By ANNELIA NIXON

Tribune Business Reporter

anixon@tribunemedia.net

The deputy prime minister yesterdays said hosting the landing of a SpaceX rocket booster gives The Bahamas a platform to enter a space tourism sector expected to generate $14bn globally by 2030.

“It is a symbol of progress, innovation and the boundless potential of this nation,” former NASA rocket scientist and founder and CEO of STEMBoard, Aisha Bowe said yesterday. “This is not a rocket landing. It’s about opening the door to a multi-billion dollar space industry that will create new opportunities for tourism, technology and investment. By 2030, space tourism alone is expected expected to reach $14 billion. And right now, every year, over a million and a half people visit Florida’s Space coast to witness launches. Now, for the first time, those very same people can come to the Bahamas to witness landings and have a front row seat to history with Bahamas and SpaceX.”

Kimberly Furnish, the US Chargé d’Affaires, noted “the rapid expansion of the space industry is evident”.

“The US government, inclusive of our FAA colleagues, worked with the Bahamas Civil Aviation Administration and government ministries to protect national interests while enabling this growth in space industry. The cooperation serves as a model for other sectors. The rapid expansion of the space industry is evident not only in financial investments, but also on the number of satellites. The satellite industry association estimates that up to 110,000 new satellites can be in orbit by 2030. This presents opportunities for projects like SpaceX’s Starlink and other companies including those in The Bahamas to access mobile broadband and other space based technologies. The Falcon 9’s landing is more than a technical achievement, its a symbol of what we can accomplish when we work together to break barriers, to push boundaries and shape the future. I have no doubt that this is just the beginning of even greater things to come.”

With 20 landings scheduled for the year, Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation, said the space industry will create economic growth noting regulations allow fees possibly up to $100,000 per landing. However, he added that he sees the Falcon 9’s landing as a chance to develop an industry.

“The regulations provide for fees I believe upwards to $100,000 for each landing,” Mr Cooper said. “But we’re looking at this as an opportunity for the development of an industry. As you’ve heard, this industry is expected to be $14 trillion by the year 2045. Space tourism [is] expected to be 14 billion by the year 2030. There are significant possibilities as it relates to not just tourism but the advancement of this activity in The Bahamas... and therefore possibilities are indeed endless… 1.5 million persons a year visit Cape Canaveral to watch the liftoffs. So I belive we can multiply the possible economic impact of this activity. I think that is really the fundamental reasons why we are looking to do this. It’s a part of the development of an industry, quite frankly, that takes us, as I’ve said, beyond the beach. And this can truly be an amazing opportunity for The Bahamas and for Bahamians.

“With our proximity to Florida, stable weather and open waters, The Bahamas offers the ideal conditions for SpaceX operations. Astro tourism, or space tourism, is an emerging industry, as you heard, that will allow us to diversify our touristic offerings.

“Space tourism allows people to experience aspects of space exploration firsthand, whether through rocket launches or landings or space related attractions. The Bahamas is now at the centre of this movement with 20 landings scheduled this year subject to regulatory approvals. Visitors will not only enjoy our pristine shores but witness history in real time. No other place on Earth offers this combination of paradise and space exploration.

“Rocket booster landings will generate fresh economic activity, attracting more travelers, securing more heads and beds, boosting local businesses and introducing new experiences. For example, yacht excursions to watch rocket landings, some of which I am told are already organised for February 18th. Additionally, SpaceX is committed to establishing a space themed exhibit in The Bahamas and continuing the partnership and growing opportunities for The Bahamas. This expert will not only inspire Bahamians but also attract international visitors, further cementing The Bahamas as a destination at the forefront of innovation. It is yet another way we are putting our country on the map, drawing global attention, expanding what the world knows about The Bahamas beyond its natural beauty, beyond the beach.”

SpaceX will donate $1m to the University of The Bahamas for STEM education to foster “the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators”.

“This collaboration with SpaceX also creates opportunities for scientific exploration through science, technology, engineering and mathematics - STEM - and this process will continue with education at the University of the Bahamas,” Mr Cooper said. “It is an investment in The Bahamas and in Bahamians. SpaceX will engage Bahamian students and educators through quarterly STEM seminars, fostering the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators. SpaceX will donate $1m to the University of The Bahamas. We are not just spectators in this industry. We are participants shaping its future to strengthen science and technology education. We are proud to be the first international destination to host such a groundbreaking event. We’re not just hosting rocket landings, we are creating a legacy. We envisage that Bahamian students pursuing careers in aerospace, Bahamian engineers working on cutting edge technology and Bahamian scientists contributing to global innovation and the advancement of mankind. We are aspirational.”

On February 18, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket will launch from Florida’s Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. At approximately 6.08pm, Falcon 9’s first stage is expected to land on SpaceX’s autonomous droneship, off the coast of The Exumas.

“This momentous landing will be visible to audiences around the world by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism’s website, Tourism Today and SpaceX Channel, giving them a front row seat to this remarkable event,” Mr Cooper said. “We expect that The Bahamas will take center stage and for this landing to be viewed millions of times.”