Returning from 3-day orbit: Dr Sian Proctor exiting SpaceX Crew Dragon spaceship. Credit: SpaceX

Black, Female, and Astronaut

Dr. Sian Proctor’s Leap into History as the first Commercial Astronaut Spaceship Pilot as a Black Woman

Dr. Sian Proctor is a Black woman who became an astronaut as part of the SpaceX Inspiration4 mission, the first all-civilian spaceflight, which was launched in September 2021. By participating in this mission, she not only became a commercial astronaut but also the first Black female pilot of a spaceship and an icon of J.E.D.I Space: Space that is Just, Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive.

“I often get asked, “what’s next” now that I’ve achieved my ultimate dream of going to space. I feel so fortunate and grateful that I’ve been able to manifest my dream and now my goal is to share my story and inspire others to seek out opportunities and manifest their dreams.” Dr Sian Proctor

The achievements of individuals like Dr. Sian Proctor are inspiring and get to be celebrated. They pave the way for a more inclusive future in space exploration, where anyone, regardless of their background, might dream of reaching the stars.

Exploring and reaching the stars is a central theme in artwork of commercial astronaut Dr Sian Proctor

Dr. Sian Proctor’s inclusion in the ranks of Black female astronauts through the Inspiration4 mission is indeed significant. Traditional definitions of “astronaut” have evolved over time, especially with the rise of commercial spaceflight and civilian missions.

For many years, astronauts were typically selected and trained by governmental space agencies like NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, etc. However, with companies like SpaceX introducing private and commercial spaceflights, the profile of what constitutes an “astronaut” is broadening. This can sometimes lead to discrepancies in lists or discussions about astronauts because not all sources might immediately update or consider commercial spaceflight participants in the same category as traditional astronauts.

However, the achievement of Dr. Proctor and the entire Inspiration4 crew is undeniable. They underwent rigorous training, flew to space, and conducted experiments — thus earning their titles as astronauts. Over time, as commercial spaceflight becomes more commonplace, we can expect broader acknowledgment of individuals like Dr. Proctor in discussions about space exploration and astronaut accomplishments.

The Inspiration4 crew while training in an altitude chamber. From left to right: Sian Proctor, Chris Sembroski, Jared Isaacman and Hayley Arceneaux. Credit: Inspiration4 (J. Kraus)

Notably astronaut Dr. Sian Proctor is a geoscientist, educator, and science communicator.

1. SpaceX Inspiration4 Mission: Dr. Sian Proctor was selected as one of the four crew members of the Inspiration4 mission, the first all-civilian spaceflight, which was launched aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft in September 2021. She served as the mission’s pilot, and with that role, she became the first Black female pilot of a spacecraft.
2. Background: Dr. Proctor holds a Ph.D. in Science Education and has taught geology at South Mountain Community College. She’s an advocate for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and has a passion for space exploration.
3. Analog Missions: Before her selection for the Inspiration4 mission, Dr. Proctor had become the most famous analog astronaut in the world. She founded an annual Analog Astronaut Conference and participated in many analog astronaut missions. These missions simulated the experience of living and working in space or on other planetary bodies. For example, she was part of the HI-SEAS (Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation) mission, during which she and other crew members lived in a habitat on Mauna Loa volcano in Hawaii to simulate a Martian environment. She was also Education Outreach Officer of JOIDES Resolution Expedition 383 to the Antarctic.

Dr Sian Proctor, JOIDES Education Outreach Officer, July 2019. Credit: JOIDES

From x.com: Meet @DrSianProctor , an analog astronaut who’s lived in Earth-bound research stations to help us learn how to go to space

The landscape of space exploration is rapidly changing, and it’s important to adapt our understanding and recognition of achievements in this domain. Commercial spaceflight is democratizing access to space, and it’s exciting to see diverse groups of people getting the opportunity to experience space and contribute to its exploration.

Dr. Sian Proctor’s story is indeed a testament to perseverance, hope, and the power of dreams. Her involvement in the Inspiration4 mission and her background in geosciences and education make her a notable figure in the space community and beyond. Moreover, her journey and perspective also emphasize the importance of inclusivity and seeing things from a broader lens, both in space exploration and in our approach to life on Earth.

Mission pilot Dr Sian Proctor waves as she prepares to head to pad 39A for her launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021. Credit: AP (J. Raoux)

“Black, Female, and Astronaut”
Attribution
Writer: PR HORSE (M. Mongo)
Photos: Inspiration4 (J. Kraus); AP (J. Raoux)
Art: Dr Sian Proctor