Senators Attempt to Halt Shuttle Move, Citing "Little Evidence" of Public Demand
A group of senators has joined forces to block the relocation of space shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. to Houston's Johnson Space Center. The move, which was enacted into law earlier this year, aims to make the shuttle more accessible to a wider audience.
At the forefront of the opposition is Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), a former NASA astronaut who flew two missions aboard Discovery. "Why should hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars be spent just to jeopardize a piece of American history that's already protected and on display?" Kelly wrote in a social media post on Friday.
Kelly was joined by fellow Democratic senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, both of Virginia, and Dick Durbin of Illinois, who sent a letter to the leadership of the Senate Committee on Appropriations cautioning against the transfer. "We urge you to reconsider this ill-conceived plan," the letter stated. "Any effort to transfer the shuttle would waste taxpayer dollars, risk permanent damage to the shuttle, and mean fewer visitors would be able to see it for free."
The senators argue that there is little evidence of public demand for the shuttle's relocation. "We've seen no credible data or studies showing that moving the shuttle to Houston would increase its visibility or accessibility," Kelly said in an interview.
Background on the issue reveals that the Smithsonian has been struggling with overcrowding and maintenance issues at its National Air and Space Museum, which houses Discovery along with other historic aircraft and spacecraft. Proponents of the move argue that relocating the shuttle to a more spacious facility would allow for better preservation and display.
However, critics counter that the move would be costly and potentially damaging to the shuttle's integrity. "We're talking about a piece of history here," Kelly said. "It's not just a matter of moving it from one place to another; we need to consider its long-term preservation."
The Senate Committee on Appropriations has yet to respond to the senators' letter, but sources indicate that a decision is expected in the coming weeks.
Latest Developments:
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum has not commented on the senators' efforts to halt the shuttle's relocation.
NASA officials have stated that they are committed to making the shuttle more accessible to the public, but have not provided details on how this would be achieved.
A petition launched by a group of concerned citizens is gaining momentum, with over 10,000 signatures calling for the shuttle to remain at the Smithsonian.
As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the fate of space shuttle Discovery hangs in the balance. Will it stay at the Smithsonian, or will it make its way to Houston? Only time will tell.
*Reporting by Arstechnica.*
