SpaceX’s Falcon 9 booster successfully executed the landing of its autonomous droneship off the coast of the Exuma islands in The Bahamas on Tuesday (February 18).

In spectacular fashion, the island chain became the first international destination to host a SpaceX rocket landing as Bahamians, residents, and space enthusiasts worldwide watched in awe during the live-streamed event.

Government officials say it is just the beginning of a groundbreaking collaboration between The Bahamas and SpaceX, with 19 more landings set to follow.

To mark the milestone, the country hosted a delegation of Bahamian officials and special guests, led by Prime Minister Phillip Davis and Tourism Minister Chester Cooper at Cape Eleuthera Resort and Marina to witness the event.

Prime Minister Davis reflected on the momentous achievement, emphasising 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.”

Deputy prime minister 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.”

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 US$1 million donation to the University of The Bahamas for STEM education. 

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.”