This Black Space Discovery Astronaut Barbie was flown to the International Space Station (ISS) for toy manufacturer Mattel, Inc. by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), the nonprofit organization that manages the ISS’s functions as a National Lab. The dolls’ flight was an experiment called Mission DreamStar, “a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education project using space to inspire girls of every age.” The Dream Gap Project aimed to use the vision of Barbie® in space to raise girls’ aspirations.

Mattel, Inc. donated two space-flown dolls to the National Air and Space Museum in 2022.

Display Status

This object is on display in James S. McDonnell Space Hangar at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

James S. McDonnell Space Hangar

Object Details

Type

MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture

Manufacturer

Mattel, Inc.

Dimensions

3-D (121g): 30.5 × 9.5 × 3.8cm, 0.1kg (1 × 3 3/4 × 1 1/2 in., 0.3lb.)

Materials

Plastic, Cloth, Paint, Synthetic Hair, Velcro

Inventory Number

A20230379000

Credit Line

Gift of Mattel, Inc.

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.