Bahamas Signs Agreement with SpaceX for Falcon Landings

The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (MOTIA) has signed a historic Letter of Agreement (LOA) with SpaceX, announcing a significant partnership that thrusts The Bahamas into the space technology and tourism arena.

*The Bahamas as seen from space, captured by ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet; made from many pictures mapped together. Credits: ESA/NASA–T. Pesquet/W. Harold*

This momentous accord paves the way for The Bahamas to emerge as a global hub for observing Falcon booster landings, giving the island nation a significant space tourism capability.

What’s in the agreement

SpaceX is finalizing mission designs that will see one of its autonomous droneships (ASDS) serving as a Falcon 9 landing site east of The Exumas. This exclusive spectacle, visible only in The Bahamas, promises to captivate tourists from cruise ships, resorts, and various tourist attractions.

Notably, what sets The Bahamas apart is its unique offering of witnessing rocket landings on an autonomous droneship from various Bahamian islands, a phenomenon unparalleled elsewhere in the world.

A Falcon 9 Booster atop the "Just Read the Instructions" Droneship as it is towed into Port by the SpaceX recovery ship Doug. Credits: NASA — *A Falcon 9 Booster atop the “Just Read the Instructions” Droneship as it is towed into Port by the SpaceX recovery ship Doug. Credits: NASA*

Along with the space tourism, the LOA encompasses support for SpaceX’s Starlink mission, with Bahamian landings not only aiding in rocket reusability efforts but also adding emergency response capabilities and ensuring connectivity in case of disasters.

Additionally, the agreement also includes the provision of Starlink internet connectivity at multiple locations across the Family Islands, addressing the connectivity needs of schools and empowering first responders with enhanced communication capabilities.

Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, commented the agreement as a pivotal moment. “This Letter of Agreement with SpaceX marks a new era for The Bahamas. We are honored to work with SpaceX to enable their Falcon 9 rockets to safely land on an autonomous droneship within Bahamian waters, helping to continue their rocket reusability efforts,” said Cooper in a statement.

A pivotal role in facilitating this milestone was carried out by Aisha Bowe, former NASA rocket scientist and STEMBoard Founder & CEO. Set to become the first Bahamian in space in 2024, Bowe’s collaboration with SpaceX over the past fifteen months was integral in outlining procedures for space operations in Bahamian territory.

There’s more: education and STEM events

Moreover, the collaboration holds promise for enhancing educational opportunities and fostering innovation. Through SpaceX’s commitment to establishing a space installation or exhibit featuring recognizable hardware and a SpaceX spacesuit – the only one of its kind outside the United States – The Bahamas anticipates a surge in interest from both local citizens and international tourists.

Additionally, SpaceX’s dedication to educational outreach through STEM-focused presentations on a quarterly basis is poised to catalyze the growth of STEM education in The Bahamas, offering learning opportunities for students and educators alike.

Lastly, looking ahead, Deputy Prime Minister Cooper emphasized The Bahamas’ commitment to expanding its impact beyond tourism. “The Bahamas is poised to embrace its newfound role in the global space industry, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. We look forward to a future where The Bahamas stands proudly as a trailblazer in space tourism and technology,” he remarked.