Dr. Sian Proctor: The First Black Woman to Pilot a Spaceship
In 2021, Dr. Sian Proctor made history as the first African American woman to pilot a spacecraft, soaring into orbit with SpaceX’s groundbreaking Inspiration4 mission. As a geoscientist, artist, and educator, her journey from a childhood dream to a trailblazing astronaut inspires millions. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this remarkable woman who’s redefining what’s possible in space exploration.
Who Is Dr. Sian Proctor?
Born on March 28, 1970, in Hagåtña, Guam, Sian Hayley “Leo” Proctor grew up with space in her blood. Her father worked at NASA’s tracking station during the Apollo era, sparking her lifelong passion for exploration. A professor at South Mountain Community College in Arizona, Dr. Proctor holds a Ph.D. in science education, with expertise in geology and sustainability. Beyond academia, she’s an Afrofuturist artist, poet, and advocate for diversity in STEM.
Her path wasn’t always smooth. In 2009, she was a finalist for NASA’s astronaut program but didn’t make the cut. Undeterred, she trained as an analog astronaut, simulating Mars missions in Hawaii and beyond. That resilience paid off when she won a seat on Inspiration4, the first all-civilian spaceflight, through a business competition hosted by Shift4Shop.
Making History with Inspiration
On September 15, 2021, Dr. Proctor piloted the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, orbiting Earth for three days at 367 miles—higher than the International Space Station. As the first Black woman to hold this role, she joined an elite group, becoming only the fourth African American woman to reach space, following Mae Jemison, Stephanie Wilson, and Joan Higginbotham. The mission, funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman, raised over $235 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
In orbit, Proctor’s artistic side shone. She painted watercolors of Earth and wrote poetry, capturing the planet’s beauty through the Crew Dragon’s cupola window. Her motto, “Space2Inspire,” reflects her mission to empower women and people of color to chase their dreams.
Why Her Story Matters
Dr. Proctor’s achievement isn’t just about breaking barriers—it’s about building bridges. As a Black female astronaut, she’s a role model for underrepresented groups in STEM. Her Space2Inspire initiative promotes a “JEDI” vision: a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive future for space exploration. From speaking at global events to mentoring students, she’s shaping the next generation of scientists and dreamers.
Her Afrofuturist art, blending technology and culture, also sparks conversations about humanity’s place in the cosmos. Proctor believes space exploration solves Earth’s challenges, like sustainability, while uniting us through shared wonder.
What’s Next for Dr. Sian Proctor?
Since Inspiration4, Dr. Proctor has continued her work as a U.S. Science Envoy for the State Department, a Major in the Civil Air Patrol, and an international speaker. She’s also pushing for broader access to space, advocating for commercial missions to democratize the final frontier. Whether through her art, teaching, or advocacy, Proctor’s legacy is clear: the stars are closer than we think.
Watch Dr. Sian Proctor’s Journey
Check out this YouTube Short celebrating Dr. Sian Proctor’s historic flight and unstoppable spirit. Her story is proof that dreams, no matter how big, are within reach.
