By: Staff Writer
February 14, 2025
Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas Chester Cooper said that The Bahamas is taking “measurable precautions” to safeguard its waters and marine ecosystem in preparation for the SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket’s landing this February 18.
A release on the country’s ministry of tourism website said that the “Falcon 9 rocket will launch from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. About eight minutes after liftoff, Falcon 9’s first stage will land on SpaceX’s autonomous droneship, which will ensure environmental safety and protection.
“The droneship will be stationed off the coast of The Exumas in the Atlantic Ocean. Bahamian, Aisha Bowe, a former NASA scientist and STEMBoard Founder & CEO, worked with SpaceX to help establish space protocols in The Bahamas, advancing the nation’s travel space innovation. There is the possibility that residents of the area and visitors to The Bahamas may hear one or more sonic booms during the landing. All aspects of the Florida launch and The Bahamas arrival are subject to weather and other conditions.
“The activity is being regulated and monitored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB).”
Cooper added at the Routes America Conference being held in the country this week that: “With 20 landings scheduled this year, visitors will not only enjoy our pristine shores, but witness history in real time.
“No other place on Earth offers this combination of paradise and space exploration.
“Rocket booster landings will generate fresh economic activity, attracting more travelers, securing more heads in beds, boosting local businesses, and introducing new experiences, for example, yacht excursions to watch rocket landings.”
This momentous landing will be visible to audiences around the world via the SpaceX website at www.spacex.com/launches and the Tourism Today Facebook page giving them a front-row seat to this remarkable event. The Bahamas will be the exclusive location for this first international event, showcasing the country’s unique position as the only destination where the public can witness Falcon 9 booster landings from a prime vantage point.
“This historic collaboration with SpaceX further reinforces our commitment to innovation and our dedication to expanding tourism offerings,” Cooper noted.
He continued: “This groundbreaking launch also writes another chapter in the annals of Bahamian history. We are seizing our space in this vibrant space industry.”
“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,” added Cooper.