<P> The Astros were established as the Houston Colt . 45s and entered the National League as an expansion team in 1962 along with the New York Mets . The current name -- reflecting Houston 's role as the control center of the U.S. space program -- was adopted three years later , when they moved into the Astrodome , the world 's first domed sports stadium . </P>
where do the houston astros get their name
reflecting Houston 's role as the control center of the U.S. space program