Wed Feb 19 01:20:00 UTC 2025: ## SpaceX Lands Falcon 9 Booster in the Bahamas, Opening New Orbital Possibilities
**CAPE CANAVERAL, FL** – SpaceX achieved a significant milestone in space exploration on February 18th, successfully landing a Falcon 9 rocket booster on a droneship stationed off the coast of The Bahamas. This marks the first time SpaceX has landed a booster in international waters, a feat made possible by a new collaboration with the Bahamian government.
The Falcon 9, on its 16th mission, launched 23 Starlink internet satellites into low Earth orbit from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Eight minutes later, the first stage completed its controlled descent and landed flawlessly on the droneship “Just Read the Instructions.”
This landing is particularly noteworthy because of its location. The partnership with The Bahamas allows SpaceX to access new landing zones, opening up the possibility of launching into previously unattainable orbital trajectories. Deputy Prime Minister Isaac Chester Cooper highlighted the significance of this achievement for The Bahamas, stating it positions the nation at the forefront of space innovation and provides opportunities for participation in the aerospace industry.
The successful launch was the 21st Falcon 9 mission for SpaceX in 2025, and the 16th for this particular booster. SpaceX streamed the launch live, and a replay is available online. This event further showcases SpaceX’s continued advancements in reusable rocket technology, pushing the boundaries of space exploration and international collaboration.
First Piper 