U.S. Senate Votes to Relocate Space Shuttle Discovery to Houston

News Summary

The U.S. Senate has approved a provision to move the Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian to Houston, recognizing the city’s vital role in America’s space exploration. Introduced by Senator John Cornyn, the bill allocates $85 million for the move and future transfers of crewed space vehicles to historically significant sites. The relocation, however, faces skepticism over costs and concerns from Virginia lawmakers regarding public access. Supporters, including retired astronauts, emphasize Houston’s historical ties to the Shuttle program. The move is planned to be completed by January 2027.

Houston, Texas

The U.S. Senate has passed a provision to relocate the Space Shuttle Discovery from its current home at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia back to Houston, Texas. This decision is aimed at recognizing Houston’s significant role in America’s human space exploration program and is included in the Senate’s reconciliation legislation, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill.

Senator John Cornyn of Texas introduced the provision, emphasizing that Houston, as the cornerstone of the nation’s human space exploration efforts, should have the shuttle returned to its historical home. The legislation saw backing from Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation Chairman Ted Cruz, who highlighted Houston’s pivotal role in manned spaceflight.

Details of the Provision

If enacted, the provision will authorize the transfer of the Discovery shuttle to an entity located near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The legislation stipulates that future transfers of crewed space vehicles must prioritize locations that have historical ties to NASA’s human spaceflight program. Alongside the transfer, the bill allocates $85 million for the move, of which at least $5 million is specifically set aside for transporting Discovery. The remaining funds are designated for the construction of a facility to showcase the shuttle in Houston.

Significance of the Space Shuttle Discovery

Discovery holds the record as the most-flown spacecraft in U.S. history, having completed 39 missions from 1984 until its retirement in 2011. The shuttle was retired alongside three other shuttles in 2010. According to the NASA Authorization Act of 2010, Congress had originally directed that the shuttles be allocated to states with historical connections to their operations, a directive that the Obama administration controversially did not fulfill for Discovery.

Cost Discrepancy and Concerns

While the moving costs outlined in the bill amount to $85 million, the Smithsonian has expressed skepticism about this budget, claiming that actual relocation expenses could soar to between $300 and $400 million. The Smithsonian cites that the original costs for the 2012 moves were over $28 million each for the retired shuttles and insists that Discovery is owned by them, having been transferred in 2012 with all associated rights.

Public Reaction and Challenges

The planned move has spawned some resistance, particularly from lawmakers in Virginia and segments of the public who fear that relocating the shuttle may restrict access and impact historic preservation. Critics assert that the shuttle should remain accessible to a broader audience who visits its current location. The bipartisan bill includes a mandate for the relocation to be completed by January 4, 2027.

Support for the Relocation

Supporters of the move, including retired astronaut Tim Kopra, have argued that the relocation would reinforce Houston’s long-standing connection to the Space Shuttle program and its ongoing capabilities in supporting human spaceflight initiatives. Space Center Houston has expressed its readiness to accommodate Discovery, although details regarding its future display and related facilities are still forthcoming.

As plans progress, the community of Houston prepares for what could become a significant landmark for education and inspiration, highlighting the city’s historical importance in the realm of space exploration. The outcome of this provision and the actual move remains closely watched by both supporters and critics alike.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Texas Senators Propose Moving Space Shuttle Discovery

Additional Resources

• KHOU
• Space.com
• WUSA9
• Houston Chronicle
• Wikipedia: Space Shuttle Discovery