Latest news with #ChesterCooper
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How SpaceX's rocket diplomacy backfired in the Bahamas
By Joey Roulette NASSAU, Bahamas (Reuters) -When SpaceX was negotiating a deal with the Bahamas last year to allow its Falcon 9 rocket boosters to land within the island nation's territory, Elon Musk's company offered a sweetener: complimentary Starlink internet terminals for the country's defense vessels, according to three people familiar with the matter. The rocket landing deal, unlocking a more efficient path to space for SpaceX's reusable Falcon 9, was then signed in February last year by Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, who bypassed consultation with several other key government ministers, one of the sources and another person familiar with the talks said. Reuters could not determine the dollar value of the Starlink arrangement or the number of vessels outfitted with Starlink terminals. The Bahamian military, mostly a sea-faring force with a fleet of roughly a dozen vessels, did not respond to a request for comment. Reuters found no evidence that Cooper broke any laws or regulations in striking the deal with SpaceX, but the people said the quick approval created tension within the Bahamian government. By this April, two months after the first and only Falcon 9 booster landed off the nation's Exuma coast, the Bahamas announced it had put the landing agreement on hold. The government said publicly it wanted a post-launch investigation after the explosion in March of a different SpaceX rocket, Starship, whose mid-flight failure sent hundreds of pieces of debris washing ashore on Bahamian islands. But the suspension was the result of the blindsided officials' frustration as well, two of the people said. "While no toxic materials were detected and no significant environmental impact was reported, the incident prompted a reevaluation of our engagement with SpaceX," Cooper, also the country's tourism chief, told Reuters through a spokesperson. SpaceX did not respond to questions for comment. Cooper and the prime minister's office did not respond to questions about how the rocket landing deal was arranged. SpaceX's setbacks in the Bahamas – detailed in this story for the first time – offer a rare glimpse into its fragile diplomacy with foreign governments. As the company races to expand its dominant space business, it must navigate the geopolitical complexities of a high-stakes, global operation involving advanced satellites and orbital-class rockets – some prone to explosive failure – flying over or near sovereign territories. These political risks were laid bare last month when Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government was considering taking legal action against SpaceX over 'contamination' related to Starship launches from Starbase, the company's rocket site in Texas, 2 miles north of the Mexican border. Her comments came after a Starship rocket exploded into a giant fireball earlier this month on a test stand at Starbase. Responding to Sheinbaum on X, SpaceX said its teams have been hindered from recovering Starship debris that landed in Mexican territory. MISSION TO MARS SpaceX is pursuing aggressive global expansion as Musk, its CEO, has become a polarizing figure on the world stage, especially following high-profile clashes with several governments during his time advising President Donald Trump. More recently he has fallen out with Trump himself. Starlink, SpaceX's fast-growing satellite internet venture, is a central source of revenue funding Musk's vision to send human missions to Mars aboard Starship. But to scale globally, SpaceX must continue to win the trust of foreign governments with which it wishes to operate the service, as rivals from China and companies like Jeff Bezos' Amazon ramp up competing satellite networks. The company's talks with Bahamian officials show how Starlink is also seen as a key negotiating tool for SpaceX that can help advance other parts of its business. According to SpaceX's orbital calculations, the Falcon 9 rocket can carry heavier payloads and more satellites to space if its booster is allowed to land in Bahamian territory. Meanwhile, Starship's trajectory from Texas to orbit requires it to pass over Caribbean airspaces, exposing the region to potential debris if the rocket fails, as it has in all three of its test flights this year. SpaceX's deal with the Bahamas, the government said, also included a $1 million donation to the University of Bahamas, where the company pledged to conduct quarterly seminars on space and engineering topics. The company must pay a $100,000 fee per landing, pursuant to the country's space regulations it enacted in preparation for the SpaceX activities. While SpaceX made steep investments for an agreement prone to political entanglement, the Falcon 9 booster landings could resume later this summer, two Bahamian officials said. Holding things up is the government's examination of a SpaceX report on the booster landing's environmental impact, as well as talks among officials to amend the country's space reentry regulations to codify a better approval process and environmental review requirements, one of the sources said. Arana Pyfrom, assistant director at the Bahamas' Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, said SpaceX's presence in the country is "polarizing". Many Bahamians, he said, have voiced concerns to the government about their safety from Starship debris and pollution to the country's waters. "I have no strong dislike for the exploration of space, but I do have concerns about the sovereignty of my nation's airspace," Pyfrom said. "The Starship explosion just strengthened opposition to make sure we could answer all these questions." STARSHIP FAILURES ROCK ISLANDS Starship exploded about nine and a half minutes into flight on March 6 after launching from Texas, in what the company said was likely the result of an automatic self-destruct command triggered by an issue in its engine section. It was the second consecutive test failure after a similar mid-flight explosion in January rained debris on the Turks and Caicos Islands, a nearby British overseas territory. Matthew Bastian, a retired engineer from Canada, was anchored in his sailboat on vacation near Ragged Island, a remote island chain in southern Bahamas, just after sunset when he witnessed Starship's explosion. What he initially thought was a rising moon quickly became an expanding fireball that turned into a "large array of streaking comets." "My initial reaction was 'wow that is so cool,' then reality hit me – I could have a huge chunk of rocket debris crash down on me and sink my boat!" he said. "Fortunately that didn't happen, but one day it could happen to someone." Thousands of cruise ships, ferries, workboats, fishing boats, yachts and recreational sailboats ply the waters around Caribbean islands each year, maritime traffic that is crucial for the Bahamas tourism industry. Within days of the explosion, SpaceX dispatched staff and deployed helicopters and speedboats to swarm Ragged Island and nearby islands, using sonar to scan the seafloor for debris, four local residents and a government official told Reuters. On the surface, recovery crews hauled the wreckage from the water and transferred it onto a much larger SpaceX vessel, typically used to catch rocket fairings falling back from space, the people said. The SpaceX team included its vice president of launch, Kiko Dontchev, who emphasized in a news conference with local reporters that the rocket is entirely different from the Falcon 9 boosters that would land off the Exuma coast under SpaceX's agreement. Joe Darville, chairman of a local environmental organization called Save The Bays, was angered by the Starship debris, as well as what he described as a "deal done totally in secret" over the Falcon 9 agreement. As Bahamian waters become increasingly polluted and coral reefs shrink, he's unhappy with the lack of transparency in his government's dealings with SpaceX. "Something like that should have never been made without consultation of the people in the Bahamas," he said. Pyfrom, the official from the Bahamas' environmental agency, said the review of the SpaceX report and the approval process will show "where we fell short, and what we need to improve on." SpaceX, meanwhile, is forging ahead with Starship. Musk said earlier this month he expects the next Starship rocket to lift off within the next three weeks. Sign in to access your portfolio
Reuters
29-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
How SpaceX's rocket diplomacy backfired in the Bahamas
NASSAU, Bahamas, July 29 (Reuters) - When SpaceX was negotiating a deal with the Bahamas last year to allow its Falcon 9 rocket boosters to land within the island nation's territory, Elon Musk's company offered a sweetener: complimentary Starlink internet terminals for the country's defense vessels, according to three people familiar with the matter. The rocket landing deal, unlocking a more efficient path to space for SpaceX's reusable Falcon 9, was then signed in February last year by Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, who bypassed consultation with several other key government ministers, one of the sources and another person familiar with the talks said. Reuters could not determine the dollar value of the Starlink arrangement or the number of vessels outfitted with Starlink terminals. The Bahamian military, mostly a sea-faring force with a fleet of roughly a dozen vessels, did not respond to a request for comment. Reuters found no evidence that Cooper broke any laws or regulations in striking the deal with SpaceX, but the people said the quick approval created tension within the Bahamian government. By this April, two months after the first and only Falcon 9 booster landed off the nation's Exuma coast, the Bahamas announced it had put the landing agreement on hold. The government said publicly it wanted a post-launch investigation after the explosion in March of a different SpaceX rocket, Starship, whose mid-flight failure sent hundreds of pieces of debris washing ashore on Bahamian islands. But the suspension was the result of the blindsided officials' frustration as well, two of the people said. "While no toxic materials were detected and no significant environmental impact was reported, the incident prompted a reevaluation of our engagement with SpaceX," Cooper, also the country's tourism chief, told Reuters through a spokesperson. SpaceX did not respond to questions for comment. Cooper and the prime minister's office did not respond to questions about how the rocket landing deal was arranged. SpaceX's setbacks in the Bahamas – detailed in this story for the first time – offer a rare glimpse into its fragile diplomacy with foreign governments. As the company races to expand its dominant space business, it must navigate the geopolitical complexities of a high-stakes, global operation involving advanced satellites and orbital-class rockets – some prone to explosive failure – flying over or near sovereign territories. These political risks were laid bare last month when Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government was considering taking legal action against SpaceX over 'contamination' related to Starship launches from Starbase, the company's rocket site in Texas, 2 miles north of the Mexican border. Her comments came after a Starship rocket exploded into a giant fireball earlier this month on a test stand at Starbase. Responding to Sheinbaum on X, SpaceX said its teams have been hindered from recovering Starship debris that landed in Mexican territory. SpaceX is pursuing aggressive global expansion as Musk, its CEO, has become a polarizing figure on the world stage, especially following high-profile clashes with several governments during his time advising President Donald Trump. More recently he has fallen out with Trump himself. Starlink, SpaceX's fast-growing satellite internet venture, is a central source of revenue funding Musk's vision to send human missions to Mars aboard Starship. But to scale globally, SpaceX must continue to win the trust of foreign governments with which it wishes to operate the service, as rivals from China and companies like Jeff Bezos' Amazon ramp up competing satellite networks. The company's talks with Bahamian officials show how Starlink is also seen as a key negotiating tool for SpaceX that can help advance other parts of its business. According to SpaceX's orbital calculations, the Falcon 9 rocket can carry heavier payloads and more satellites to space if its booster is allowed to land in Bahamian territory. Meanwhile, Starship's trajectory from Texas to orbit requires it to pass over Caribbean airspaces, exposing the region to potential debris if the rocket fails, as it has in all three of its test flights this year. SpaceX's deal with the Bahamas, the government said, also included a $1 million donation to the University of Bahamas, where the company pledged to conduct quarterly seminars on space and engineering topics. The company must pay a $100,000 fee per landing, pursuant to the country's space regulations it enacted in preparation for the SpaceX activities. While SpaceX made steep investments for an agreement prone to political entanglement, the Falcon 9 booster landings could resume later this summer, two Bahamian officials said. Holding things up is the government's examination of a SpaceX report on the booster landing's environmental impact, as well as talks among officials to amend the country's space reentry regulations to codify a better approval process and environmental review requirements, one of the sources said. Arana Pyfrom, assistant director at the Bahamas' Department of Environmental Planning and Protection, said SpaceX's presence in the country is "polarizing". Many Bahamians, he said, have voiced concerns to the government about their safety from Starship debris and pollution to the country's waters. "I have no strong dislike for the exploration of space, but I do have concerns about the sovereignty of my nation's airspace," Pyfrom said. "The Starship explosion just strengthened opposition to make sure we could answer all these questions." Starship exploded about nine and a half minutes into flight on March 6 after launching from Texas, in what the company said was likely the result of an automatic self-destruct command triggered by an issue in its engine section. It was the second consecutive test failure after a similar mid-flight explosion in January rained debris on the Turks and Caicos Islands, a nearby British overseas territory. Matthew Bastian, a retired engineer from Canada, was anchored in his sailboat on vacation near Ragged Island, a remote island chain in southern Bahamas, just after sunset when he witnessed Starship's explosion. What he initially thought was a rising moon quickly became an expanding fireball that turned into a "large array of streaking comets." "My initial reaction was 'wow that is so cool,' then reality hit me – I could have a huge chunk of rocket debris crash down on me and sink my boat!" he said. "Fortunately that didn't happen, but one day it could happen to someone." Thousands of cruise ships, ferries, workboats, fishing boats, yachts and recreational sailboats ply the waters around Caribbean islands each year, maritime traffic that is crucial for the Bahamas tourism industry. Within days of the explosion, SpaceX dispatched staff and deployed helicopters and speedboats to swarm Ragged Island and nearby islands, using sonar to scan the seafloor for debris, four local residents and a government official told Reuters. On the surface, recovery crews hauled the wreckage from the water and transferred it onto a much larger SpaceX vessel, typically used to catch rocket fairings falling back from space, the people said. The SpaceX team included its vice president of launch, Kiko Dontchev, who emphasized in a news conference with local reporters that the rocket is entirely different from the Falcon 9 boosters that would land off the Exuma coast under SpaceX's agreement. Joe Darville, chairman of a local environmental organization called Save The Bays, was angered by the Starship debris, as well as what he described as a "deal done totally in secret" over the Falcon 9 agreement. As Bahamian waters become increasingly polluted and coral reefs shrink, he's unhappy with the lack of transparency in his government's dealings with SpaceX. "Something like that should have never been made without consultation of the people in the Bahamas," he said. Pyfrom, the official from the Bahamas' environmental agency, said the review of the SpaceX report and the approval process will show "where we fell short, and what we need to improve on." SpaceX, meanwhile, is forging ahead with Starship. Musk said earlier this month he expects the next Starship rocket to lift off within the next three weeks.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bahamasair Signs Landmark MOU and Interline Agreement with Emirates
Milestone agreement enhances visitor access and supports Bahamasair's modernization. Nassau, The Bahamas, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation announces a major advancement in global airlift following the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Interline Agreement between Bahamasair and Emirates Airline. The signing took place in Delhi, India, marking a pivotal step toward strengthening The Bahamas' connectivity to international source markets. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, describes the agreement as a bold move to expand The Bahamas' presence in key global regions. 'This partnership with Emirates is a game-changer for The Bahamas,' says Minister Cooper. 'It allows us to tap into a powerful global network across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond, bringing more visitors to our shores, strengthening our airlift strategy, and elevating Bahamasair as a regional connector. The fact that Emirates is moving swiftly on implementation is a clear sign of confidence in The Bahamas as a destination and in the potential of this collaboration.' The interline agreement creates a framework for travelers to book seamless, single-ticket journeys from any destination within Emirates' network to The Bahamas via strategic gateway cities. In addition to passenger connectivity, Emirates commits to a range of technical and operational support for Bahamasair. This includes staff training opportunities, the adoption of best practice policies, joint marketing presentations to its global sales teams, and the exploration of Bahamasair's potential inclusion in Emirates' Skywards frequent flyer program. Discussions also include collaboration on cargo services through Miami, opening the door to increased commercial opportunities between India and The Bahamas. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airlines said: 'We are pleased to establish an interline partnership with Bahamasair to expand our reach to new and exciting destinations and offer travel options for our customers planning journeys to the Caribbean nation. The interline partnership offers customers the convenience of connecting in Florida for travel onwards to points across the Islands of The Bahamas, while enjoying competitive fare pricing, the convenience of booking the entire journey on a single ticket and a generous baggage policy. 'This partnership also supports our agreement with The Bahamas' Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote the Caribbean destination across our network.' Tracy Cooper, Managing Director of Bahamasair, echoed the significance of the partnership, noting that the agreement positions the national carrier for long-term growth. 'This partnership significantly elevates Bahamasair's global profile and opens access to invaluable expertise and new markets. By aligning with one of the world's most respected airlines, we strengthen our capabilities and lay the groundwork for sustained international growth.' Minister Cooper was joined by a high-level delegation including Anthony Stuart, Senior Director for Emerging Markets at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation; His Excellency Tony Joudi, Ambassador of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas to the United Arab Emirates; Inell Collie, Legal Counsel for Bahamasair; and representing Emirates Airlines, Anand Lakshminarayanan, Divisional Senior Vice President, Revenue Optimisation, Order Management, and Airline Partnerships, and Mr. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President & Chief Commercial Officer. For the latest travel information and inspiration, visit About The BahamasThe Bahamas has over 700 islands and cays, as well as 16 unique island destinations. Located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, it offers a quick and easy way for travelers to escape their everyday. The island nation also boasts world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the Earth's most spectacular beaches for families, couples and adventurers to explore. See why It's Better in The Bahamas at on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram. CONTACT: Anita Johnson Patty The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism ajohnson@ Bahamas USA FINN Bahamas Bahamasusa@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Travel Daily News
11-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
The Bahamas brings its distinct experiences to Florida
The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation and destination stakeholders will emphasize that The Bahamas offers far more than a single getaway, inviting travelers to return repeatedly to discover the country's rich diversity. NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation will launch a series of regional sales and marketing missions targeting one of its most lucrative and closely connected markets, Florida . A delegation led by the Honourable I. Chester Cooper , Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, will host events on 10 and 11 June, along with Director General Latia Duncombe and other senior officials. With the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale DMA recording the highest number of U.S. arrivals in January and February 2025, and year-over-year growth continuing from key cities such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa and Boca Raton, officials are determined to harness this momentum to secure long-term growth, deepen trade partnerships, and showcase the latest tourism innovations and development plans. 'Our mission to Florida is vital because it strengthens connections with a market that drives significant revenue into the Bahamian economy. By refreshing these ties and targeting key niche travelers we ensure that more bookings flow directly to Bahamian businesses and communities. This collaboration strengthens the bond between our two destinations, unlocking new opportunities and driving multi-destination travel that amplifies tourism's positive impact throughout The Bahamas. We are forging a future where tourism fuels sustainable growth,' said DPM Cooper. Following the launch of its latest advertising campaign, It's not one island, it's a lifetime of them, the Ministry and destination stakeholders will emphasize that The Bahamas offers far more than a single getaway, inviting travelers to return repeatedly to discover the country's rich diversity. The team will engage with a broad range of tourism industry professionals including wholesalers, travel specialists, journalists, potential investors, airlines, and corporate partners. These strategic meetings will offer valuable opportunities to build connections with product specialists, participate in in-depth discussions during Q&A sessions, explore new product developments, and experience authentic Bahamian culture firsthand – complete with local culinary delights, rhythmic music, refreshing cocktails, and a lively Junkanoo rush-out. DG Duncombe added, 'Florida is a key market and an essential part of our growth strategy. These missions reinforce our most strategic partnerships and showcase the depth and diversity of product offerings across our 16 island destinations. Every engagement drives booking potential, unlocks new trade opportunities, and strengthens tourism's contribution to national development. That is the true spirit of a lifetime of islands.'
Travel Daily News
10-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
The Bahamas partners with The New York Yankees
The Bahamas partners with the New York Yankees for the 2025 season, enhancing tourism visibility through in-stadium branding, digital activations, and fan engagement. NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS – The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) announce a partnership with the iconic New York Yankees for the 2025 baseball season, solidifying The Bahamas as a proud partner of one of the most celebrated sports franchises in the world. As part of this strategic collaboration, the destination will engage with Yankees fans throughout the season via in-stadium branding, digital activations, and hospitality events. Leveraging the global power of sports, the initiative aligns with The Bahamas' broader tourism strategy to inspire travel and deepen emotional connections with visitors. 'The New York Yankees represent a global standard of excellence, and we are proud to partner with such an iconic organization,' said the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation. 'This partnership allows us to connect directly with Yankees fans and invite them to explore our beautiful islands, vibrant culture, and unmatched experiences. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or authentic Bahamian hospitality, there's a place for everyone in The Bahamas.' Fans can expect to see The Bahamas featured in Yankee Stadium with branding displayed on concourse televisions, LED animations in the Great Hall and on field-facing LED displays throughout the season. The country will also host a sweepstakes providing bucket list travel opportunities for fans, which will be promoted via Yankees social media. Latia Duncombe, Director General of the BMOTIA added: 'Partnering with the New York Yankees reinforces The Bahamas' position as a world-class destination with global appeal. This collaboration provides direct access to one of our most important visitor markets and enables us to showcase the diverse, authentic experiences of our islands to millions of fans throughout the season. It marks a strategic step in our ongoing efforts to drive visitation and elevate The Bahamas on one of the world's most influential platforms.' 'We are excited to welcome The Bahamas as a partner this season,' said Michael J. Tusiani, New York Yankees Senior Vice President of Partnerships. 'With in-Stadium branding, engaging activations, and promotion on Yankees social media accounts, we expect that the multi-faceted exposure to our fans will result in increased recognition of The Bahamas as a premier tourist destination.'
