Bill > S1403

This bill, known as the "Bring the Space Shuttle Home Act," requires the NASA Administrator to transfer the Discovery space shuttle from the Smithsonian Institution's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington, DC, to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, within 18 months of the Act's enactment. The bill mandates that NASA and the Smithsonian jointly develop a transfer plan, including a timeline and cost estimate, which must be submitted to Congress within 90 days. Within one year of the physical transfer, the Smithsonian must transfer the shuttle's title to NASA. The shuttle must be placed on public exhibition within 5 miles of the Johnson Space Center to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning. Eventually, NASA can transfer the shuttle's title to a designated nonprofit entity, with the condition that the shuttle remains on public display near the Johnson Space Center. The bill authorizes appropriations for the necessary funds to complete the transfer, which can be requested as supplemental requirements if needed. The primary goal appears to be relocating this important piece of space exploration history to Texas, potentially to enhance STEM education and local pride.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1403/all-info