The 100th spacewalk on the International Space Station was conducted by Daniel M. Tani alongside Peggy Whitson. Born in 1961 in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, Tani transitioned from a background in mechanical engineering and the private aerospace sector to a long-term role as a mission specialist and flight engineer for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Academic and Early Engineering Foundations
Tani graduated from Glenbard East High School in 1979 before attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He earned a Bachelor of Science in 1984 and a Master of Science in 1988, both in mechanical engineering. His early career included roles as a design engineer for Hughes Aircraft Corporation and positions within the experimental psychology department at Bolt, Beranek and Newman. He later joined Orbital Sciences Corporation, where he managed mission operations for the Transfer Orbit Stage and led development procedures for the air-launched Pegasus rocket.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Astronaut Selection and Space Missions
NASA selected Tani as an astronaut candidate in April 1996, and he reported to the Johnson Space Center that August. After qualifying as a mission specialist in 1998, he served in the Astronaut Office Computer Support and Extra-Vehicular Activity branches. During STS-108 in 2001, he spent over 11 days in space. Later, he served as a flight engineer for Expedition 16, launching on STS-120 in October 2007 and returning to Earth via STS-122 in February 2008.
Post-NASA Transitions
Tani concluded his tenure with NASA in August 2012. He returned to the private sector as vice president of mission and cargo operations within the Advanced Programs Group at Orbital Sciences Corporation. In 2016, he shifted his career to secondary education, joining the faculty at the American School in Japan to teach design, engineering, and science. His contributions were formally recognized with the NASA Distinguished Service Medal in 2008.
Fast facts
- Born: 1961, Ridley Park
- Education: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- NASA Selection: April 1996
- Space Shuttle Missions: STS-108, STS-120, STS-122
- Total Spacewalks: Six
- Key Award: NASA Distinguished Service Medal (2008)
- Post-NASA career: American School in Japan faculty
- Citizenship: United States
Questions readers ask
What was Tani's role in the Pegasus program?
He served as the launch operations manager and was the lead for the development of constraints and procedures for the Pegasus uncrewed rocket.
Did Tani participate in undersea training?
Yes, he served as an aquanaut on the NEEMO 2 crew in May 2002, living and working for one week in an underwater laboratory.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Glenbard East High School
- Worked as astronaut and engineer
