A Barbie doll replica of Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti has taken off on a zero-gravity flight in the hopes of motivating young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, math, and engineering (STEM).
Mattel Inc (MAT.O) has teamed up with the European Space Agency (ESA) and Cristoforetti to commemorate World Space Week, which runs from Oct. 4 to 10, and this year celebrates women in space. Cristoforetti is currently training for her next mission to the International Space Station, which will take place in April.
Cristoforetti’s identical doll traveled and floated on a zero-gravity trip from an ESA facility in Germany as part of the project, simulating the preparations an astronaut must go through before flying to space.
According to a video statement of Cristoforetti, 44, “The mini Samantha doll has already been on a parabolic flight so she already has some experience with weightlessness.”
He added, “I really hope that by showing that we can create some excitement for especially young girls … maybe … those images will kindle a sparkle of passion in some girl’s heart and that would be incredible.”
Barbie will provide educational resources on space on its website as part of the effort, and revenues from the new Samantha Cristoforetti Barbie doll, which was formerly a one-of-a-kind toy, will be donated to the Women in Aerospace organization to fund a Ph.D. student bursary.
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