This Barbie doll is dressed in the Miss Astronaut silver spacesuit created by Mattel in 1965.
Invented by Mattel Toys co-founder Ruth Handler in 1958, Barbie dolls were conceived as a toy that would allow children to play with a doll of an young woman, not a baby or child/companion. As such, Barbie dolls allowed their owners to imagine the life of a young woman with a career. In the history of this popular toy, the Barbie doll has taken on several aviation- and space-themed jobs, including several versions of Barbie as a stewardess, astronaut, and pilot. Ironically, Barbie's role as "Miss Astronaut" with her Project Mercury-style silver spacesuit came years before women became a part of NASA's astronaut corps in 1978.
This doll and costume was donated to the Museum by Mattel in 1995.
Display Status
This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.
Object Details
Date
ca. 1964
Country of Origin
Japan
Type
MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture
Manufacturer
Mattel, Inc.
Dimensions
3-D: 7 x 3.8 x 29.2cm (2 3/4 x 1 1/2 x 11 1/2 in.)
Materials
Plastic, synthetic hair, polyester, vinyl, paper, brass
Inventory Number
A20070121000
Credit Line
Gift of Mattel, Inc.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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