After the Space Shuttle program ended in 2011, the four veteran spacecraft were sent to various museums across the United States. However, Texas, where NASA’s key Johnson Space Center is located, was left without a key exhibit. Now Republican Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz demand that the shuttle Discovery be returned from the Smithsonian Museum in Virginia to Houston by initiating the Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act bill. But is it realistic to do so?
Historical justice or politics
Texans believe: Houston, site of the Space Shuttle Mission Control Center, deservedly earned the right to have one of the vehicles which symbolize outstanding U.S. space achievements.
“The Obama administration ignored our input,” Cornyn said, accusing the previous administration of political bias. Cruz added that the shuttle at the Houston museum would symbolize Space City for future generations.
But it’s worth remembering: in 2012, when the shuttles were distributed, Texas didn’t take care of the application. Now it is technically almost impossible to move Discovery.
Logistical horror
According to CollectSpace, the special Boeing 747s that have been converted to transport shuttles to museums are no longer flying. One is already an exhibit and the other requires costly modifications. Even if an alternative is found, transporting the shuttle by ground would be a challenge: in 2012, covering 20 kilometers in Los Angeles took three days, requiring the cutting down of hundreds of trees.
Take Discovery apart and then put it back together? It would destroy the unique heat shielding elements that have retained value to science. In addition, large fragments cannot be transported by standard transportation anyway.
Doubtful bill
Senators seem to ignore the practicalities. They didn’t even consult with Houston Space Center management before filing the bill. Although the museum formally supports the idea, its representatives are surprised by the lack of prior dialog.
Discovery, which flew 39 missions between 1984 and 2011, is now a scientific treasure trove. Its “airworthy” condition makes it a unique exhibit for research. However, relocation would cause permanent damage.
Is history worth political ambition?
Texas’ attempt to “restore justice” is reminiscent of how politics interferes with cultural heritage preservation. But even if the law is passed, it could take years and cost millions to implement. Are American taxpayers ready for this, and isn’t it better to leave Discovery where it has already taught millions of people about the history of space?
For now, the shuttle remains in Virginia. But the fight over it reveals how past rivalries and contemporary ambitions continue to influence space history.
Earlier we reported on how Musk and Trump forced NASA to give up $420 million dollars.
