The Government of The Bahamas has announced a revolutionary agreement with aerospace company SpaceX to establish the Bahamas as a leading space tourism destination.
The Letter of Agreement (LOA) signed with The Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (MOTIA) positions the Bahamas as the exclusive location globally for witnessing SpaceX rocket booster landings on an autonomous droneship in Bahamian waters. Tourists will be able to view these awe-inspiring space events from cruise ships, resorts, and tourist hotspots across multiple islands.
The collaboration will support SpaceX’s reusable rocket program and Starlink internet satellite missions. It also enables life-saving connectivity and emergency response capabilities in the Bahamas through designated Starlink terminals.
Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper hailed the agreement as “a new era for the Bahamas” and a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and educational opportunities related to space.
SpaceX has committed to creating a hands-on space exhibit in the Bahamas showcasing rocket hardware and a spacesuit – the only one of its kind outside the US. The company will also provide STEM and space education outreach on a quarterly basis.
Bahamian-born NASA engineer Aisha Bowe, set to become the first Bahamian astronaut in 2024, was instrumental in securing the deal. Her STEMBoard non-profit advised on space operations procedures over 15 months of planning.
Cooper affirmed the Bahamas is ready to embrace its role as a leader in space tourism and technology. “This marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s history,” he stated.