SpaceX’s First International Rocket Landing Will Be in The Bahamas
SpaceX is making history next week with the first-ever international landing of one of its rockets.
The Falcon 9 rocket will be launching from Cape Canaveral on Feb. 18, before taking an eight-minute trip over Atlantic to The Bahamas, where its first phase will be landing on SpaceX’s autonomous drone ship.
The drone ship will be stationed off the coast of the Exuma archipelago of The Bahamas.
Aisha Bowe, a Bahamian-American former NASA scientist, worked with SpaceX to help develop space protocols in The Bahamas.
The launch and landing are, of course, subject to weather and other conditions.
Officials said it was possible that residents and visitors to The Bahamas would hear one or more sonic booms during the landing of the rocket booster.
You can follow the whole launch with the livestream at SpaceX and on The Bahamas’ Tourism Today Facebook page.
“This historic collaboration with SpaceX further reinforces our commitment to innovation and our dedication to expanding tourism offerings,” said I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation for The Bahamas. “This groundbreaking launch also writes another chapter in the annals of Bahamian history. We are seizing our space in this vibrant space industry.”
The Bahamas has approved 18 more landings throughout 2025, subject to regulatory approval, Caribbean Journal has learned.
“We are proud to be the first international destination to host such a groundbreaking event, which will undoubtedly draw attention to the beauty and versatility of our islands while contributing to the development of space tourism in our beloved destination,” Cooper said.
It’s not just a rocket, though. SpaceX will also be holding quarterly STEM and space-focused seminars in The Bahamas, along with giving a $1 million donation to the University of The Bahamas for STEM education.
“Seeing The Bahamas emerge as a key player in the future of space tourism fills me with immense pride,” said Bowe. “This event is not just about watching a rocket land, it’s about inspiring the next generation of Bahamians to see themselves as future engineers, astronauts, and space leaders.”
