Introduction to the Space Shuttle Discovery Debate
The Space Shuttle Discovery has been a topic of discussion among U.S. senators, with Texas’ two U.S. senators, Republicans John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, calling for the shuttle to be relocated from the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington, D.C., to the visitors center at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. They claim that Houston is the "rightful home" of the Space Shuttle Discovery, citing provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that call for the shuttle to be moved to Houston.
Background of the Debate
The debate surrounding the relocation of the Space Shuttle Discovery began in 2011, when NASA awarded shuttles to museums in California, Florida, and New York instead of Space Center Houston. At the time, Houston Mayor Annise Parker blamed "political calculations" for not including the home of the Johnson Space Center as a shuttle home, despite the fact that the astronauts who flew the shuttle lived and trained in Houston.
The Senators’ Proposal
Cornyn and Cruz have accused the Smithsonian Institution, which runs the National Air and Space Museum, of inflating the estimated cost of relocating the shuttle to Houston. The Smithsonian estimates that the cost could be $300 million to $400 million, with transportation alone totaling $50 million to $55 million. However, Cornyn and Cruz claim that private-sector logistics companies have provided estimates that are 10 times lower than those provided by the Smithsonian. They also accuse the Smithsonian of falsely claiming that the shuttle’s wings would need to be taken off ahead of the spacecraft’s trip to Houston.
Opposition to the Proposal
Four Democratic U.S. senators, including U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, a retired NASA astronaut and one-time Discovery commander, have expressed opposition to the relocation of the shuttle. They claim that the move would waste taxpayer dollars, endanger the shuttle, and lead to fewer people visiting the spacecraft. In a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee, the senators urge that federal funding for Discovery’s relocation be blocked, citing a cost of over $375 million for the move.
Logistical Challenges
The Smithsonian and NASA have expressed concerns that the shuttle would need to "undergo significant disassembly to be moved." Discovery is the most intact shuttle orbiter of the NASA program, and there are concerns that disassembling the vehicle would destroy its historical value. A lengthy article in Scientific American cites academics who support the Smithsonian’s view that the costs are higher than a private firm might estimate, highlighting the logistical challenges of moving the large, relatively fragile spacecraft across the country.
The Future of the Space Shuttle Discovery
Space Center Houston, the Smithsonian affiliate that serves as the visitors center for the Johnson Space Center, would likely be the future home of Discovery if the relocation is approved. The center has stated that it is focused on "planning a world-class home for Discovery," but has not commissioned independent estimates of relocation costs.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding the relocation of the Space Shuttle Discovery is complex and contentious, with both sides presenting valid arguments. While Cornyn and Cruz claim that Houston is the "rightful home" of the shuttle, others argue that the move would be a waste of taxpayer dollars and would endanger the shuttle. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the Senate Appropriations Committee and the allocation of federal funding for the relocation. As the discussion continues, it is essential to consider the historical significance of the Space Shuttle Discovery and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
