Dan Bursch

This image of Nantucket, one of the areas where lightship baskets are made, was take by Dan while aboard the International Space Station on Expedition 4.

Astronaut and former Naval Flight Officer

Dan flew in space 4 times & wove lightship baskets during his long duration International Space Station mission.

Dan spent 6.5 months on the International Space Station. While on this mission Dan wove miniature, nesting lightship baskets as he orbited around the earth. This style of basket originated in the northeast part of the United States, in places like Nantucket, where Dan’s family spent summers during his childhood. He learned to make the baskets inspired by his mother’s love of them.

Dan and his wife, Sharon Yencharis, are writing a children’s adventure book series. Up to the Moon! was published in 2019. Into the Ocean! is in progress and will be published Mid 2024. More information on the book series can be found at My You Books. When Dan’s not spending time creating, he can be found working on cars.