Virginia Says “Hands Off” Discovery Shuttle: Udvar‑Hazy Center May Keep Its Star Attraction

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A federal budget bill just reignited a fiery space turf war—and Fairfax County is not backing down.

A new provision in the U.S. Senate budget bill proposes relocating the Discovery space shuttle from its longtime home at the Smithsonian’s Steven F. Udvar‑Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, to the Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX—allocating $85 million for the move.

But the Smithsonian asserts it isn’t going anywhere.

“Our position is that the Discovery is staying right where it is,”
— Chris Browne, Director of the National Air and Space Museum (via the Washington Business Journal)

Why It Matters for Virginia

The Discovery isn’t just any spacecraft. It’s the most‑flown orbiter in NASA history, with 39 missions, including the Hubble servicing mission. Since arriving at Udvar‑Hazy in 2012, it has drawn over one million visitors annually, fueling local tourism, restaurants, hotels, and education.

Even with that draw, I’ve got a fun local perspective: I’ve had family visit from Bolivia—twice—and neither time did they want to see the shuttle. But it’s still a cornerstone attraction and a major economic driver.

Texas Senators Want It Back

Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz say Houston deserves the shuttle, citing its deep roots in the space program. Their “Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act” pushes back against the shuttle’s 2011 placement in Virginia.

But that placement came with a permanent transfer agreement. NASA handed Discovery to the Smithsonian “in perpetuity,” making it part of the institution’s museum collection—not federal property. The Smithsonian emphasizes that ensuring public access and preservation were key priorities.

“Discovery belongs in the national collection available for everyone to see free of charge,”
— Smithsonian statement as shared by FFXnow

A Costly Proposal

Virginia Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner oppose the plan, labeling it a “significant waste of taxpayer resources.” The Senate budget earmarks only $5 million for transport, while actual relocation and new facility costs could top $300 million.

“This ridiculous transfer would make Americans pay a $30 fee to view a shuttle that they can see for free right now in Chantilly,”
— Sen. Kaine (via FFXnow)

Besides the cash outlay, Houston’s Space Center charges $30–$40 admission, while Udvar‑Hazy offers free entry, with just a $15 parking fee.

My Take

This debate isn’t driven by nostalgia—it’s about common sense and accessibility. Moving Discovery would cost taxpayers hundreds of millions, restrict free public access, and strip Northern Virginia of a major cultural and economic anchor.

Even if not everyone wants to see it—yes, like my in‑laws from Bolivia—it still matters. It belongs here, and for most locals, the Discovery has already found its permanent home.

Original reporting by Angela Woolsey via FFXnow.

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