ECNETNews, New York, NY, Mon. Feb. 18, 2025: In a groundbreaking development for The Bahamas, SpaceX is poised to achieve a historic milestone today with its inaugural international rocket landing. Set for 6:08 p.m. ET, the Falcon 9 rocket will land off the coast of The Exumas, positioning The Bahamas as a key player in the burgeoning space tourism industry.
The mission involves the Falcon 9 launching from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, followed by its first-stage booster making a precise landing on an autonomous droneship located in the Atlantic Ocean. This landmark event underscores The Bahamas’ increasing involvement in aerospace innovation.
A Bahamian aerospace engineer has been instrumental in shaping space protocols for The Bahamas in collaboration with SpaceX, driving advancement in the nation’s space travel innovation.
Residents and visitors in The Bahamas may experience sonic booms during the rocket’s landing. This event is contingent upon favorable weather conditions and regulatory approvals from the appropriate authorities.
This historic event will be broadcast live, allowing audiences worldwide to witness this milestone. The Bahamas is the exclusive site for public viewings of Falcon 9 booster landings, further enhancing its status as a prime destination for astro-tourism. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism highlighted the significance of this collaboration with SpaceX, reinforcing The Bahamas’ commitment to innovation and tourism expansion. “This groundbreaking launch adds another proud chapter to our history as we establish ourselves in the space industry,” he stated.
A Memorandum of Cooperation between regulatory authorities was enacted on Jan. 15, 2025, creating a framework for aerospace activities. The Bahamian Cabinet has already approved 19 additional rocket landings scheduled throughout 2025, pending regulatory clearance.
In conjunction with this anticipated landing, SpaceX plans to launch quarterly STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) seminars in The Bahamas, benefiting local students and educators. Furthermore, SpaceX has committed to a significant donation to a local university to support STEM education initiatives. The growing prominence of The Bahamas in the space sector serves as inspiration for future generations to pursue careers in engineering and space exploration.
As The Bahamas embraces innovation, this historic launch is set to elevate the nation into a new era of astro-tourism, technology-driven investments, and international recognition.
For additional details and to watch the live event, visit our website.
