Sheila Xu

Sheila Xu is a prominent advocate for disability inclusion in the space sector, currently serving as the Deputy Director of Development at AstroAccess, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making space travel accessible for individuals with disabilities. Her role involves leveraging her education and experience to develop strategies for securing corporate partnerships and sponsorships, as well as managing the organization's finances.12

Background and Education

Xu was born deaf to hearing parents and became an active member of the Deaf community during her undergraduate studies at MIT, where she majored in Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences and Science, Technology, and Society. Her experiences at MIT, including internships at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, inspired her to pursue a career that would open doors for others with disabilities.2 Currently, she is pursuing dual graduate degrees: an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School.2

Achievements and Contributions

• Pilot License: In 2021, Xu earned her sport pilot license, becoming one of approximately 200 deaf pilots in the United States. This achievement underscores her commitment to breaking down barriers for deaf individuals in aviation.2
• AstroAccess Involvement: Since mid-2022, she has been actively involved with AstroAccess. Her participation in astronaut training programs has included zero-gravity experiments aimed at exploring communication methods for deaf astronauts.13

Vision and Impact

Xu aims to challenge stereotypes surrounding deaf individuals and advocate for systemic changes that benefit the Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) community. She believes that designing systems with accessibility in mind not only benefits those with disabilities but enhances experiences for everyone.12 Through her work at AstroAccess, she hopes to inspire others and demonstrate that barriers can be overcome with determination and innovation.1