At a Glance
- Texas senators push to relocate NASA’s Discovery shuttle to Houston’s Johnson Space Center.
- NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman says the move hinges on safety and a $150 million budget ceiling.
- If the transfer fails, an Orion capsule could replace the shuttle at the center.
- Why it matters: The decision could reshape Texas’s space heritage and NASA’s budget priorities.
The debate over moving NASA’s iconic Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian to Houston has intensified as lawmakers push for a costly relocation. Administrator Jared Isaacman has outlined a contingency plan that weighs safety, budget limits, and the possibility of an Orion capsule instead.
NASA Administrator’s Contingency Plan
In a December 23 interview with News Of Philadelphia, Isaacman said the move would only proceed if it could be done without damaging Discovery and within the $150 million ceiling. He added that the Johnson Space Center would receive a historic spacecraft, whether that be Discovery or another vehicle.
Isaacman stated:
> “If we can’t do that, you know what, we have spacecraft going around the Moon with Artemis 2, 3, 4 and 5,” Isaacman said. “One way or another, we’re going to make sure Johnson Space Center gets its historic spacecraft right where it belongs.”
- The decision depends on safety and budget.
- Discovery is the most-flown shuttle in its 27-year history.
- An Orion capsule is a smaller, truck-transportable alternative.
Legislative Push and Funding
Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz introduced a bill in April to bring Discovery home, a provision later absorbed into the July 4 H.R. 1 reconciliation bill. The bill earmarks $85 million for a crewed spacecraft transfer to a NASA center involved in the commercial crew program.
| Funding | Transfer Criteria | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| $85 million | Must have flown to space, carried astronauts, and be approved by a third party chosen by the NASA administrator | Within 30 days of enactment |
Discovery fits the criteria, but the agency has not confirmed which vehicle will be selected. In August, Acting Administrator Sean Duffy chose a vehicle, but the name was not disclosed.
Costs, Risks, and Alternatives
The Smithsonian’s October letter estimates that moving Discovery would require significant disassembly, costing $120-$150 million, and would need a new Houston facility. Cornyn and Cruz have called for a DOJ investigation into the Smithsonian’s lobbying.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Disassembly and transport | $120-$150 million |
| New Houston facility | Not specified |
- Moving Discovery risks destruction of the historic vehicle.
- An Orion capsule would be cheaper and truck-transportable.
- The decision remains pending between NASA and the Smithsonian.
Key Takeaways
- The move hinges on safety, budget, and political pressure.
- $85 million is earmarked for a crewed spacecraft transfer under H.R. 1.
- Discovery’s transfer could cost up to $150 million, while an Orion capsule offers a cheaper alternative.
The debate continues as Isaacman balances historic preservation, fiscal responsibility, and political demands.
