Hayley Arceneaux

American physician assistant and commercial astronaut

Hayley Arceneaux

Hayley Arceneaux (born December 4, 1991) is an American physician assistant and commercial astronaut. She is known for being a crew member of the SpaceX Inspiration4 mission, the first all-civilian spaceflight, where she served as the medical officer. Arceneaux is notable for being the youngest American to fly in space and the first person with a prosthetic body part to do so.

Early life and education

Hayley Arceneaux was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, at the age of 10. As part of her treatment, she underwent surgery to replace her knee and received a titanium rod in her left thigh. Her experience as a patient at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital inspired her to pursue a career in medicine.

Arceneaux attended Southeastern Louisiana University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 2014. She later completed her Physician Assistant degree at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in 2016.

Career

Medical career

After completing her education, Arceneaux began working as a physician assistant at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the same hospital where she was treated as a child. Her work focuses on pediatric oncology, providing care and support to children undergoing cancer treatment.

Spaceflight

In 2021, Arceneaux was selected as a crew member for the Inspiration4 mission, a private spaceflight funded by entrepreneur Jared Isaacman. The mission aimed to raise awareness and funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Arceneaux's role as the medical officer involved monitoring the health and well-being of the crew during the mission.

FAA Astronaut Wings

The Inspiration4 mission launched on September 15, 2021, aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. The crew orbited the Earth for three days, conducting scientific research and outreach activities. Arceneaux's participation in the mission was historic, as she became the first person with a prosthetic body part to travel to space, and at 29 years old, she was the youngest American to do so.

Personal life

Arceneaux is an advocate for cancer patients and survivors, often sharing her story to inspire others. She is involved in various outreach programs and continues to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through her work and public appearances.

Related pages

• Inspiration4
• SpaceX
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
• Osteosarcoma