Cementing the position of the Bahamas as an emerging space tourism destination, the country’s Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation has signed an agreement with space launch firm SpaceX providing an opportunity for tourists to witness space events from cruise ships, resorts, and various tourist hotspots in the Bahamas.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (MOTIA) has signed a Letter of Agreement (LOA) with California-based private rockets and spacecrafts company SpaceX, which it says marks a revolutionary leap for the Bahamas into the realm of space tourism.

According to a press statement by the ministry, this LOA establishes a strategic collaboration that positions the Bahamas as a global destination for witnessing booster landings. It says that the exclusive visibility of rocket landings on an autonomous drone ship from various Bahamian islands distinguishes this destination as the only one of its kind worldwide.

The statement adds that SpaceX, is currently finalising 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.

The ministry says that this unique opportunity sets the stage for tourists to witness awe-inspiring space events from cruise ships, resorts, and various tourist hotspots, solidifying the country’s position as a key player in the emerging space tourism industry.

According to the ministry, the respective Bahamian landings covered in the LOA will not only support SpaceX’s Starlink mission but also contribute to saving lives, enhancing first responders’ capabilities, and ensuring connectivity in times of disasters.

“This Letter of Agreement with SpaceX marks a new era for the Bahamas. We are honoured to work with SpaceX to enable their Falcon 9 rockets to safely land on an autonomous drone ship within Bahamian waters, helping to continue their rocket reusability efforts,” says Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation in the Bahamas. 

The ministry adds that in tandem with the LOA, SpaceX has committed to supporting the creation of a space installation or exhibit showcasing recognisable hardware and a SpaceX spacesuit. This exhibit, the only one outside the United States, is expected to draw significant attention and attendance from both Bahamian citizens and international tourists.

“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. The Bahamian Government aims to utilise this partnership for economic growth, job creation and enhanced educational opportunities,” says Cooper.

Cooper expressed the government’s commitment to expanding impact beyond tourism. “The Bahamas is poised to embrace its newfound role in the global space industry, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s history. We look forward to a future where the country stands proudly as a trailblazer in space tourism and technology in line with our blueprint for change and our Innovate242 initiative,’’ he adds.