Technology
NASA Plans for Indefinite Spacecraft Transport, Possibly Shuttle Discovery
NASA is seeking proposals for transporting large aerospace vehicles and smaller spacecraft capsules. The initiative may involve moving the space shuttle Discovery to Houston, as requested by Texas senators.
NASA released a draft request for proposal (DRFP) on March 19 for the "NASA Flown Space Vehicle Multimodal Transportation Multiple Award Contract." The request seeks information from contractors about transporting both large aerospace vehicles and smaller spacecraft capsules to unspecified locations on indefinite dates. The pre-solicitation request aims to satisfy the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This law requires NASA to relocate a human-flown vehicle to a non-profit display facility near an agency centre linked to the commercial crew program. Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz intended for the legislation to move Discovery to Space Center Houston. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman acknowledged in December 2025 the possibility of an alternate artifact for Space City.
Key Facts
- NASA issued a draft request for proposals for spacecraft transportation.
- The plan involves moving large aerospace vehicles and smaller spacecraft capsules.
- The request is to satisfy the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
- The destination and timing are currently undetermined.
- The move could involve relocating the space shuttle Discovery.
- Senators Cornyn and Cruz sought to have Discovery displayed in Houston.
- The law allows for an alternate artifact to be moved.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- Ars Technica — NASA issues draft request for moving space shuttle Discovery—or Orion capsule