Introduction to the Debate
Texas’ two U.S. senators, Republicans John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, have sparked a heated debate by calling for the relocation of the Space Shuttle Discovery 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. The senators argue that Houston is the "rightful home" of the Space Shuttle Discovery, citing provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that support the move.
Background of the Space Shuttle Discovery
The Space Shuttle Discovery has a rich history, having spent 365 days in space, the longest period of any NASA shuttle. It entered service in 1984 and was retired in 2011. Since 2012, it has been housed at the Smithsonian facility in Virginia. The discovery was a significant part of NASA’s space program, and its relocation has become a topic of discussion among lawmakers.
The Argument for Relocation
Senators Cornyn and Cruz believe that moving the shuttle to Houston would be a way to honor the intent of Congress and the legacy of America’s space program. They argue that the Johnson Space Center’s Mission Control operations and astronaut training program make Houston the ideal location for the Space Shuttle Discovery. The senators also claim that the Smithsonian Institution has inflated the estimated cost of relocating the shuttle to Houston, stating that private-sector logistics companies have provided estimates that are 10 times lower than those provided by the Smithsonian.
Opposition to the Relocation
However, not everyone agrees with the proposed relocation. Four Democratic U.S. senators, including U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, a retired NASA astronaut and a one-time Discovery commander, have expressed opposition to the move. They argue that relocating the shuttle would waste taxpayer dollars and endanger the shuttle. The senators claim that the cost of bringing Discovery to Houston would be over $375 million, including more than $50 million for the move itself and another $325 million for planning, new facilities, and exhibit reconstruction.
Concerns about the Move
The Smithsonian Institution and NASA have also expressed concerns about the relocation, stating that the shuttle would need to undergo significant disassembly to be moved. They believe that this could destroy the historical value of the spacecraft. The institution has estimated that the cost of relocating the shuttle could be $300 million to $400 million, with transportation alone totaling $50 million to $55 million.
The Role of Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston, the Smithsonian affiliate that serves as the visitors center for the Johnson Space Center, would likely be the future home of the Space Shuttle 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 over the relocation of the Space Shuttle Discovery is a complex issue, with both sides presenting valid arguments. While some lawmakers believe that Houston is the rightful home of the shuttle, others are concerned about the cost and potential risks associated with the move. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the Senate Appropriations Committee, which will need to weigh the pros and cons of the relocation and make a decision that is in the best interest of the American people.
