A significant controversy has arisen following President Donald Trump’s federal tax and spending bill, which allocates funds for the relocation of the Space Shuttle Discovery from its current home at the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, to the Johnson Space Center in Texas.
Discovery, a prominent exhibit at the Udvar-Hazy Center, is owned by the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, which received ownership of the shuttle in 2012.
A spokesperson from the Smithsonian emphasized that the preservation and display of artifacts like the Discovery are critical components of the museum’s mission.
However, questions loom over the legal authority under which Texas could lay claim to the shuttle, despite Congress possessing substantial funding authority over the Smithsonian, which receives approximately 62% of its budget from federal funds.
“Collecting and preserving artifacts like Space Shuttle Orbiter Discovery is part of the National Air and Space Museum’s mission and core function as a research facility and the repository of the national air and space collection,” stated the museum to FFXnow.
The law signed on July 4 includes $85 million set aside for the move, with $5 million designated specifically for the shuttle’s transport.
However, the Congressional Research Service clarifies that the Smithsonian has estimated that the costs for the relocation could soar much higher—around $50 million just for the move and as much as $325 million for a new permanent display facility.
Moreover, the Smithsonian has voiced concerns that moving the shuttle could potentially cause significant damage.
According to an official from the Air and Space Museum, transporting Discovery safely is fraught with challenges due to its fragile condition.
“Removing Discovery from the Udvar-Hazy Center and transporting it to another location would be very complicated and expensive, and likely result in irreparable damage to the shuttle and its components,” they said.
The spokesperson elaborated that the orbiter must be handled using standards and equipment originally employed by NASA, which exceed typical museum transport protocols.
The fragility of Discovery, especially considering its age and existing condition, places it at even greater risk.
Opposition to the proposed move has been widespread.
Both senators from Virginia have spoken out against the relocation, emphasizing the importance of keeping the shuttle in its current location.
Adding to the resistance is a grassroots initiative called Keep the Shuttle, founded by local resident Joe Stief.
Stief, who is so passionate about aerospace that he and his wife were married in front of the Discovery, argues that having the shuttle near the nation’s capital makes it uniquely accessible to millions.
“Millions of people have had really incredible experiences there and special memories with the shuttle over the last 10 years,” Stief contended.
He emphasized the shuttle’s significance as a core part of the collection and a highlight for visitors, raising concerns over the potential emotional and cultural loss if the shuttle is relocated.
Stief also expressed anxiety about the precedent this move could set if congressional leaders are permitted to leverage Smithsonian funding to transfer artifacts for political gains.
“This sets a really dangerous precedent where anything in the Smithsonian collection is at risk,” he cautioned.
He further illustrated his concerns by listing potential consequences, noting that artifacts could be removed based on political motivations.
“North Carolina could take the Wright Flyer, New York could take the Hope Diamond,” he warned.
“Even the ruby red slippers from the Wizard of Oz could go back to Kansas.”
Texas Senator John Cornyn (R) argued in favor of the move, claiming it would bring the shuttle to its “rightful home” in Houston.
“Harrison has long been the cornerstone of our nation’s human space exploration program, and it’s long overdue for Space City to receive the recognition it deserves by bringing the Space Shuttle Discovery home,” Cornyn stated.
The federal budget reconciliation bill stipulates that NASA’s administrator must identify a space vehicle for relocation by August 3 or within 30 days of the law being signed, with a timeline of 18 months allotted for the transfer.
Amidst this controversy, some Congressional members are actively working to halt the shuttle’s move.
The House Appropriations Committee approved an amendment on July 22 that would prohibit the use of funds allocated to the Smithsonian for the transfer of Discovery.
“I’m glad to see bipartisan support from the appropriations committee for keeping a treasured Smithsonian artifact where it belongs,” stated Rep. Joe Morelle (D-New York), who introduced the amendment.
Morelle further criticized the planned relocation, calling it “inappropriate, wasteful, and wrong.”
He affirmed that both the Smithsonian and American taxpayers should not be compelled to spend hundreds of millions on this
image source from：ffxnow
