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SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Landings in Bahamas Suspended Pending Environmental Review
Bahamas Halts SpaceX Rocket Landings for Environmental Assessment
Nassau, Bahamas – Just months after SpaceX achieved its inaugural Falcon 9 rocket landing in the Bahamas, the nation has temporarily paused future landings. This suspension is to allow for a comprehensive environmental review, according to wire service reports. This decision follows the historic first landing and signals a cautious approach to space operations within Bahamian territory.
Government Initiates Environmental Review
A high-ranking Bahamas government official announced on Tuesday, April 15th, the immediate cessation of clearances for SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket touchdowns. Reuters reported the official stated this suspension will remain in effect until a “comprehensive environmental assessment” is fully conducted and scrutinized by authorities.
Official Statement on Suspension
According to Reuters, Latrae Rahming, the Bahamian Director of Communications, communicated the government’s stance via a post on social media platform X. Rahming stated, “No further authorizations will be granted until a full environmental assessment is reviewed.” This firm statement underscores the Bahamas’ commitment to environmental protection alongside technological advancements.
First Falcon 9 Landing and Future Plans
SpaceX successfully executed its first Falcon 9 landing within the Bahamas on February 18th. This event occurred during a mission to deploy a Starlink satellite constellation. The Falcon 9’s reusable first-stage booster returned from orbit and landed precisely on a SpaceX drone ship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean, offshore from the Bahamian archipelago.
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Bahamas Initially Anticipated Multiple Landings
Following the successful inaugural landing, SpaceX conveyed optimism about the new location. “Our novel landing collaboration with The Bahamas will enable Falcon 9 to launch to novel orbital trajectories,” the company posted on X. Bahamian officials had initially projected up to nineteen additional SpaceX landings throughout the current year. However, these projections were contingent upon customary regulatory approvals, as reported by Reuters. The current suspension now casts doubt on the originally anticipated frequency of landings.
Uncertainty Surrounds Suspension’s Cause
At present, it remains ambiguous whether this Falcon 9 landing moratorium in the Bahamas is connected to the recent uncontrolled reentry of SpaceX’s Flight 8 Starship vehicle. During a test launch on March 6th, the Starship vehicle disintegrated, scattering debris across areas of the Bahamas. It is crucial to note that SpaceX’s Starship, intended as a fully reusable spacecraft, represents a distinct and more advanced system compared to the operational reliability of the Falcon 9 series rockets.