In a landmark moment for both The Bahamas and the global space tourism industry, SpaceX will make history with its first international rocket landing, set to take place on Tuesday, 18 February at approximately 6:08 p.m. ET, off the coast of The Exumas, in The Bahamas. The event marks a major milestone for space exploration and establishes The Bahamas as a key player in the rapidly growing space tourism sector.
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket will launch from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. About eight minutes after liftoff, Falcon 9’s first stage will land on SpaceX’s autonomous
droneship, which will ensure environmental safety and protection. The droneship will be stationed off the
coast of The Exumas in the Atlantic Ocean. Bahamian, Aisha Bowe, a former NASA scientist and STEMBoard
Founder & CEO, worked with SpaceX to help establish space protocols in The Bahamas, advancing the
nation’s travel space innovation.
There is the possibility that residents of the area and visitors to The Bahamas may hear one or more sonic
booms during the landing. All aspects of the Florida launch and The Bahamas arrival are subject to
weather and other conditions. The activity is being regulated and monitored by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) and Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB).
This momentous landing will be visible to audiences around the world via the SpaceX website at
http://www.spacex.com/launches and the Tourism Today Facebook page giving them a front-row seat to this
remarkable event. The Bahamas will be the exclusive location for this first international event, showcasing
the country’s unique position as the only destination where the public can witness Falcon 9 booster
landings from a prime vantage point.
“This historic collaboration with SpaceX further reinforces our commitment to innovation and our
dedication to expanding tourism offerings,” said Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “This groundbreaking launch also writes another chapter in
the annals of Bahamian history. We are seizing our space in this vibrant space industry.”
“We are proud to be the first international destination to host such a groundbreaking event, which will
undoubtedly draw attention to the beauty and versatility of our islands while contributing to the
development of space tourism in our beloved destination,” added DPM Cooper.
The Memorandum of Cooperation recently signed between CAAB and the FAA, which took effect on
15 January 2025, agreed to establish and maintain a framework for the oversight and regulation of
aerospace activity. The Cabinet of The Bahamas has approved nineteen more landings throughout 2025,
subject to regulatory approval.
The simulcast will be broadcast across a range of web and social platforms, allowing viewers to experience
the excitement and awe of space exploration from anywhere in the world. The event is expected to inspire
awe and interest not only in Space Tourism but also throughout the destination, which continues to solidify
its place on the global stage as a hub for cutting-edge experiences.
“Our partnership with SpaceX exemplifies The Bahamas’ ongoing commitment to embracing innovative
opportunities that enhance our world-renowned destination,” said, Latia Duncombe, Director General,
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. “As the future of Astrotourism unfolds, The
Bahamas is poised to become a premier destination where travelers can immerse themselves in this
exciting and emerging sector.”
SpaceX will conduct quarterly STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and space-
focused seminars that boost STEM education in The Bahamas, benefiting students and instructors.
Additionally, SpaceX will give a $1M donation to the University of The Bahamas for STEM education.
In efforts to advance these endeavors, the BMOTIA engaged Bahamian-American Aisha Bowe, a former
NASA rocket scientist and STEMBoard Founder & CEO, who worked closely with SpaceX over the past few
years to establish protocols for The Bahamas.
“Seeing The Bahamas emerge as a key player in the future of space tourism fills me with immense pride,”
said Bowe. “This event is not just about watching a rocket land, it’s about inspiring the next generation of
Bahamians to see themselves as future engineers, astronauts, and space leaders.”
For more information on the event and to access the live simulcast, visit or follow The Bahamas on
http://www.bahamas.com Facebook, YouTube or Instagram.
More Photo Highlights Below:
