For months, Texas senators have been pushing to move NASA’s Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian to Houston’s Johnson Space Center. This effort could cost up to $150 million and has sparked debate.
New NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has a backup plan. In a recent interview with CNBC, he mentioned that relocating Discovery would depend on whether it could be done safely and within budget. If not, he suggested sending a different spacecraft, like an Orion capsule.
Isaacman stated, “If we can’t do that, we have spacecraft going around the Moon with Artemis missions. One way or another, we’re going to ensure Johnson Space Center gets a historic spacecraft.”
In April, Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz introduced legislation to bring Discovery home. This was later included in H.R. 1, a recent budget bill signed into law. This new version doesn’t specifically name Discovery or Johnson Space Center. Instead, it allocates $85 million for transferring a crewed spacecraft to a NASA center involved in commercial projects. The chosen vehicle must have flown into space and carried astronauts.
Discovery, the most-flown shuttle with 27 missions, fits these criteria. However, NASA hasn’t confirmed which spacecraft will be selected. Reports suggest it could be a retired shuttle, but the details are still unclear.
The possibility of moving Discovery has faced resistance. Senate Democrats, grassroots organizers, and the Smithsonian have expressed concerns about the risks and costs associated with disassembling the shuttle for transport. In an October letter, the Smithsonian stated that moving Discovery would require significant disassembly, risking damage to the historic vehicle. They estimate the cost could range from $120 million to $150 million, not including the expenses for a new facility in Houston.
Cornyn and Cruz have challenged these figures, even calling for a Department of Justice investigation into the Smithsonian’s opposition to the move. No investigation has been launched yet.
Whether NASA will proceed with the transfer remains uncertain. Opting to send an Orion capsule might be easier and cheaper since these spacecraft are much smaller and can be transported by truck.
Isaacman seems focused on finding a solution that satisfies both the senators and the space community. He highlighted that preserving Discovery and staying within budget are his priorities. Balancing these interests will be challenging, but it represents a crucial moment in the ongoing conversation about space heritage and its future.
### Additional Insights
Recent surveys show strong public interest in space missions and history, with over 70% of Americans supporting the preservation of significant space artifacts like the Discovery. Social media trends reflect a lively debate, with hashtags like #BringDiscoveryHome trending on Twitter.
Experts in the aerospace field point out that moving historic artifacts often sparks controversy, as seen with other displays in museums worldwide. Protecting historical pieces while accommodating future projects is a delicate balance.
With the advancements of NASA’s Artemis missions, the excitement around human exploration continues to grow. This context adds layers to the conversations about what happens to iconic spacecraft like the Discovery.
The outcome of this situation could set a precedent for how other historic space vehicles are handled in the future.
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