Dan Brandenstein is an American astronaut who was born on January 17th, 1943 in Watertown, Wisconsin. Before he became an astronaut, Brandenstein served as a Navy pilot in the Vietnam War. He has flown over 5600 hours in 24 different types of aircraft.
Brandenstein became an astronaut in 1979. He has made four spaceflights spending over 576 hours in space.
In 1983, Brandenstein piloted the first nighttime launch and landing of a space shuttle. In 1985, he commanded an international mission. The crew included Saudi Prince Sultan al-Saud and Frenchman Patrick Baudry.
In 1990, Brandenstein commanded Space Shuttle Columbia in a mission that set a shuttle endurance record. The crew spent 10 days in space and retrieved the Long Duration Exposure Facility.
During his last mission in 1992, Brandenstein and his crew performed one of the most difficult space shuttle missions to date. Brandenstein and pilot Kevin Chilton performed some risky flying aboard the new Space Shuttle Endeavour in an attempt to retrieve a satellite. They flew within a few feet of the rotating satellite, allowing the rest of the crew to literally grab it and pull it into the shuttle.
Brandstein's recreational interests include skiing, sailing, basketball, softball, golf, and woodworking. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Brandenstein, are residents of Watertown, Wisconsin. Brandstein is married to Jane A. (Wade) Brandstein, and they have one daughter.
