posted 12-19-2007 08:09 PM               

My heart goes out to Tani on-board the station, and to his family.

posted 12-19-2007 09:52 PM            

While it's not our place to ask at this difficult moment for NASA, I wonder when they will tell him, if not already. This situation has happened in the past - On the Salyut 6 space station, Commander Yuri Romanenko was apparently told by the visiting crew that the father of his crewmember, Georgy Grechko, had passed away. In that instance, Romanenko decided to keep the news from Grechko until they were back on Earth.

There have also been some NASA reports that have brought up the question of when best to tell someone who is still in space.

posted 12-19-2007 10:26 PM            

The reports I read a while ago suggested the decision to tell or not to tell depended on how soon the spacefarer was to the end of their mission.

This has to be an incredibly tough moment for all concerned.

posted 12-20-2007 11:17 AM               

Tani was informed early last evening that his mother, 90-year old Rose Tani of Lombard, Illinois was killed yesterday when the car that she was driving was hit by a train. Tani learned of his mother's death during a private conference with his wife Jane and a flight surgeon. He has requested that he remain on task today and that he be kept busy. During mission management team this morning, flight surgeons reported that Tani is doing well and that he has asked to remain on his tasks for the day.

posted 12-20-2007 01:52 PM               

The entire NASA family grieves with Dan on the unexpected loss of his mother yesterday. We will work to provide Dan and his family with any assistance that they need during this difficult time.

posted 12-20-2007 08:24 PM            

I must admit that this news would have put me out of working form. I would have been half in space and half on Earth, beside my father's grave," Grechko, now 76, told The Associated Press on Thursday. "So I guess I must acknowledge that while it seems inhumane, it was probably the right decision.

posted 12-21-2007 10:43 AM               

Lombard astronaut Daniel Tani won't watch his mother's funeral from space, one of his brothers said Thursday.

The Tani family had discussed the possibility of a video conference with Daniel Tani, who is aboard the International Space Station, but the astronaut didn't want to become the center of attention, Richard Tani said.

Instead, "He's going to send a taped message that will be included in the service," Richard Tani said.

posted 12-21-2007 11:52 AM               

I would like to thank everyone who has expressed their condolences during this time of grieving for me and my family. Living on the space station means that I experience all aspects of life -- be they joyous or tragic -- while circling the Earth without a convenient way to return. Of course, I was aware of this situation before my mission and I fully accept that I will proudly complete my mission on the International Space Station and join my family when I return. My NASA management and colleagues have been fully supportive through this and I would like to thank them for their concern and compassion.

My mother was a complete joy. Those who knew her will know that words cannot describe her vitality, generosity and warmth. She was my hero. We will all miss her dearly.

I understand the interest in our lives based upon my job. Please respect our desire for privacy during this difficult time. Thank you.

posted 12-24-2007 07:38 AM               

As NASA astronaut Daniel Tani orbited Earth, hundreds of mourners filled a suburban Chicago church Sunday to remember his 90-year-old mother as someone who endured hardship to raise five children and worked until age 70.