See Photos and Videos from July 16 NASA Night with the Astros Game

The field at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Saturday, July 16, was crowded with special guests from NASA’s Johnson Space Center, including NASA astronaut Anne McClain, who had been selected for the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch. Johnson Director Vanessa Wyche and NASA astronaut Jessica Meir were included in the festivities, with Meir taking part in a “play ball” moment featuring a 17,500-mph fastball highlighted during the 2019 World Series.

Credits: NASA/Robert Markowitz; and bottom right image courtesy of Jessica Cordero.

The 3:10 p.m. game offered spectators a lot of cool space-themed engagement options, from an add-on Astros-themed Moon Lander bobblehead commemorating the iconic Apollo 11 Moon landing to exhibit tables representing NASA projects and programs; the Driven to Explore mobile exhibit stationed outside the stadium; Cosmo, the inflatable astronaut; a “send your postcard to space” activity from Space Center Houston; and a few photo-opportunity displays designed for the perfect, sharable selfie.

Inside the ballpark, fans could watch a prerecorded message from the International Space Station, see NASA messages during inning changes and fun facts highlighted on the big screen, hear space-themed music, and more, along with the ceremonial first pitch and presentations on the diamond.

Images from Johnson team members at the game. Left: Andrea Dunn with Jimmy and Grace. Middle and right: Submitted by Ansley Browns.

Images from Johnson team members at the game. Left: Submitted by Laura Sarmiento. Middle: Elizabeth, David, and Elena Chiquelin at the game. Right: Submitted by David Bullock.

Weren’t there?

Watch Wyche talk about NASA’s excitement to be at the game and Johnson’s 60-year shared milestone with the Astros during a pre-game interview, below.

Also, check out a compilation video featuring a message for fans straight from the International Space Station, Meir’s presentation of the fastball thrown in space to the Astros organization, and McClain’s impressive pitch to kick off the game.

More NASA Nights are planned in the future —slated for Aug. 1 and Oct. 3. Details will be forthcoming on how Johnson team members can take part in cheering on their favorite Space City baseball team!

Enjoy a lot more images from that exciting afternoon, below.