Astronaut Daniel Tani

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Daniel Tani is a former NASA astronaut and veteran spacewalker who logged more than 131 days in space across two missions.

Selected by NASA in 1996, he flew aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-108 in 2001 and later served as a Flight Engineer on Expedition 16 aboard the International Space Station in 2007–2008. During his career, he completed multiple spacewalks and played a key role in the construction and maintenance of the International Space Station.

Born on 1st February 1961 in Pennsylvania, Dan earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1984 and 1988. Before joining NASA, Tani built an impressive engineering career in the aerospace industry. He worked at Hughes Aircraft Corporation, Bolt Beranek and Newman, and Orbital Sciences Corporation, where he held senior engineering and launch operations roles on major spacecraft and rocket programmes. His technical expertise and leadership in mission operations helped pave the way for his selection as an astronaut.

After completing astronaut training, Tani served in several important technical assignments within the Astronaut Office, including work in computer systems, EVA (spacewalk) operations, and as a Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) supporting missions from Mission Control. He also participated in NASA’s NEEMO underwater training mission in 2002, living for nine days in the Aquarius undersea habitat to simulate long-duration exploration missions.

Tani’s first spaceflight came in December 2001 aboard STS-108, the twelfth Space Shuttle mission to visit the International Space Station. During the 12-day mission, the crew delivered supplies, exchanged Expedition crews, and Tani performed his first spacewalk lasting over four hours. His second mission began in October 2007 aboard STS-120, when he launched to the ISS and joined Expedition 16 as Flight Engineer. While aboard the station, Tani carried out robotics operations, maintenance work, and multiple spacewalks during a crucial phase of station assembly. He returned to Earth in February 2008 aboard STS-122, concluding a mission that brought his total time in space to more than 131 days.

Following his NASA career, Dan returned to the private aerospace sector, continuing to contribute to spaceflight and mission operations. He remains an engaging public speaker and advocate for exploration, often sharing stories from his time living and working in orbit. Dan’s career reflects the blend of engineering excellence, calm professionalism, and international teamwork that defines modern human spaceflight. From building rockets on Earth to constructing the International Space Station in orbit, he has left a lasting mark on space exploration.