by Donald Wood
Last updated: 9:10 AM ET, Tue February 20, 2024
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.
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