Pioneering Israeli Space Scientist Dr. Adi Niniu Greenberg Dies at 50

Dr. Adi Niniu Greenberg, a leading Israeli space and satellite expert and advisor to the Israel Space Agency, passed away on Thursday at the age of 50. The Israel Space Agency described her as a groundbreaking researcher and educational leader who dedicated her life to making space accessible and nurturing the next generation of Israel's space industry.

Born in Ramat Gan, Dr. Greenberg served in the Israeli Air Force, including as head of the space and satellite technologies department, retiring with the rank of Major. She earned a doctorate in planetary sciences from Tel Aviv University's research lab for comets. She was a professional advisor to the Israel Space Agency and the Ministry of Education, a sought-after lecturer on space, technological innovation, satellites, and Earth science, and led the AllspaceIL educational initiative to encourage youth in STEM fields.

In a 2017 op-ed for Ynet, Dr. Greenberg expressed her lifelong passion for space and advocated for greater female participation. She argued that space science is crucial for humanity's future expansion beyond Earth and highlighted the need to prepare, emphasizing that societal identification of science with men hinders women's advancement. She noted that while programs exist to encourage girls in STEM, they are insufficient. Greenberg also pointed out that the requirement for post-doctoral studies abroad often prevents women from advancing in academia due to family responsibilities, as male partners are typically the primary breadwinners and cannot easily interrupt their careers.

To address these issues, she called for educational programs for girls and financial support for women pursuing science careers to enable their development and inspire others. Even during her illness, she performed reserve duty in the Air Force during the recent war, while her husband served as a reserve battalion commander on the front lines. Her modesty was described as inspirational.

The Israel Space Agency stated that Dr. Greenberg was a cornerstone of the Israeli space community, a pioneer whose post-Air Force service and doctorate led her to dedicate her life to research, science education, and making space accessible. She was a familiar and beloved figure, deeply passionate about space. In recent years, she served as a senior advisor at the agency, managing academic relations, co-founding the scientific track at the Ilan Ramon Conference, promoting research through the research foundation, and supporting the Campus IL community. She connected advanced research with accessible education, serving as a true, inspiring "shooting star" for all.

Dr. Niniu Greenberg was laid to rest at the cemetery in Even Yehuda, where she resided. She is survived by her husband and three children.