Space Shuttle Discovery, the most-flown spacecraft in NASA’s fleet, completed 39 missions between 1984 and 2011, including launching the Hubble Space Telescope and aiding in the construction of the International Space Station. Since its retirement, it has been a centerpiece at the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, drawing millions of visitors annually. The bill, dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” mandates that Discovery be moved to Space Center Houston by January 2027, with $5 million earmarked for transportation and the remainder for constructing a new facility to house the orbiter.
The push to relocate Discovery stems from long-standing frustration in Texas. When NASA retired its shuttle fleet in 2011, Houston, home to the Johnson Space Center, was not selected as a permanent display site for any of the four orbiters, a decision Texas lawmakers called a snub. Senators Cruz and Cornyn, who introduced the “Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act” in April 2025, argue that Houston’s role in managing the shuttle program for decades justifies bringing Discovery to the city known as “Space City.” 
Logistical Challenges and High Costs
Moving a space shuttle is no small feat. In 2012, when the orbiters were distributed to museums, NASA used modified Boeing 747s to transport them. Those aircraft are no longer flightworthy, with one on display at Space Center Houston alongside a shuttle replica. Alternative methods, such as barge transport, pose significant risks, including potential damage from exposure to the elements. The Smithsonian estimates the total cost of the move, including transportation and new facility construction, could exceed $300 million—far above the $85 million allocated in the bill. A former NASA program manager cited costs of $35 million for air and ground transport or $40 million for barge and ground, but these figures exclude additional expenses like building a new exhibit.
The Smithsonian has raised concerns about the “extremely complex and difficult” nature of the transfer, warning of a “significant” risk of damage to Discovery. Edward McManus, a former conservator at the National Air and Space Museum, emphasized that moving an artifact of this size always carries risks, regardless of precautions. Critics, including former astronaut Garrett Reisman, have called the move “ludicrous and unnecessary,” arguing that the funds would be better invested in NASA’s science programs, which face potential cuts under Trump’s 2026 budget proposal.
A Political and Cultural Debate
The provision to relocate Discovery was tucked into the 900-page bill, which also includes controversial measures like expanded deportations, social service cuts, and stalled clean energy projects. The vague language, referring only to a “space vehicle” to be moved to a NASA center involved in the Commercial Crew Program, was designed to comply with Senate rules restricting reconciliation bills. The Senate passed the bill 50-50, with Vice President J.D. Vance breaking the tie, and the House approved it 218-214, with only Republican support.
Houston’s advocates argue that the move would boost educational and economic opportunities in the region, aligning with its legacy as a hub of human spaceflight. Space Center Houston already houses a shuttle mockup, Independence, atop a retired NASA 747, and adding Discovery could enhance its appeal as a destination. However, opponents, including the Smithsonian, argue that removing an artifact from its collection is unprecedented. The institution owns Discovery outright, having received it from NASA in 2012, and views it as a trust object held for the American public, not government property subject to transfer.
Broader Implications for NASA
The bill also allocates nearly $10 billion for NASA programs, including funding for the Artemis program, the International Space Station, and a new Mars telecommunications orbiter, countering Trump’s proposed cuts to these initiatives. However, the focus on relocating Discovery has drawn scrutiny, especially as NASA’s science budget faces a potential $3.4 billion reduction. Critics argue that prioritizing a costly shuttle move over scientific research reflects political motivations over national interest.
The debate underscores tensions between regional pride and national heritage. While Texas lawmakers see the relocation as righting a historical wrong, others view it as a risky and expensive endeavor that could set a precedent for removing artifacts from the Smithsonian’s care. As the January 2027 deadline approaches, the logistics, costs, and cultural implications of moving Discovery will remain a point of contention.
