TITLE: Senators Oppose Space Shuttle Discovery Relocation to Houston
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Lawmakers Challenge Spacecraft Transfer Plan
Four Democratic senators are contesting legislation that would move Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian Institution to Houston, describing the proposed relocation as an inefficient use of public funds that could potentially damage the historic spacecraft. The legislators, including former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly, contend there’s “little evidence of broad public demand” for transferring the orbiter that successfully completed 39 space missions during its operational lifetime.
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Bipartisan Opposition to Shuttle Relocation
Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), who flew two of his four space missions aboard Discovery, has united with Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine of Virginia and Dick Durbin of Illinois in opposing the shuttle’s transfer. In correspondence to Senate Appropriations Committee leadership, the senators requested blocking funding for the move in both the fiscal year 2026 Interior-Environment and Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations bills. They emphasized that Discovery has been publicly displayed at the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center for 13 years, where millions of visitors have viewed it without admission charges.
“Why should hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars be spent just to jeopardize a piece of American history that’s already protected and on display?” Kelly wrote in a social media post. The senators’ opposition responds to a campaign by Texas Republicans John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, who successfully added language to the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” enabling NASA to transfer Discovery to Space Center Houston. The provision includes $85 million for transportation and display, but the senators argue the actual costs could substantially exceed this amount according to their analysis.
Financial and Preservation Concerns
The senators raised significant financial concerns about the proposed relocation. According to their letter, the Smithsonian estimates transporting Discovery from Virginia to Houston could cost over $50 million, with an additional $325 million needed for planning, exhibit reconstruction, and new facilities. These figures substantially exceed the $85 million allocated in the legislation, potentially creating a massive unfunded mandate for taxpayers.
Beyond financial considerations, the lawmakers highlighted serious preservation risks. “Moving Discovery by barge or road would be far more complex than previous shuttle moves,” they wrote, noting the journey would expose the orbiter to saltwater, weather, and collision risks across a much longer route. The spacecraft’s aging heat tiles, which enabled repeated shuttle missions, are particularly fragile and irreplaceable. Any damage during transport could “permanently diminish its historical and cultural value for future generations,” according to the NASA documentation on shuttle preservation.
Accessibility and Public Interest Questions
The senators questioned whether moving Discovery would serve the public interest, noting that the Smithsonian provides free access while Space Center Houston charges admission. “The Smithsonian is unique among museums for providing visitors with access to a national treasure meant to inspire the American public without placing economic barriers,” they wrote. This distinction is particularly important for students, veterans, and families who might not afford admission fees at other institutions.
Their letter also challenged the fundamental premise for the move, stating “there is little evidence of broad public demand for such a transfer.” While acknowledging Houston’s central role in NASA’s human spaceflight program, the senators argued that “removing an item from the National Collection is not a viable solution” to address historical disappointments about shuttle placement decisions. The Smithsonian’s fact sheet shows Discovery has attracted over 10 million visitors since its 2012 installation at the Udvar-Hazy Center.
