🖖 The BahamasX?

I want to broaden the discussion a bit. Since cooking will also be a part of space tourism.

So let’s talk about The Bahamas. 

Home of white sand beaches. Swimming pigs. And spaceships?

Looks like it.

The Bahamas recently signed a partnership with SpaceX supported by their Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation to establish a Falcon 9 rocket landing site.

One of those autonomous drone ships that can relocate as needed.

The goal is to enhance the country's tourism industry by offering tourists the opportunity to witness rocket launches against the stunning beauty that is The Bahamas.

SpaceX aims to create a space exhibit in the Caribbean along with other new jobs.

The agreement also includes support for SpaceX's Starlink project, which will improve internet connectivity and emergency response capabilities.

They’ll promote education in STEM fields too. Former NASA rocket scientist, Aisha Bowe, will see to that.

Last summer

Back in the summer of 2023 SpaceX agreed to retrieve a Falcon 9 fairing that washed up on Elbow Cay. 

If I was missing a US$6 million piece of my rocket I’d go get it too.

A fairing is the shell that covers the payloads and adds aerodynamics while the rocket is still in the atmosphere. They come off at a certain height when the atmosphere is thinner.

Locals were able to move the debris to prevent it from floating out to sea, where it could have caused more damage to the environment.

I imagine it became evident that future launches would effect daily life in The Bahamas.

In the meantime

The Department of Defense led by the Air Force is seeking a new launch site for SpaceX's Starship in Florida’s Space Coast. 

Texas is the current launch site for Starship. But they’re looking at Kennedy Space Center and a couple others.

They’re putting together an Environmental Impact Study (EIS). The EIS process is not a quick one. 

Could take years.

Considering air and water currents would bring a lot their way. It’s worth the effort to protect nature.

I think everyone wants what’s best for the area and for future space travel. The final decision will ultimately balance the needs of the Department of Defense and the commercial space industry.

Will space tourism take away from the natural beauty and cultural richness of The Bahamas?

Will it add to it?

Let’s see.