SpaceX successfully landed a Falcon 9 rocket booster in The Bahamas on Thursday, February 19th, marking only the second time the company has used the island nation as a recovery zone. The landing, confirmed at 8:41 p.m. EST, involved the first stage of a Falcon 9 carrying 29 Starlink broadband satellites.
The Bahamas as a Landing Site
The return to Bahamian waters follows a temporary suspension in April 2025 after debris from a failed Starship test flight scattered over the Caribbean, raising environmental concerns. The Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas completed its assessment, clearing SpaceX for future landings in Exuma Sound on February 17th.
This collaboration offers SpaceX strategic advantages, allowing launches to new orbital trajectories. As SpaceX stated in 2025, “Our new landing collaboration with The Bahamas will enable Falcon 9 to launch to new orbital trajectories.”
Booster History and Starlink Expansion
The recovered booster, designated 1077, has now landed 26 times, showcasing SpaceX’s advancements in reusable rocket technology. Meanwhile, the rocket’s upper stage deployed the 29 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit, further expanding the company’s megaconstellation. Starlink currently operates nearly 9,700 satellites, making it the largest network in space.
Why This Matters
The resumption of landings in The Bahamas is critical for SpaceX’s operational flexibility and future expansion. While most Falcon 9 boosters land in the Atlantic, the Bahamian site provides unique orbital access. The incident with the Starship debris underscored the need for careful environmental oversight in commercial space activities. SpaceX’s ability to work with The Bahamas demonstrates its commitment to safety while pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
SpaceX’s continued success in reusable rocket technology and satellite deployment solidifies its position as a leader in the space industry, with implications for global connectivity and future missions.
