A veteran NASA astronaut is heading to Cranfield this summer for a public event aimed at space enthusiasts, students and professionals.
Astronaut Dan Tani, who spent more than 130 days in space and completed multiple spacewalks, will headline the Summer Space Social 2026 on Saturday, 11 July at Mitchell Hall.
Space interest running high
The event announcement comes at a time of renewed public interest in human spaceflight, with NASA’s Artemis II mission having launched on 1 April on a 10-day crewed mission around the Moon and back.
NASA describes Artemis II as the first crewed Artemis flight and a key step towards later lunar landing missions.
That wider excitement is likely to add to the appeal of the Cranfield event, which is being pitched as a chance to hear directly from someone with firsthand experience of spaceflight and life aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Veteran astronaut to appear
Tani was selected by NASA in 1996 and later served as a Flight Engineer on the International Space Station, spending a total of 131 days, 18 hours and 29 minutes in space.
Organisers say the event will include a live keynote presentation, an audience Q&A, meet-and-greet photo opportunities, an autograph signing, exhibitors and networking opportunities. There will also be an optional evening dinner with an after-dinner speech.
The event will offer a range of ticket options, including general admission, evening dinner and VIP packages.
The Armchair Astronaut, who has organised the event, said it is designed to be open to anyone with an interest in space and science, from members of the public to students and people already working in the space sector.
A spokesperson said: “Meeting an astronaut and hearing their journey firsthand can be a transformative experience. We’re excited to bring Dan Tani to the UK and create an unforgettable experience for everyone attending.”
Tickets available at thearmchairastronaut.co.uk/dan-tani.
