the other incarnations of Elite in that you will be stuck in your cockpit looking out. However David Braben has said he would like to implament moving around with your ship with functionality such at fighting fires etc.
The ability to leave your ship: Also mentioned was the ability to leave your ship, board other peoples ships and walk on planetary surfaces as well as in space stations ground stations. Suggested outcomes by David Braben include smuggling aboard other people's ship, possibly even stealing them as well as big game hunting on planetary surfaces.