Born: 1970 (Hagåtña, Guam)
Sian Hayley Leo Proctor (born March 28, 1970) is an American commercial astronaut, geology professor, and science communicator. She made history as the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft during the Inspiration4 private orbital spaceflight in September 2021.
Proctor was born in Hagåtña, Guam, to a Sperry Univac engineer who worked for NASA at the Guam Remote Ground Terminal during the Apollo era. After the Moon landings, her family relocated to Minnesota and later moved around various Northeastern states for her father’s job. Eventually, they settled in Fairport, New York, where Proctor graduated from Fairport High School.
With a passion for science and exploration, Proctor pursued higher education at Arizona State University. She obtained an undergraduate degree in environmental sciences and went on to earn a master’s degree in Geology in 1998. In 2006, Proctor completed her PhD in Science Education. Throughout her academic journey, she excelled in her field and developed a deep understanding of geology and environmental sciences.
Proctor’s commitment to education and space exploration led her to become the education outreach officer for the first Hawai’i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) Mission. This NASA-funded project aimed to explore food strategies for long-duration space missions and involved simulating living conditions on Mars. Her participation in HI-SEAS allowed her to engage with the public and inspire others to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Although Proctor was not selected as an astronaut in the 2009 NASA Astronaut Selection Process, she continued to pursue her dreams. In 2021, she achieved a significant milestone by being chosen as the pilot for the Inspiration4 mission. This mission marked the first all-civilian human spaceflight and aimed to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Proctor won her seat through an entrepreneur competition, and during the flight training, she was given the call sign Leo.
On September 15, 2021, Proctor and the Inspiration4 crew, including Jared Isaacman, Hayley Arceneaux, and Chris Sembroski, successfully launched into Earth’s orbit aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft. Serving as the mission’s pilot, Proctor’s historic achievement as the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft highlighted the progress towards inclusivity and diversity in space exploration.
In recognition of her contributions to the field of space exploration and science education, Proctor was awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 2022. She also became a member of the National Space Council’s Users Advisory Group in December of the same year.
Proctor’s dedication to fostering scientific curiosity and inspiring the next generation of explorers extends beyond her space missions. In 2023, she participated in the space camp Space 2101 at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, further showcasing her commitment to education and outreach.
Sian Proctor’s pioneering accomplishments as an astronaut, geology professor, and science communicator have left an indelible mark on the field of space exploration. Her commitment to education and diversity has helped break down barriers, making space more accessible and inclusive. Through her achievements, she continues to inspire individuals worldwide to reach for the stars and pursue their dreams.
Awards:
– Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from University of Massachusetts Lowell (2022)