Esteemed Israeli Space Scientist Dr. Adi Ninio Greenberg Dies at 50
Dr. Adi Ninio Greenberg, a prominent Israeli space and planetary scientist, passed away at the age of 50. She was a senior advisor to the Israel Space Agency and a key figure in promoting science education.
Ninio Greenberg had a distinguished career that spanned military service, academic research, and public outreach. She served in the Israeli Air Force from 2001 to 2012, focusing on satellite and space technologies, and retired with the rank of Major. Her passion for space began in childhood.
Academically, she earned a bachelor's degree in Earth Sciences from Tel Aviv University and pursued a doctorate in planetary sciences. Her doctoral research, conducted at Tel Aviv University's Comet Research Lab, analyzed gas composition in Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko (67P) using data from the European Space Agency's Rosetta spacecraft. This work established her as a recognized researcher in planetary science and space exploration.
In her role as a senior advisor to the Israel Space Agency, Ninio Greenberg managed academic relations, promoted research collaborations, and developed programs connecting academia with the Israeli space community. She was involved in initiatives such as the Israeli Space Agency's fellowship program at NASA's Ames Research Center, the VENUS Israeli-French environmental research satellite, and the Ilan Ramon International Space Conference's science track. She also contributed to the space community on the Campus IL platform.
Beyond her research, Ninio Greenberg dedicated significant effort to educating young people about space, particularly encouraging girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She founded educational projects aimed at boosting self-confidence and demonstrating that women can succeed in traditionally male-dominated fields.
The Israel Space Agency mourned her loss, calling her a "cornerstone" of the Israeli space community and an "inspiration." They noted her ability to bridge advanced research with accessible education, reaching thousands of students. Her funeral was held in Even Yehuda. She is survived by her husband and three children. The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology also expressed condolences.
