The fight over the final resting place of the space shuttle Discovery is intensifying, with Texas senators now involving the Department of Justice (DOJ) in their ongoing battle with the Smithsonian Institution. The dispute, which has been simmering for some time, centers around where the iconic spacecraft should be permanently displayed, and the recent move suggests the Lone Star State is not backing down.

At the heart of the issue is a belief held by some Texas lawmakers that Discovery, a symbol of American ingenuity and space exploration, should reside in Texas, a state with a rich history in aerospace and a significant contribution to the space program. They argue that Texas's Johnson Space Center, a vital hub for NASA operations and home to mission control, is a more fitting location for the shuttle than the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia, where it ultimately ended up.

While the specific reasons for involving the DOJ remain somewhat unclear, the escalation suggests the senators believe there may have been some impropriety or misrepresentation in the decision-making process that led to Discovery being awarded to the Smithsonian. It is possible they are seeking a formal investigation into the selection process, hoping to uncover evidence that would support their claim that Texas was unfairly overlooked.

The Smithsonian, for its part, has maintained that its Udvar-Hazy Center provides the ideal environment for preserving and showcasing Discovery to a vast audience. The museum boasts state-of-the-art facilities and a proven track record in preserving historically significant artifacts. They also emphasize the importance of national accessibility, arguing that the Washington D.C. area allows more visitors from across the country and the world to experience the shuttle firsthand.

This latest development adds a new layer of complexity to an already contentious situation. The DOJ's involvement could potentially lead to a lengthy and drawn-out legal battle, further delaying any resolution to the dispute. Whether the investigation will uncover any wrongdoing remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the fight to claim Discovery is far from over, and the stakes are higher than ever. The outcome will not only determine the future home of a national treasure but also potentially set a precedent for future decisions regarding the disposition of other significant artifacts from the space program.