Tourism officials in The Bahamas announced a groundbreaking Letter of Agreement (LOA) with SpaceX for the island nation to become a global destination for witnessing booster landings.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (MOTIA), SpaceX is currently finalizing mission designs where one of the company’s autonomous drone ships will serve as a Falcon 9 landing location east of The Exumas, offering a spectacle that will be visible only in The Bahamas.
As a result, travelers and locals will soon be able to witness space events from cruise ships, resorts, and various tourist hotspots, solidifying The Bahamas’ position as a key player in the emerging space tourism industry.
The exclusive visibility of rocket landings on an autonomous droneship from various Bahamian islands distinguishes the Caribbean destination as the only one of its kind. In addition, the landings will also contribute to saving lives, enhancing first responders’ capabilities, and ensuring connectivity in times of disaster.
“This Letter of Agreement with SpaceX marks a new era for The Bahamas,” Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said. “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.”
“Simultaneously, through Starlink’s high-speed internet from space, this agreement opens doors to unprecedented opportunities for our citizens, fostering long-term advantages for education, emergency response and innovation,” Cooper said. “The Bahamian government aims to utilize this partnership for economic growth, job creation and enhanced educational opportunities.”
SpaceX also committed to supporting the creation of a space exhibit in The Bahamas showcasing recognizable hardware and a SpaceX spacesuit. The installation is expected to draw significant attention and attendance from both Bahamian citizens and international tourists.
As part of the agreement, The Bahamas secured Starlink internet connectivity at multiple terminals across the islands, specifically designed for schools lacking sufficient internet capacity.
