![\"1437px](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1437px-STS-133_Space_Shuttle_Discovery_after_undocking_3_cropped.jpg\"\/ "\\"Discovery")
On March 7, space shuttle Discovery is seen from the International Space Station during their separation after over a week of joint operations involving 12 astronauts and cosmonauts. During the undocking, both crews photographed each other\u2019s spacecraft.<\/p>\n
According to Space.com<\/a>, the cost of moving Discovery would likely range between $120 million and $150 million\u2014well beyond the $85 million allocated for both the relocation and construction of a new display facility. Compounding the issue, the two Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft are no longer operational museum artifacts themselves. As a result, the only feasible method of transport would involve dismantling Discovery for shipment by land and sea, a process that would cause irreversible damage to the orbiter and compromise its historical integrity.<\/p>\n In response to NASA\u2019s and the Smithsonian\u2019s findings, Texas Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn have launched an investigation into the Smithsonian, accusing the institution of obstructing the implementation of the legislation. We followed up with Joe Stief of KeepTheShuttle.org<\/a>, who expressed cautious optimism about Isaacman\u2019s decision. \u201cThis is obviously encouraging news. Administrator Isaacman is correctly stating that the cost and damage to Discovery may be problematic\u2014because they unquestionably will be,\u201d Stief said. \u201cNASA and the Smithsonian\u2019s minimum estimate to move the shuttle is $120 million to $150 million, and Discovery would have to be cut into pieces to accomplish it. That would cause irreparable damage to numerous preserved systems, most notably the thermal protection system\u2019s black tiles and white blankets.\u201d<\/p>\n Stief also noted that Isaacman\u2019s position may not represent a complete reversal of past thinking at NASA. \u201cHis predecessor, Sean Duffy, refused for months to state which spacecraft would be sent to Houston\u2014perhaps because he understood that the cost and logistics, among other issues, would be major hurdles.\u201d However, Stief cautioned that the issue is far from settled. \u201cThis fight isn\u2019t over. Senators Cornyn and Cruz have made it very clear for nearly a year that Discovery is their specific target, and I expect they will push back. They may attempt to pressure Administrator Isaacman, seek additional funding for the relocation, or pursue other avenues.\u201d \u201cWith that in mind,\u201d he added, \u201cwe\u2019re going to stay involved and oppose any further funding, while working with federal, state, and local allies to raise additional roadblocks wherever possible. The law requires that a spacecraft transfer occur by January 2027 under the OBBBA, so this will likely remain an active story for at least another year.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"1596px](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1596px-Space_Shuttle_Discovery_and_Carrier_747_at_Vandenberg_Air_Force_Base.png\"\/ "\\"Discovery")
Discovery and SCA 905 at Vandenberg Air Force Base, November 6, 1983<\/p>\n![\"sts](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/sts_41d_landing_41d-03299.webp.webp\"\/ "\\"Discovery")
Space Shuttle Discovery makes a perfect landing at Edwards AFB to end the STS-41D mission. [Image via NASA]<\/p>\n
![\"Keep](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Keep-The-Shuttle-Come-and-Take-it.jpg\"\/ "\\"Discovery")
<\/a>Parody of the \u201cCome and Take It\u201d flag used during the Texas Revolution.<\/p>\n