The National Space Society (NSS) mourns the loss of Anita Gale, a visionary leader and advocate for space settlement. Serving as CEO since 2021, Gale brought significant advancements to NSS, including establishing a new headquarters at the Kennedy Space Center and securing a $1 million grant from Blue Origin’s Club for the Future.
Gale’s career began at Rockwell International, where she contributed to the Space Shuttle program, facing and overcoming challenges in a male-dominated field. Her passion extended to inspiring young people, especially girls, to pursue technical careers. She co-founded the Space Settlement Design Competitions, encouraging thousands of students globally to explore aerospace engineering.
Recognized with numerous awards, including the NSS Space Pioneer Award, Gale’s dedication has left an enduring impact. She was actively involved in organizations like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).
As we remember her contributions, we also celebrate her legacy. Gale's dedication to fostering the next generation of aerospace talent will be remembered fondly by the space community.