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SpaceX Lands Falcon 9 Rocket in The Bahamas for Second Time
Successful touchdown marks milestone in space exploration and partnership between SpaceX and island nation.
Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:40pm
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A conceptual illustration of the complex forces and technological advancements that enabled SpaceX to land a Falcon 9 rocket in The Bahamas for the second time in history.Cape Canaveral TodaySpaceX successfully landed a Falcon 9 rocket in The Bahamas on February 19, 2026, the second time the company has accomplished this feat in the island nation. The rocket, carrying 29 Starlink broadband satellites, lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and touched down in Exuma Sound after deploying its payload into low Earth orbit.
Why it matters
This landing represents a significant milestone in space technology and the ongoing collaboration between SpaceX and The Bahamas. It showcases the potential for innovative orbital trajectories and the growing Starlink satellite network, but also sparks debate around the environmental impact of rocket landings in the region.
The details
The Falcon 9 rocket, designated as 1077, marked its 26th successful touchdown with this landing. After deploying the Starlink satellites, the rocket's upper stage continued on its course. This mission comes just a year after a previous Starlink launch led to a test flight of SpaceX's Starship megarocket ending in disaster, with debris raining down on The Bahamas. That incident prompted the nation to temporarily halt the partnership, but an environmental assessment has now cleared the way for resumed rocket landings.
- On February 19, 2026, SpaceX successfully landed a Falcon 9 rocket in The Bahamas.
- In February 2025, SpaceX landed a Falcon 9 rocket in The Bahamas for the first time.
- In March 2025, a test flight of SpaceX's Starship megarocket ended in disaster, with debris falling on The Bahamas, leading the nation to temporarily halt the partnership.
- On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas announced that SpaceX could resume rocket landings in Exuma Sound.
The players
SpaceX
An American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded by Elon Musk, known for its innovative rocket technology and the Starlink satellite network.
The Bahamas
An island nation in the Atlantic Ocean, located near the southeastern coast of Florida, that has partnered with SpaceX to allow rocket landings in its waters.
What’s next
The Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas will continue to monitor the environmental impact of the rocket landings and work closely with SpaceX to ensure the safety and sustainability of the partnership.
The takeaway
This landing highlights the potential for innovative space exploration and the growing Starlink network, but also raises concerns about the environmental impact of rocket debris in the region. The ongoing collaboration between SpaceX and The Bahamas will be crucial in balancing the scientific and economic benefits with the need to protect the delicate ecosystems of the islands.
