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Texas Senators Push Controversial Move of Space Shuttle Discovery

12/31/2025

Summary

Story summary

Texas senators are pushing to relocate NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian to Houston's Johnson Space Center, a move that could cost between $120 million and $150 million.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman says the transfer's feasibility depends on safety and budget constraints.
If moving Discovery proves impractical, NASA might instead send a different spacecraft, such as an Orion capsule.
Senator Dick Durbin and other critics label the plan a "theft" and a "vanity project" and raise concerns about potential damage during transport.
The Smithsonian has raised alarms about the risks involved in disassembling Discovery for the move.

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Story summary

Texas senators are pushing to relocate NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian to Houston's Johnson Space Center, a move that could cost between $120 million and $150 million.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman says the transfer's feasibility depends on safety and budget constraints.
If moving Discovery proves impractical, NASA might instead send a different spacecraft, such as an Orion capsule.
Senator Dick Durbin and other critics label the plan a "theft" and a "vanity project" and raise concerns about potential damage during transport.
The Smithsonian has raised alarms about the risks involved in disassembling Discovery for the move.