Gary Gilbert, MBA, MSM
Gary Gilbert, MBA, MSM is the Publisher and Founder of Flying Goddess Publishing and a Space Enthusiast, Analog Astronaut, and STEM Education Advocate with over 20 years of experience in logistics, supply chain management, and space education advocacy. He is known for compiling and publishing Spacegirl II: 21 Women Write about Their Careers on Earth in the Space Industry, an anthology designed to inspire young women to pursue careers in the space industry beyond traditional astronaut roles.
Gary has devoted his post-military career to bridging the gap between space exploration dreams and practical career opportunities for the next generation, particularly focusing on empowering girls and young women in STEM fields. In 2023, Gary achieved his personal milestone of becoming an analog astronaut, demonstrating his commitment to hands-on space exploration training and research.
As the Publisher of Flying Goddess Publishing, established in January 2023, he has created a platform dedicated to showcasing diverse career paths in the space industry. His anthology features 21 women from various backgrounds, including astrobiology, spacesuit technology, aerospace engineering, and space communications, each sharing their unique journey to success in the industry. The book includes contributions from women working on Ph.D.s in astrobiology to a spacesuit technician for astronaut Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to fly into space. Read Anthologist hopes book inspires girls to chase ground-based space jobs.
Gary’s mission extends beyond publishing, with a goal to place his book in every grade 6–12 school across the United States, either in paperback or ebook format. He has committed to allocating 95 percent of the book’s profits to schools for scholarships, demonstrating his dedication to making space education accessible. He actively engages as a keynote speaker and podcast guest, spreading his message about the diverse opportunities available in the space industry. Listen to Podcast Guest: Space podcast with Gary Gilbert on Astro Eliza.
Before his current focus on space education advocacy, Gary served a distinguished 20-year career in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. His military experience provided him with extensive expertise in logistics, supply chain management, and leadership that would later prove invaluable in his civilian career.
From 2015 to 2016, he worked as a Security Officer and Launch Logistics Specialist (Contract) at SpaceX in Cape Canaveral, Florida, where he gained firsthand experience in commercial spaceflight operations during the company’s rapid expansion phase. Between February 2016 and July 2016, Gary served as Inventory Control Manager at The Lewis Chemical Company in Rome, Georgia. He then transitioned to the United States Postal Service as a Sales & Service/Distribution Associate from 2017 to 2022 in Merritt Island, Florida, a five-year tenure that coincided with his growing involvement in space education initiatives.
Gary’s earlier career included significant roles at Lockheed Martin from 2000 to 2003, where he worked as an Inventory Control Specialist involved in the reorganization of facilities for airplane repair, restoration, and refurbishment. He also served as a Math Tutor and Substitute Teacher for Seminole County Public Schools from 2013 to 2015, where he provided intensive math intervention for K-12 students.
Gary earned his Master of Space Management (MSM) from the prestigious International Space University in France. His visit to the International Space University in Strasbourg, France in 2012 inspired the creation of his anthology after witnessing young women’s financial barriers to space education opportunities.
During his time at ISU, he witnessed the struggles of young women who wished to enter the industry but were held back by lack of funds to pay for the necessary study. He earned his MBA in Business and Management from Webster University, providing him with the business acumen necessary for his publishing ventures. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Webster University.
Throughout his career, Gary has been an active volunteer in the space community. He serves as a volunteer for SpaceCom, having participated in both the January 2024 and January 2025 events, with plans to continue volunteering in 2026. SpaceCom’s annual event is recognized as the most transformative conference & expo advancing the commercial space industry. He has been a member of the National Space Society since April 2025, having previously volunteered at the International Space Development Conference in 2009.
From 2013 to 2016, he served as Vice President of the USA Alumni of International Space University, actively participating in the planning committee for this organization that connects USA-based ISU alumni from around the world.
A South Carolina native and Merritt Island, Florida resident, Gary draws inspiration from science fiction, particularly Star Trek: The Next Generation. His vision for humanity’s future is deeply influenced by the ideals of equality and scientific advancement portrayed in the series. As he explains, “I just want humanity’s future to be like that of ‘Star Trek Next Generation.’”
Gary’s lifelong passion for space and science fiction has evolved into a practical mission to create pathways for the next generation to enter the space industry. Read Spacegirl II: 21 Women Write about Their Careers on Earth in the Space Industry. Watch Building the Future of Space Education. Listen to Space Dreams and STEM Education.
Visit his LinkedIn profile, Flying Goddess Publishing Homepage, and Amazon Author Page. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram.