Sian Proctor

Dr. Sian Proctor is an astronaut, geoscientist, educator, artist, and science communicator whose career in space exploration, geology, and science education has contributed to advancements in STEM fields. Proctor holds a Bachelor of Science in environmental science, a Master of Science in geology, and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a focus on science education. She has served as a full-time professor at South Mountain Community College in Phoenix, Arizona, teaching geology, sustainability, and planetary science.

Proctor was a finalist in NASA's astronaut selection process, advancing to the final 47 candidates out of more than 3,500 applicants. Following this experience, she became an analog astronaut, serving as the education outreach officer for the NASA-funded Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) mission, a simulated Mars habitat on Mauna Loa. She also participated in the NOAA Teacher at Sea program and joined researchers investigating climate change during Expedition 383 aboard the JOIDES Resolution.

Proctor made history as the pilot of SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission, the first all-civilian orbital spaceflight. As pilot of the Crew Dragon space capsule, she became the first African American woman to pilot a spacecraft, the first woman commercial spaceship pilot, and the first African American commercial astronaut. She earned her seat on the mission through an entrepreneur competition, presenting her vision for "J.E.D.I. space"—a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive future for space exploration. The mission launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center, orbited Earth at an altitude higher than the International Space Station, and completed 47 orbits before returning to the Atlantic Ocean. The mission raised over $200 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Proctor and her crewmates were featured on the cover of Time magazine.

During the mission, Proctor became the first African American to paint in space. As an Afrofuturist artist, she works in digital, multimedia, and painting mediums, drawing inspiration from the phenomenon of Earthlight—sunlight reflecting off Earth onto orbiting spacecraft. She is an artist-in-residence at Arizona State University and the founder of Space2inspire, an initiative that promotes art, science, and inclusivity. Proctor is the author of "EarthLight: The Power of EarthLight and the Human Perspective" and "Meals for Mars," which chronicles her HI-SEAS experience. Her space-flown pressure suit is on permanent display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

Proctor's work extends to international science diplomacy and STEM advocacy. She was selected as a U.S. Department of State Science Envoy for Space, where she promotes the civil use of space, builds international research connections, and advances space science education. Proctor is a member of the National Space Council Users' Advisory Group and serves on the STEM Education and Climate and Societal Benefits subcommittees. She is the founder of The Proctor Foundation for Art and Science and serves as a NASA Solar System Ambassador. As a keynote speaker, Proctor addresses topics such as science education, leadership, diversity in STEM, and the impact of space exploration. Her message, "Packing for Space," emphasizes the importance of personal contribution on any journey.