157: An Astronaut's Support Team: Family & Friends Chris Proctor and Brian Riehle

Last March, family and friends learned of Dr. Sian Proctor's selection for the SpaceX Inspiration 4 mission and were able to join her along many parts of her incredible journey to space. On this episode, Chris and Brian join Beth to reminisce-and share wonderful moments from this recent adventure- from hearing the exciting news to watching the launch and landing. Here are the personal stories and sincere impressions from Sian's support team!

About Chris: Chris Proctor and his wife Pattie and live outside of Phoenix, AZ. Chris has worked for Progressive Insurance for 28 years! Chris has two sons (Chase 21, & Maverick 18) and 2 stepdaughters (Alex 32, & Nicole 27). Chris loves spending time with his family, hiking, golfing, and traveling. Chris and his entire family enjoyed Sian's extraordinary adventure to space and the opportunity to reunite with old friends and to meet many new friends, too!

About Brian: Mr. Riehle has 35 years' experience in computer systems, including 21 years in Air Traffic Control (ATC) automation systems with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of which 13 years were in a management position. Prior to entering the Federal Civil Service, he was a field engineer with Sperry Univac, and worked on the ARTS 3 Terminal Automation program. While employed with Sperry Univac, he worked in the ARTS 3 development labs in St. Paul, MN, and installed the ARTS 3 systems at Detroit, Columbus, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and the FAA Technical Center (FAATC). Before going to Sperry Univac, he worked for the Bendix Field Engineering Corporation on the NASA Manned Space Flight Network, and supported 5 Apollo lunar missions as the computer supervisor and data systems supervisor at the Guam and Corpus Christi, TX, Apollo tracking stations. Before that, he was employed by North American Rockwell and worked on the development of the Navy Tactical Data Systems (NTDS). He has held numerous FAA technical management positions in Airway Facilities including the positions of Branch Manager, Assistant Division Manager, Division Manager, and Deputy Director of the Operational Support Program.

Don't forget to listen to previous episodes featuring Sian and Brian!

Sian Episode #108 https://www.bethmund.com/casual-space-podcast/2021/2/11/108-mund-on-mars-6

Brian Episode #144 https://www.bethmund.com/casual-space-podcast/20211111/144-brian-riehle