Sian PROCTOR

Sian “Leo” Proctor is an American commercial astronaut, pilot, geologist, artist, author and science communicator. In September 2021, she made history as the pilot of Inspiration4, the first all-civilian orbital spaceflight, becoming the first African-American woman to pilot a spacecraft. During the mission, she also became the first African-American artist to create a painting in space.

Proctor holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and a Master’s degree in Geology from Arizona State University, as well as a PhD in Science Education. Her career has combined scientific research, education, exploration and spaceflight, with a particular focus on STEM education, planetary exploration, human spaceflight and the future of space exploration.

Prior to her spaceflight, Proctor was a finalist in NASA’s 2009 astronaut selection process. She subsequently participated in several analogue and field research programmes, including the NASA-funded Hawaii Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS) mission, where she served as an education outreach officer and contributed to research relevant to future long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.

As a passionate advocate for science education and international engagement, Proctor has worked extensively to inspire the next generation through public speaking, educational programmes and science communication. In 2024, she was selected as a U.S. Science Envoy, as part of the U.S. Department of State’s initiative to promote international cooperation in science and space education and strengthen connections between researchers around the world.

Proctor is also an accomplished Afrofuturist artist, painter and poet. Her artwork explores themes of space, Earth, identity, connection and the future of humanity. Her work has been featured internationally, and in 2025 her spaceflight pressure suit was placed on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

A member of the Association of Space Explorers, Proctor continues to contribute to the global space community as an advocate for exploration, diversity, STEM education and the peaceful use of space. Her unique combination of spaceflight experience, scientific expertise, artistic vision and educational leadership makes her a prominent voice for the future of human space exploration.

Events

77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026)

5 - 9 October 2026

Antalya, Türkiye

Participation: