New Bill Would Bring the Space Shuttle to Space Center Houston

Congressmen’s attempts to quietly re-home Discovery have drawn in more criticism than they seemingly expected, with historians arguing that the space shuttle deserves to remain living among the greats of aviation history. If their efforts fail, the icon will end up at Space Center Houston.

President Trump’s so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ was recently passed by the Senate in a 50–50 vote (with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie). The vague language buried in the massive legislation skirts earmark restrictions, simply ordering that a "space vehicle" be moved to a NASA center "involved in the administration of the Commercial Crew Program.”

The move stems from the Texas Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn’s ‘Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act’. It sets aside $85 million, part of nearly $10 billion in NASA appropriations, to facilitate the shuttle’s relocation and build a new display facility in Houston.  The National Air and Space Museum, however, estimates the true cost could range from $200 million to over $300 million.

Discovery has been on display at the Udvar-Hazy Center since 2012, after being ferried atop NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. It is the most flown shuttle in NASA’s fleet, with 39 missions and nearly 150 million miles traveled.

"Bringing such a historic space vehicle to the region would underscore the city's indispensable contributions to our space missions, highlight the strength of America's commercial space partnerships, and inspire future generations of engineers, scientists, and pioneers who will carry our legacy of American leadership in space," Cruz stated.

Many historians are confused about this decision, claiming that Discovery has earned its spot next to icons like the Enola Gay, the SR-71 Blackbird, and the Concorde. They argue that preserving this right should take priority over transferring the space shuttle for mere political gain.

FMI: www.airandspace.si.edu