The A&A department mourns the loss of Anita Gale, our 2021 Distinguished Alumna and a trailblazing figure in the aerospace industry. Gale passed away in May 2024, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to space exploration and education.

A visionary from the start

Anita Gale's passion for space began long before she entered our halls. Inspired by Sputnik in 1957 and captivated by the Mercury missions, she devoured science fiction and followed the feats of early astronauts. Her determination led her to UW Engineering in 1969, right after the historic Apollo 11 mission. As the only woman in her A&A cohort, Gale's journey was challenging but marked by perseverance and excellence.

Pioneering career in aerospace

After earning both her bachelor's (1973) and master's (1974) degrees from our department, Anita embarked on a remarkable career in the Space Shuttle Program. Starting with Rockwell International in 1974, she became an integral part of the shuttle's development, focusing on payload and cargo integration. Her innovative work led to three U.S. patents on launch vehicle payload interface standardization and cargo containerization—technologies that significantly reduced vehicle processing costs and schedules.

Throughout her career, Gale navigated the challenges of being often the "first woman, only woman, most vintage woman" in her divisions. She responded by excelling, consistently performing difficult jobs better than anyone else. This dedication and expertise earned her roles of increasing responsibility across Rockwell, Aerojet Electro-Systems, and eventually Boeing, where she concluded her industry career with the Commercial Crew program in 2016.

A legacy of education and inspiration

Perhaps Gale's most enduring impact lies in her commitment to education and mentorship. In 1984, she co-founded the Space Settlement Design Competition, an initiative that has since reached over 1,000 high school students annually across six continents. This program, born from a small project with her husband and a colleague, grew into a global phenomenon, inspiring countless young minds to pursue careers in aerospace and engineering.

"Anita Gale had such an amazing spirit, and she was eager to create unique experiences for high school students, college students, and life-long learners," reflected A&A Chair Kristi Morgansen. "As a woman in aerospace, I have long looked to Anita, who was a pioneer in the U.S. space program and an inspiration to the women in the field after her."

Leadership and recognition

Gale's expertise and leadership extended beyond her industry work. She was an active member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). In 2021, she was elected CEO of the National Space Society, a role she held until her passing. Under her leadership, the organization opened a new headquarters at the Kennedy Space Center and secured significant funding for space education initiatives.

Her contributions to aerospace and STEM education were widely recognized. In addition to our department's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2021, Anita received the NSS Space Pioneer Award and numerous other accolades throughout her career.

A multi-faceted life

Beyond her professional achievements, Gale was known for her adventurous spirit and diverse interests. An avid sailor and skilled instructor, she found joy in teaching others the intricacies of sailboat racing. Her annual Grand Canyon rafting trips became legendary among friends and colleagues.

Gale's philosophy of embracing opportunities and enriching the lives of others guided both her professional and personal life. "Part of being human is to enrich the experiences in the lives of others," she once said, a principle she lived by throughout her remarkable journey.

Continuing her legacy

Anita Gale's remarkable life and career will continue to inspire generations of aerospace professionals and students. As a trailblazing engineer and passionate educator, she left an indelible mark on our department, the aerospace industry, and countless young minds around the world. Her unwavering dedication to pushing boundaries, both in space and on Earth, serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to enriching the lives of others.