Keith’s note: Last week I posted some updates on the Space Shuttle Discovery relocation drama. I just got an update from the KeepTheShuttle folks about the attempt by Texas senators to take Shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian and move it Houston – because they can. Update below.

Keith’s note: I just got an update from KeepTheShuttle. OMB wants NASA and the Smithsonian to figure out how to cut Space Shuttle Discovery apart into pieces to move it. As you will recall that option was ruled out when Space Shuttle Endeavour was moved to Los Angeles on the now-defunct 747 carrier and then moved through the streets where utilities were moved and trees were cut down. Every effort was taken to preserve the integrity of this historic space ship. Now Texas Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn are only interested in snagging a tourist attraction – not a precious historic relic that deserves to be preserved – and certainly not chopped up like a leftover exhibit from a state fair and tossed on a flatbed. Full statement below. Update: There was a story on WUSA Channel 9 in DC this afternoon about this including some snark from me. video.

Keith’s note: Instigated by Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn from Texas, Congress is moving ahead with a plan to take Space Shuttle Discovery (which has been deeded by law from the U.S. Government to the Smithsonian) and send it to Texas. The Smithsonian’s Udvar Hazy facility is for all Americans to visit their aviation and space history. According to this website (https://keeptheshuttle.org/) that has popped up “We will not let that happen. Join us, if you believe that Discovery and all of the Smithsonian’s priceless artifacts should be protected from political maneuvering.”

Fred Durant, George Mueller, and Bob Farquhar Honored at The Smithsonian “There are three displays presently located in the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC honoring Fred Durant, George Mueller, and Bob Farquhar who left our planet in 2015. Ad Astra.”

Shuttle Discovery’s retirement plan in limbo – Smithsonian display still up in the air, Collectspace “Space shuttle Discovery is ready to fly its final flight this week, but where it will make its last landing is still up in the air. Long thought destined for the Smithsonian, NASA’s oldest flying orbiter may actually end up elsewhere unless the Washington, DC institution can find the millions of dollars needed to prepare […]