Daniel Tani

Daniel Tani is the chief development officer at Iris.Aero. Tani is a former NASA astronaut who spent 132 days in space over three missions, completing six spacewalks and contributing to the assembly and maintenance of the International Space Station (ISS). Known for his technical skill and calm demeanor under pressure, Tani helped advance human spaceflight while sharing the challenges and triumphs of life in orbit.

A native of Chicago and a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Tani draws inspiration from his family history as the son of Japanese-American parents who were interned during World War II. His journey—from his Midwestern upbringing to four months living aboard the ISS—offers audiences a compelling perspective on perseverance, discovery and the potential of human ingenuity. He often shares his experiences through stories, photographs and videos that illuminate the wonder of space and the resilience of the human spirit.

After retiring from NASA, Tani taught high school and served as a director at the nonprofit US-Japan Foundation, fostering education and international collaboration. He now lives near Washington, D.C., with his wife and three children, continuing to inspire through speaking engagements, educational outreach and advocacy for science and exploration.