SpaceX Achieves Historic First with Booster Landing in The Bahamas

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — SpaceX made history today with its Starlink satellite launch when it achieved the first international landing of a rocket booster off the coast of The Bahamas. The Falcon 9 rocket launched at 6:21 p.m. EST from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, sending 23 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit.

Approximately eight minutes after liftoff, the rocket’s first stage successfully landed on board the droneship Just Read the Instructions, stationed in the waters off the island of Exuma. This event marks a significant milestone for SpaceX, expanding its operational capabilities beyond U.S. waters.

“Our new landing collaboration with The Bahamas will enable Falcon 9 to launch to new orbital trajectories,” the company stated via its social media platform X. The deal also signals a blossoming partnership with the Bahamian government.

Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas Isaac Chester Cooper expressed enthusiasm during the live-streamed launch, saying, “This is significant for The Bahamas in so many ways. It puts us at the cutting edge of innovation, and it gives us—a small country of 400,000 people—an opportunity to participate in the aerospace industry. This is huge.”

Today’s launch was the 21st Falcon 9 launch attempt for SpaceX in 2025, with 15 of those flights dedicated to Starlink missions. The Falcon 9 booster, tail number B1080, completed its 16th flight during this mission, previously flying four cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station and nine additional Starlink missions.

SpaceX has continued to demonstrate its proficiency in booster reusability, with the Falcon 9 first stage logging 410 successful landings to date, 110 of which occurred on Just Read the Instructions.

The launch conditions were favorable, with a 95% chance for good weather according to the 45th Weather Squadron at Patrick Air Force Base. Prior to the launch, officers noted, “Cool and dry conditions have overspread most of Florida today.”

The successful landing on Bahamian waters could open avenues for future space operations in the region, and SpaceX is looking forward to more collaborations. “We’re excited to continue working with the Bahamian government on this mutually beneficial partnership,” said Zachary Luppen, avionics supply chain engineer for SpaceX.

As the aerospace industry grows, SpaceX’s innovative approaches continue to set new records while carving a path for collaboration with diverse partners globally. The Starlink project aims to provide global internet coverage and improve connectivity for underserved regions.

For those interested in more details, the launch was streamed live on SpaceX’s website and social media, with a replay readily available. This event further solidifies SpaceX’s position at the forefront of modern space exploration and technology.