SpaceX landed a Falcon 9 rocket in Exuma Sound, The Bahamas, on February 19, 2026. The rocket, carrying 29 Starlink satellites, launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and returned to the same location where it touched down in February 2025. This mission marked the 26th successful landing for the rocket, designated 1077. The landing follows a year of controversy after a March 2025 test flight of SpaceX’s Starship megarocket ended in disaster, with debris falling on The Bahamas and temporarily halting the partnership. An environmental assessment later cleared the way for resumed landings.
The mission highlights SpaceX’s growing use of The Bahamas as a landing site for Falcon 9 rockets. The first landing there occurred in February 2025, but the 2025 Starship incident raised concerns about environmental risks. The Bahamas government paused the partnership until an assessment confirmed no long-term harm from the debris. SpaceX officials have said the Exuma Sound location offers strategic advantages for orbital trajectories, though critics argue more data is needed on the cumulative impact of rocket landings in the region.
The Falcon 9 rocket deployed its Starlink payload into low Earth orbit before returning to The Bahamas. Starlink aims to expand global broadband coverage, and the mission underscores SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to boost the network. The company has conducted over 200 Starlink launches since 2020, with the Bahamas serving as a key site for recovering first-stage boosters. This landing is the second in the nation, but the first since the Starship incident prompted a temporary pause.
Residents of the Exuma islands have mixed reactions. Some welcome the economic benefits from SpaceX’s presence, including job opportunities and infrastructure investments. Others remain wary of potential environmental damage, citing the 2025 incident. The Bahamas government has not yet announced plans for future landings but has expressed interest in continuing the collaboration if safety and environmental concerns are addressed. SpaceX has not commented publicly on the next steps for the partnership.