Trump Signs Budget Bill Billions for Shuttle Relocation to Texas and NASA
Budget Proces Ongoing
This reconcillation bill provide funding to regular appropriations.
Progress on FY 2026 budget bills has been slower than usual.
The House was set to mark up the NASA consisting Commerve Justice Science CJS bill on 7th and 10th July
How the Shuttle Sites were Chosen
Discovery is only shuttle orbiter still owned by government.
NASA used a formal method to decide ultimate display locations for four surviving orbiters.
A sum of 29 companies submitted proposals.
The main priority was to maximise public reach not programme history.
In 2011 then Administrator Charlie Bolden revealed the selections
Enterprise Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum NY
Endeavour California Science Center CA
Atlantis Kennedy Space Center FL
Discovery Smithsonia Udvar Hazy Center VA
An internal review confirmed that NAS followed its guidelines and was not required to priorities historical ties to programme.
Lawmakers Worjed Through the Recess
To meet 4th July deadline both chambers of Congress worked long hours giving up most of planned recess.
The Senate vote was tied 50-50 with Vice President Vance casting tie breaker.
Three senat republicans joined democrats and independents in opposing the bill.
In House it passed by narrow 218-214 margin with two Republicans voting no and all Democrats against.
Mega Wins for NASA Projects
The final version of bill consist of following major allocations for NASA
$1.25 billion to ensure uninterrupted accest to ISS International Space Station until 2030.
This funding aims to avoid a gap before commerical replacements are ready.
At least $250 million per annum is set aside from FY 2025 through FY2029.
$700 million for MTO Mars Telecommunications Orbiter.
The Orbiter will developed by US commercial provide and is due by 31st December 2028.
It will help the Mars Sample Return mission and future Mars exploration efforts.
$6.72 billion is allocated to Artemis related projects consisting $2.6 billion for Gateway lunar space station.
$4.1 billion for SLS rockets help Artemis IV and V and $20 million for 4th Orion Spacecraft.
$1 billion for facility upgrades at five NASA centres
Michould Assembly Facility LA $30 million
Marshall Space Flight Center AL-$100 million
Stennis Space Center, MS $120 million
Kennedy Spece Center FL $250 million
Johnson Space Center TX $300 million.
$85 million for transffering a space Vehicl to NASA center involved in Commercial Crew Program.
This included $5 million for transportation and expected to used to relocate Shuttle discovery to Houston.
$325 million for US Deorbit Vehicle USDV which will finally deorbit the ISS into Pacific Ocean. NASA awarded $843 million to SpaceX for USDV. That did not consist of lauch costs.
This new funding is to finish the project though its not visible how it will be allocated.
Shuttle Discovery to Leave Smithsonian?
The bill consist of $85 million for transfer of space vehicle to NASA centre involved in Commercial Crew Program.
The vehicle will go on public display at non profit venue with in 5 miles of that center.
Senators Ted Cruz and John Corny of Texas are backing separate legislation to move Space Shuttle Discovery to Johnson Space Center in Houston.
$85 million is designated for vehicle transportation.
The two shuttle carrier aircraft use for transfer are museum exhibit themselves making logistics of move unclear.