Senator Cornyn Campaigns to Bring Space Shuttle Discovery to Houston

The Case for Discovery in Houston

• 🚀 Senator John Cornyn is leading a campaign to bring the retired Space Shuttle Discovery back to Houston, Texas.
• 💡 Despite Houston being known as "Space City" and a hub for human spaceflight, the Johnson Space Center was overlooked when retired shuttles were distributed in 2010.
• 📌 The current shuttle on display in Houston, Independence, is a replica, highlighting a perceived problem for those who want the real artifact.

Historical Context and Support

• 🎯 The Space Shuttle Discovery, which flew missions including the Hubble Space Telescope launch, is currently displayed at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Virginia.
• 👏 Tim Cobra, a former astronaut who flew on Discovery, emphasizes the importance of having the shuttle in Houston to represent the broader community of companies supporting human spaceflight.
• 🗣️ Senator Cornyn aims to include the legislation for Discovery's relocation in the "one big beautiful bill act."

Logistics and Timeline

• 💰 While the exact cost of moving the shuttle is not yet determined, the proposed plan involves housing it at Space Center Houston.
• 🚢 One suggested method for transport is bringing the shuttle to Houston via barge.
• 🗓️ If approved, the shuttle could potentially be on display in Houston within 18 months.