Trump Signs “One Big Beautiful Bill” with $85 Million Shuttle Provision

In a sweeping 900-page budget package dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” President Trump included a little-noticed $85 million allocation to relocate a space vehicle—widely understood to be the shuttle Discovery—from the Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia to Space Center Houston near NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

What’s in the Bill?

• $85 million to transport and exhibit the shuttle in Houston by January 2027, with at least $5 million earmarked for transport logistics.
• A much broader $10 billion NASA fund, supporting Artemis missions, Gateway lunar station, ISS operations, and upgrades at five NASA centers—including $300 million for Johnson Space Center improvements.

Experts warn the logistics are daunting: the modified 747s used to ferry orbiters are retired, and shuttle transport costs may exceed $300 million—far beyond the budgeted amount. Houston supporters argue the move corrects a historic slight, while opponents say it’s politically driven and risky.

Why It Matters

• Houston’s space legacy: After being bypassed during the 2012 shuttle distribution, Texas lawmakers — Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn — pushed this provision to restore NASA heritage to Houston.
• Institutional friction: The Smithsonian warns of artifact damage and mission disruption, while former astronauts called the plan “ludicrous” and a misuse of taxpayer money.
• Symbolic tug-of-war: The move both cements federal support for U.S. space infrastructure and exposes the political tug-of-war over national treasures.

What Happens Next?

Moving Discovery would require chess-level logistics—barge transport, specialized equipment, and a newly built facility in Houston. NASA, the Smithsonian, and Space Center Houston now face a race against time—and budgets—to determine if Discovery will truly arrive in “Space City.”

Trump’s budget bill could bring Discovery home—but heavy logistical, financial, and political hurdles remain. This story is far from over.