Space City Saturday with the Rockets

by Sumer Loggins | 2023-04-25

The Houston Rockets held its first Space City Saturday since 2019 and asked NASA's Johnson Space Center to join the fun. About 14,000 fans attended the event at the Toyota Center as the Rockets faced off against the Chicago Bulls. The Rockets owner, Tilman Fertitta, gives back to the community through the Clutch City Foundation by donating $5,000 each time the first shot is made. Johnson Deputy Director Steve Koerner was asked to throw the first shot of the game, and he accomplished the mission!

NASA's Johnson Space Center Deputy Director Steve Koerner (center) is accompanied by the Houston Rocket's mascot, Clutch the Bear (left) and NASA's inflatable mascot, Cosmo (right) for Space City Saturday at the Toyota Center. Credits: NASA/Riley McClenaghan

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Multiple NASA videos throughout the night highlighted the Artemis mission and Orion spacecraft. NASA employees were also recognized on the court for contributing to the space program: Darryl Gaines, associate program manager of the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program; Branelle Rodriguez, Orion manager of Program Integration; and Tamor Smith, International Space Station administrative officer. NASA intern Diego Salvatierra did a wonderful job as Cosmo.

From left to right are Steve Koerner, NASA’s Johnson Space Center Deputy Director; Darryl Gaines, Associate Program Manager of the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program; Branelle Rodriguez, Orion Manager of Program Integration; Tamor Smith, International Space Station Administrative Officer; Burt Laws; and Diego Salvatierra, NASA intern and Cosmo. Credits: NASA/ Riley McClenaghan — From left to right are Steve Koerner, NASA’s Johnson Space Center deputy director; Darryl Gaines, associate program manager of the Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program; Branelle Rodriguez, Orion manager of Program Integration; Tamor Smith, International Space Station administrative officer; Burt Laws; and Diego Salvatierra, NASA intern and mascot Cosmo. Credits: NASA/ Riley McClenaghan

Enjoy the video and images below.

Photo Credits: NASA/Riley McClenaghan