Renowned 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 space and satellite 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 involved analyzing gas composition in Comet Churyumov-Gerasimenko 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, she managed academic relations, promoted research, and fostered collaborations. She was involved in initiatives such as the Israeli Space Agency's scholarship program at NASA's Ames Research Center, the VENUS environmental research satellite, the Space Agency's research fund, and the scientific track at the Ilan Ramon International Space Conference. She also contributed to the space community on the Campus IL platform.

Beyond her research, Ninio Greenberg was dedicated to science education, particularly for young people and girls, aiming to encourage them to pursue careers in STEM fields. The Israel Space Agency mourned her loss, calling her a "pillar" of the Israeli space community and an "inspiring comet" for all. She is survived by her husband and three children. Her funeral was held in Even Yehuda.