Designate Space Shuttle Discovery as a National historic landmark
Designate Space Shuttle Discovery as a National historic landmark
The Issue
The Space Shuttle Discovery holds a special place in my heart due to the significant role it played in one big beautiful Bill act that changed my life. It is more than just a historic artifact; it represents the peak of human ingenuity and ambition. Discovery has had the privilege of being part of many pioneering missions, including the deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope, which expanded our understanding of the universe.
Twice Discovery was chosen as the "Return To Flight" Orbiter, first in 1988 after the loss of Challenger in 1986, and then again for the twin "Return To Flight" missions in July 2005 and July 2006 after the Columbia disaster in 2003. Project Mercury astronaut John Glenn flew with Discovery on STS-95 in 1998, making him the oldest man to ever orbit the Earth at the age of 77 years old.
On May 27, 1999, Discovery was launched on mission STS-96, the first space shuttle mission to dock with the International Space Station.
With its home at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum, the Discovery is in the perfect setting to inspire millions of visitors from across the globe each year. It stands as a symbol of what our species can achieve when we reach for the stars. Removing this shuttle from such a prestigious location not only deprives the public of viewing a pivotal piece of space history but also dims the flame of inspiration for future generations of explorers, scientists, and innovators.
It is crucial to ensure the continued presence of the Space Shuttle Discovery at the Smithsonian, where it can continue to educate and ignite curiosity about space exploration. By maintaining its display at this iconic museum, we uphold the importance of its legacy and safeguard its impact on inspiring future achievements in space technology.
Join me in keeping the Space Shuttle Discovery where it belongs, at the heart of one of the most prestigious museums in the world. Please sign this petition to designate Space Shuttle Discovery as a National Historic Landmark and help preserve its honored place in inspiring innovation and exploration for generations to come.
1
The Issue
The Space Shuttle Discovery holds a special place in my heart due to the significant role it played in one big beautiful Bill act that changed my life. It is more than just a historic artifact; it represents the peak of human ingenuity and ambition. Discovery has had the privilege of being part of many pioneering missions, including the deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope, which expanded our understanding of the universe.
Twice Discovery was chosen as the "Return To Flight" Orbiter, first in 1988 after the loss of Challenger in 1986, and then again for the twin "Return To Flight" missions in July 2005 and July 2006 after the Columbia disaster in 2003. Project Mercury astronaut John Glenn flew with Discovery on STS-95 in 1998, making him the oldest man to ever orbit the Earth at the age of 77 years old.
On May 27, 1999, Discovery was launched on mission STS-96, the first space shuttle mission to dock with the International Space Station.
With its home at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum, the Discovery is in the perfect setting to inspire millions of visitors from across the globe each year. It stands as a symbol of what our species can achieve when we reach for the stars. Removing this shuttle from such a prestigious location not only deprives the public of viewing a pivotal piece of space history but also dims the flame of inspiration for future generations of explorers, scientists, and innovators.
It is crucial to ensure the continued presence of the Space Shuttle Discovery at the Smithsonian, where it can continue to educate and ignite curiosity about space exploration. By maintaining its display at this iconic museum, we uphold the importance of its legacy and safeguard its impact on inspiring future achievements in space technology.
Join me in keeping the Space Shuttle Discovery where it belongs, at the heart of one of the most prestigious museums in the world. Please sign this petition to designate Space Shuttle Discovery as a National Historic Landmark and help preserve its honored place in inspiring innovation and exploration for generations to come.
1
The Decision Makers
Petition created on July 14, 2025