Inspiration for girls: Barbie astronaut launched on a weightless flight
Barbie in the version of the Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti was launched on a weightless flight to inspire girls to consider a career in space exploration and the STEM field in general
To mark Space Walk Week from October 4-10, this year dedicated to women in space, toymaker Mattel Inc. collaborated with the European Space Agency (ESA) and Samantha Cristoforetti preparing for their next mission to the International Space Station in April.
As part of the project, the Cristoforetti-like puppet follows in some way the preparations each astronaut goes through while training for a space mission, traveling and floating on a weightless flight from an ESA base in Germany.
“Doll Samantha has already been on a parabolic flight so she already has some experience with zero gravity,” Cristoforetti, 44, says in a video message.
"I really hope that we manage to arouse some enthusiasm in the girls ... maybe ... those recordings will ignite a spark in the hearts of some of them and it will be miraculous."
Barbie not only goes through the preparations but also shares her experience with followers on her website, and the proceeds of the Samantha Cristoforetti Barbie doll project will be donated to the Women in Space organization to fund scholarships for female students.
By: Olivia J. - Gossip Whispers
