News Summary
The future of the Space Shuttle Discovery in Virginia is in jeopardy as Texas lawmakers push for its relocation. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine are actively working to keep the shuttle at the Udvar-Hazy Center, arguing that moving it could risk damage and waste taxpayer money. With costs projected to exceed $150 million for the move, public sentiment favors retaining this important artifact in Virginia. The Smithsonian has raised concerns about potential disassembly and the implications for preserving its historical integrity.
Virginia – The future of the Space Shuttle Discovery, a prominent tourist attraction in Virginia, hangs in the balance as plans for its relocation to Texas progress. U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine are spearheading efforts to keep the Discovery at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia, where it has been displayed since April 2012.
As support for relocating the shuttle has gained traction among Texas lawmakers—most notably Republican Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz—the Virginia senators have taken action by sending a letter to Senate appropriators. This letter outlines their objections to the move, arguing that it would waste taxpayer dollars, risk damage to the shuttle, and limit public access to this significant artifact.
The estimated cost to relocate the Discovery is over $50 million, with an additional $325 million projected for essential planning, exhibit reconstruction, and new facilities in Texas. The proposed relocation site in Houston charges an entrance fee, contrasting with the free public admission offered at the Udvar-Hazy Center, which attracts millions of visitors annually.
Originally, the Discovery orbited Earth nearly 150 million miles over the course of 39 missions from 1984 until 2011. Its construction includes components specifically designed to endure extreme temperatures, highlighting its engineering significance. However, NASA Administrator assigned the remaining space shuttles to California, Florida, and New York, leaving Texas without a shuttle, despite its crucial role in human spaceflight history.
Complicating the matter further, the Smithsonian has announced expansion plans for the Udvar-Hazy Center aimed at improving artifact showcases, with completion slated for 2028. The Smithsonian cautions that the Discovery’s relocation could require disassembly, which carries the risk of causing irreparable damage to its historical integrity.
A recent letter indicates that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has asked the Smithsonian and NASA to prepare for the shuttle’s move, including determining costs. Cost estimates for the relocation have surged significantly, now projected between $120 million and $150 million, excluding expenses associated with constructing new facilities in Texas.
Concerns regarding the shuttle’s disassembly are prevalent, as the Discovery was not engineered to be taken apart, raising fears that such actions could permanently compromise its historical value. The prospect of relocating the shuttle also reflects a broader political struggle between Virginia and Texas over the shuttle’s rightful place.
The Smithsonian retains legal ownership of the Discovery and has emphasized its stewardship responsibility to preserve and ensure access to the shuttle for future generations. Public sentiments show strong support for keeping the shuttle in Virginia, with advocacy groups urging community members to voice their opinions to Congress.
Opponents of the transfer express concerns that enabling a relocation based on political influence could set a concerning precedent regarding national artifacts. The Smithsonian has described the proposed relocation as unprecedented and problematic, warning of the potential for legislative or political pressure to compromise its integrity.
With public outcry escalating and political lobbying intensifying, the future of the Space Shuttle Discovery remains uncertain as both Virginia and Texas lay claim to a piece of space exploration history. The outcome will have lasting implications for the preservation of significant artifacts and the legacy they represent to the nation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Virginia Mercury: Senators Kaine and Warner Seek to Keep Discovery Space Shuttle in the Commonwealth
- FFX Now: Smithsonian Directed to Prepare Space Shuttle Discovery for Relocation
- WUSA 9: Smithsonian Warns Relocation Would Require Disassembling Discovery
- Google Search: Space Shuttle Discovery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Space Shuttle
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
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