She is going places no Barbie has ever gone before. Mattel has created a doll in honor of Samantha Cristoforetti, an Italian astronaut, to mark World Space Week.
“Well, as astronauts, one thing that we all really care about is inspiring the next generation,” Samantha Cristoforetti explained. “Inspiring young boys and girls to take up careers in space exploration or in general in science and technology.”
This year’s World Space Week aims to get more girls interested in science, technology, math, and engineering, aka STEM.
Samantha the miniature doll has gone through the exact same training that Samantha the real Samantha goes through in preparation for her April trip to the International Space Station.
“I know the mini Samantha doll has already been on a parabolic flight, so she already has some experience with weightlessness,” Cristoforetti adds. “And I really hope that by showing that, we can create some excitement for especially young girls.”
The Barbie sale will benefit Women in Aerospace, which helps women achieve their dreams.
