Mattel Creates Astronaut Barbie Doll Modelled On Samantha Cristoforetti

Toy company Mattel and the European Space Agency (ESA) have teamed up to create an out-of-this-world doll.

The ESA has taken a Barbie doll modeled after Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti on a zero-gravity flight, as part of a campaign to inspire young girls to pursue careers in space and science, technology, math and engineering (STEM).

As part of the project, the doll mirrored the real-life preparation astronauts need to take before going into space.

“The mini Samantha doll has already been on a parabolic flight so she already has some experience with weightlessness,” Cristoforetti said in a video statement. “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.”

Mattel will be sharing educational information about space on its Barbie website and all proceeds from the doll will be donated to the Women In Aerospace organization.

The doll is available to purchase on Amazon for $29.99.