WASHINGTON, D.C.— Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn from Texas have introduced a bill in the U.S. Senate aiming to relocate the Space Shuttle Discovery to Space Center Houston.
The legislation proposes that the shuttle, currently part of the Smithsonian Institution’s collection at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia, be moved to the museum near NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Senator Cruz emphasized the importance of Space Center Houston, which serves as the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, in housing a space shuttle. He called it an opportunity to showcase an iconic piece of space history.
Senator Cornyn also supported the proposal, noting that moving the shuttle to Houston would honor the city’s strong ties to American space exploration and enhance tourism and educational opportunities.
The Space Shuttle Discovery, one of NASA’s most historic orbiters, flew 39 missions from its maiden voyage in 1984 until its retirement. Its missions included the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope and multiple trips to the International Space Station.
Space Center Houston, an affiliate of the Smithsonian since 2014, is a major tourist destination in Texas. It currently displays a replica shuttle on top of a Boeing 747 in Independence Plaza.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has voiced support for the bill, highlighting that bringing Discovery to the city would strengthen Houston’s connection to NASA’s legacy. The move would be seen as a further step in recognizing Houston as a critical site in space exploration.
While officials in Virginia, where the shuttle is currently displayed, have not yet commented on the bill, the Smithsonian Institution has acknowledged the proposal and expressed a willingness to engage in discussions with the relevant parties to ensure the shuttle remains accessible to the public.