SpaceX Returns to Bahamian Rocket Landings: A New Era for Space Access?
SpaceX is set to land a Falcon 9 rocket booster in The Bahamas for only the second time ever tonight, February 19th, as part of the Starlink 10-36 mission. This resumption of landings, following a pause triggered by debris from a Starship test flight, signals a potential shift in how SpaceX approaches recovery and reuse of its valuable rocket hardware.
The Bahamas as a Strategic Landing Zone
For most Falcon 9 missions launching from Cape Canaveral, the typical recovery point is in the Atlantic Ocean. Still, landing near The Bahamas offers distinct advantages. According to SpaceX, this new collaboration allows for launches to “new orbital trajectories.” This suggests a greater flexibility in mission planning and potentially lower fuel costs by optimizing flight paths.
The booster scheduled for this landing, designated 1077, is undertaking its 26th flight. This highlights SpaceX’s commitment to reusability, a cornerstone of its strategy to lower the cost of space access. Each successful recovery and reuse significantly reduces the overall expense of launching payloads into orbit.
A Pause and a Restart: Lessons Learned from Starship
The path to regular Bahamian landings hasn’t been without its challenges. In March 2025, debris from SpaceX’s Starship megarocket fell on parts of the island nation during a test flight. This led The Bahamas to temporarily suspend SpaceX landings while conducting an environmental assessment. The Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas (CAA-B) has now approved the resumption, indicating a resolution to those concerns.
This incident underscores the importance of safety and environmental considerations as space activities increase. It also demonstrates the need for close collaboration between space companies and local authorities to mitigate potential risks.
Starlink Expansion and the Growing Megaconstellation
The primary payload of tonight’s launch is another batch of 29 Starlink satellites. Once in low Earth orbit, these satellites will join a constellation of nearly 9,700 others, making Starlink the largest network of satellites ever assembled. This expansion is aimed at providing high-speed internet access to underserved areas around the globe.
The increasing number of satellites in orbit raises questions about space debris and potential interference with astronomical observations. However, SpaceX is actively working on technologies to mitigate these concerns, including satellite deorbiting mechanisms and improved tracking systems.
Sonic Booms and Community Considerations
SpaceX has advised that residents and visitors to The Bahamas may hear sonic booms during the landing. This represents a natural consequence of the booster’s rapid descent through the atmosphere. Understanding and communicating these potential effects to the local community is crucial for maintaining positive relationships.
Chester Cooper, the Bahamas deputy prime minister for tourism, investments and aviation, previously stated that the landings “put us at the cutting edge of innovation.” This suggests a willingness to embrace the opportunities presented by the growing space industry, while also prioritizing safety and environmental protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Starlink?
- Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, providing high-speed internet access to locations where traditional broadband is unavailable.
- Why is SpaceX landing rockets in The Bahamas?
- Landing in The Bahamas allows SpaceX to reach new orbital trajectories and potentially reduce fuel costs.
- What happened with the Starship debris in 2025?
- Debris from a Starship test flight fell on The Bahamas, prompting a temporary suspension of SpaceX rocket landings while an environmental assessment was conducted.
- How many Starlink satellites are currently in orbit?
- You’ll see nearly 9,700 Starlink satellites in orbit as of February 2026.
Pro Tip: You can watch the launch live on SpaceX’s homepage or their X account beginning about five minutes before liftoff.
Aim for to learn more about SpaceX’s advancements in space technology? Explore our other articles on reusable rockets and the future of space exploration.
