The Bahamas Makes Giant Leap into Space Welcoming First International SpaceX Landing
The Falcon 9 as it launches from Port Canaveral
NASSAU, The Bahamas (19 February 2025) – History was made in The Bahamas at approximately 6:29 PM ET yesterday as SpaceX’s Falcon 9 booster successfully landed on an autonomous droneship off the coast of The Exumas. In a breathtaking display of innovation, the islands in the sun became the first international destination to welcome a SpaceX rocket landing. Bahamians, residents, and space enthusiasts worldwide watched in awe as the milestone event unfolded in real time—just the beginning of a groundbreaking collaboration between The Bahamas and SpaceX, with 19 more landings set to follow.
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (BMOTIA) hosted a delegation of Bahamian officials and special guests, led by Prime Minister, The Hon. Phillip E. Davis and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, The Hon. I. Chester Cooper at Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina to witness the event. The successful landing highlights the immense potential of the growing space industry and its accessibility to a broader audience.
Prime Minister Davis reflected on the momentous achievement, emphasizing the pride and ambition of the Bahamian people: “This historic feat positions our nation as a global hub for space tourism and technological advancement. As we pushed new frontiers, we welcomed the world to witness innovation against the backdrop of one of the most breathtaking locations on Earth. Yesterday’s rocket landing reaffirmed that The Bahamas is not only a destination of beauty, but also of innovation and limitless possibilities in the future of exploration and discovery.”
DPM Cooper added, “Today is a launchpad for Bahamian tourism, bringing the world to our shores. A launchpad for jobs, fueling our economy. A launchpad for education, inspiring young Bahamians to reach for the stars. Space tourism is here. Innovation is here. The future is here in The Bahamas.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the BMOTIA, the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Acting Permanent Secretary Lisa Adderley- Anderson, Director General Latia Duncombe, Deputy Director Dr. Kenneth Romer, and former NASA scientist and STEMBoard Founder & CEO Aisha Bowe alongside staff from the BMOTIA following the historic landing of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 booster.
The event also featured esteemed guests, Cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, local members of the BMOTIA Eleuthera office and residents. Bahamian-American Aisha Bowe, a former NASA scientist and STEMBoard Founder & CEO, who played a pivotal role in establishing space protocols in The Bahamas, was also present for the landing. Her collaboration with SpaceX underscores the importance of international partnerships in advancing space travel innovation and opportunities in the STEM fields. The Bahamas and SpaceX are working together to enhance local STEM-related education to help inspire the next generation of students. In efforts to support this, SpaceX will also give a $1M donation to the University of The Bahamas for STEM education.
he Falcon 9 as it launches from Port Canaveral
US Embassy Chargé d’Affairs Kimberly Furnish said: “As the United States deepens its engagement in the Western Hemisphere, I am excited to celebrate another incredible achievement for our two countries - the first ever international landing of SpaceX Falcon 9 right here in The Bahamas. This is not just a landing, it is a launchpad for even greater collaboration between our two nations in science, technology, and innovation. I have no doubt that this is the beginning of even greater things to come.”
The successful landing is expected to usher in a new era of space tourism, positioning The Bahamas as a premier destination for space enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The historic event not only showcases the technological prowess of SpaceX but also the unique appeal of The Bahamas as a destination for groundbreaking experiences.
For more information on the event and to access the live simulcast, visit or follow The Bahamas on www.bahamas.com Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.
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About The Bahamas:
The Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travelers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the Earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.
Media Contact:
Anita Johnson-Patty
Director Global Communications
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation
Ajohnson@Bahamas.com
Bahamas USA
FINN Bahamas
Bahamasusa@finnpartners.com