Bahamas Welcomes First SpaceX Falcon 9 Landing

On February 18, 2025, The Bahamas made history by becoming the first international destination to host a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket landing, as the booster successfully touched down on an autonomous droneship off the coast of Exuma. This landmark event was witnessed by high-level officials, including Prime Minister Philip Davis, who expressed pride in positioning The Bahamas as a hub for space tourism and innovation. Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper highlighted the significance of the landing for the nation's participation in the aerospace industry, with 19 more landings planned for the near future. The Falcon 9 had launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, delivering 23 Starlink satellites into orbit before its return. The successful landing not only marks a milestone for space exploration in the Caribbean but also paves the way for economic growth and scientific advancements for the island nation. As excitement grows, local officials and citizens alike look forward to the potential impacts of this new chapter in Bahamian history.