Family over the moon as spaceman back to earth

IRELAND’S adopted astronaut returned to Earth after 101 days in space yesterday to an emotional reunion with his wife and children.

Dan Tani’s relatives in Cork watched the shuttle landing live from the city’s Blackrock Castle Observatory via a live link-up with NASA.

Atlantis touched down on Kennedy Space Centre’s runway 15 at 2.07pm Irish time, after a smooth re-entry.

Mr Tani, who is married to Cork woman Jane Egan, was carried off on a stretcher, as is normal after long stays in space.

Jane’s mother, Mary, who was among several relatives and friends at the observatory, said they are delighted he was home safe: “We’re hugely relieved, we just can’t believe he’s home at last. Four months is a long time. I spoke to Jane last night and she was very excited to be seeing him today.”

Jane and her two children, Keiko, three, and Lilly, one, shared a meal with Dan last night. They are due to fly home to Heuston, Texas, today, where Tani will undergo a month of intense physiotherapy.

Ms Egan said she hopes the family will visit Ireland this summer.

Mr Tani, 47, blasted off on board the shuttle Discovery last October bound for the International Space Station. His mission was scheduled to end in December. NASA extended his mission when fuel gauge problems grounded the return shuttle Atlantis on December 6 and again on December 9.

Tragically, his mother, Rose, 90, was killed in a train and car crash on December 19. Mr Tani was unable to attend her memorial service and became the first US astronaut to lose a close family member while on a mission.

Ms Egan said Rose was a very special lady.

“She went whitewater rafting for her 80th birthday. When we met Rose, we knew exactly where Dan got his drive,” she said.

Despite this tragedy, Mr Tani described his time in space as a mostly positive experience.

“I’m anxious to get home and see my family,” he said after spending Christmas and New Years in space.

“I’ve got a wife and two little girls and I’m missing their growing up, so I can’t wait to see them again.”

A live on-orbit interview took place between Mr Tani and his family at the observatory earlier this month to celebrate his birthday.

Clair McSweeney from Blackrock Castle Observatory said they were delighted to have been able to play a part in his amazing story.

“Dan Tani’s time in space has captured the imagination of the Irish public, whilst also allowing us to highlight our country’s role in space exploration,” she said. “By hosting the event of Dan’s return we are celebrating the final chapter of his mission to space.’’

Blackrock Castle Observatory is Ireland’s first interactive public science centre. It is a joint venture between Cork City Council and CIT.

Atlantis was towed to an orbiter building late last night for preparations for its next mission in August to repair the Hubble telescope.