Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Daniel Tani, former NASA astronaut, engineer, and explorer, whose remarkable journey took him from suburban Chicago to the International Space Station and more than 130 days in orbit. Across three NASA missions, Daniel helped assemble the International Space Station, completed six spacewalks, and experienced firsthand what it means to live and work at the edge of human exploration.

Interestingly, becoming an astronaut was never part of Daniel’s childhood plan. He often describes meeting astronauts as a young engineer and thinking of them the way others might think of celebrities, never imagining he would one day become one himself. Yet curiosity, determination, and a willingness to embrace opportunities ultimately carried him beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

Through captivating stories from life aboard the International Space Station, Daniel will take audiences inside one of the most challenging workplaces ever created. From floating through space on spacewalks to making critical decisions in an environment where there is no room for error, he will share what it takes to perform under pressure, adapt to uncertainty, and collaborate across cultures and disciplines

But this conversation is about far more than rockets and space stations. Daniel will explore how American leadership in space exploration continues to spark discoveries and technologies that shape everyday life on Earth, driving advances in communications, engineering, medicine, materials science, and countless other fields. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how investments in space fuel innovation, economic growth, and new possibilities for future generations.

Along the way, Daniel will reflect on the lessons space taught him about leadership, teamwork, resilience, and lifelong learning. His story is a powerful reminder that extraordinary achievements often begin with ordinary curiosity and that some of life’s greatest adventures start with saying “yes” to an unexpected opportunity.

The program will conclude with an interactive Q&A session, giving participants a rare opportunity to engage directly with someone who has looked back at our planet from 400 kilometers above. Whether you’re passionate about science, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, or simply fascinated by the unknown, prepare to see our world from an entirely new perspective.

This event will be in English.