NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Bahamas will be the focus of a history-making event when the first international rocket landing will take place near Exuma, announced Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper. He made the revelation during a press conference on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 in the ballroom of the British Colonial. Due to the historic significance of the event, high level officials at the press conference included Cabinet Ministers, Charge d’Affaires United States Embassy, Nassau, Kimberly Furnish; Commodore Raymond King, Commander, Royal Bahamas Defence Force; Bahamasair Navigation Services Authority; the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection; the Civil Aviation Authority and Port Department; and representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation. Deputy Prime Minister Cooper said the event is in keeping with the Davis Administration’s Blueprint for Change “to Recover, Rebuild and Revolutionize”. He noted that on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at about 6:08pm, The Bahamas will take a revolutionary leap into space tourism as the first international destination to host SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster landings outside of the United States, more specifically off the coast of The Exumas. “This rocket landing will secure The Bahamas’ place in the global space industry and redefine new possibilities for economic growth and scientific exploration and innovation,” he said. The event marks a major milestone for space exploration and establishes The Bahamas as a key player in the rapidly growing space tourism sector. More specifically, 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 drone ship, which will ensure environmental safety and protection. The drone ship will be stationed off the coast of The Exumas in the Atlantic Ocean. The ministry 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. The activity is being regulated and monitored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB). Said Astronaut Bowe who attended the press conference via Zoom: “Seeing The Bahamas emerge as a key player in the future of space tourism fills me with immense pride. 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.” It is expected that The Bahamas will take center stage and for this landing to be viewed millions of times. “Safety is a priority. We are proud to have Bahamian aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, a former NASA scientist, as our official aerospace consultant. The entire process adheres to environmental safety best practices while placing The Bahamas at the forefront of space exploration,” said DPM Cooper. He underscored the impact such an event would have on the country’s overall tourism product. “This historic collaboration with SpaceX further reinforces our commitment to innovation and our dedication to expanding tourism offerings. This groundbreaking launch also writes another chapter in the annals of Bahamian history. We are seizing our space in this vibrant space industry.” He added, “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.” 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 19 more landings throughout 2025, subject to regulatory approval. DPM Cooper envisioned that space tourism allows people to experience aspects of space exploration firsthand, whether through rocket launches or landings, or space-related attractions. And, that The Bahamas is now at the center of this movement. “With 20 landings scheduled this year, visitors will not only enjoy our pristine shores but witness history in real time. No other place on Earth offers this combination of paradise and space exploration,” he said. He observed that rocket booster landings will generate fresh economic activity attracting more travelers, securing more heads in beds, boosting local businesses and introducing new experiences for example, yacht excursions to watch rocket landings. Additionally, SpaceX is committed to establishing a space-themed exhibit in The Bahamas, featuring authentic space hardware and a SpaceX spacesuit — the only one of its kind outside the United States. “It is yet another way we are putting our country on the map, drawing global attention and expanding what the world knows about The Bahamas beyond its natural beauty,” he said. SpaceX will donate $1million to the University of The Bahamas, deemed an investment in Bahamians. “We are not just spectators in this industry — we are participants, shaping its future to strengthen science and technology education,” said Deputy Prime Minister Cooper. “We are proud to be the first international destination to host such a groundbreaking event. We are not just hosting rocket landings; we are creating a legacy. We envision Bahamian students pursuing careers in aerospace, Bahamian engineers working on cutting-edge technology, and Bahamian scientists contributing to global innovation, and the advancement of mankind. This is the beginning of a significant partnership with SpaceX,” he said. PHOTO CAPTION Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper announces first international rocket landing in The Bahamas, during a press conference on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 in the ballroom of the British Colonial hotel. (BIS Photos/Kemuel Stubbs)