Jared Isaacman Promises NASA’s Discovery Shuttle Move to Houston, Reports Lawmaker
Jared Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur and private astronaut, is advocating for the relocation of the NASA space shuttle Discovery to Houston, Texas. This initiative has received support from U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
Discovery’s Journey and Legacy
Discovery was a prominent vehicle in NASA’s history, conducting 39 missions between 1984 and 2011. Following the retirement of the shuttle program, the four remaining shuttles were distributed to various museums across the country to honor and preserve America’s space exploration legacy.
- Space Shuttle Locations:
- Discovery: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Virginia
- Enterprise: Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, New York
- Atlantis: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Florida
- Endeavour: California Science Center, Los Angeles
The Plan for Relocation
In an email statement on December 1, 2025, Cornyn announced that Isaacman committed to support the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which includes provisions for moving Discovery in one piece from Virginia to Houston’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC). This center is recognized as a hub for human spaceflight innovation.
The bill, signed into law on July 4, allocates $85 million for the move and the establishment of a new display facility for Discovery. The relocation plan aims to enhance NASA’s role in maintaining the United States’ competitive stance in space exploration, particularly against countries like China.
Concerns and Controversies
Despite bipartisan support, the plan has stirred controversy. The Smithsonian argues it retains ownership of Discovery and that moving the shuttle could compromise its integrity as a historical artifact. Officials estimate that relocating Discovery could cost between $120 million and $150 million, far exceeding the allocated budget.
Isaacman is positioned to assist in advancing this initiative, pending his upcoming confirmation hearing scheduled for December 3, 2025. His initial nomination for the NASA leadership role was made by former President Donald Trump in January, with a subsequent re-nomination in early November.
Ultimately, the fate of the space shuttle Discovery hinges on further discussions within Congress and within the framework of travel, preservation, and public interest.
