NASA, American Girl Create Aspiring Astronaut Doll

NASA has teamed up with beloved doll and book company American Girl to create a new graphic symbol aiming to inspire young kids — specifically, young girls — to learn nigh science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

That grapheme is Luciana Vega, an 11 twelvemonth-old aspiring astronaut who wants to be the get-go person to set foot on Mars. NASA, through a Infinite Deed Agreement, offered input on the creation of this character — which American Daughter has named its 2022 girl of the year — and a new affiliate volume series written by Erin Teagan and published by Scholastic that chronicles Luciana's trip to space camp and across. NASA also provided imagery and content for an accompanying American Girl app and website that offers space simulations, educational quizzes, challenges, and more.

"It is and then of import to detect exciting new means to inspire our next generation of space explorers," NASA astronaut Megan McArthur, who serves on the project's advisory board, said in a statement. "I e'er desire to encourage girls and boys to pursue their dreams, no affair how big, and I call back information technology helps to show how those dreams tin can go reality for any child."

The project'south advisory board besides included former NASA Chief Scientist Ellen Stofan, CEO and Executive Manager of the U.S. Space and Rocket Heart Deborah Barnhart, and NASA's Manager of Strategic Alliances Maureen O'Brien.

NASA views the collaboration as a way to educate and become kids excited about Stalk through Luciana's story.

"Luciana's experiences may be familiar for many of the Women@NASA, including astronauts like Megan, who take overcome obstacles to pursue their dreams," the agency said in a argument. NASA added that it "volition need talented scientists, engineers, and astronauts in the future" as it prepares to return to the moon and send humans to Mars.

"NASA has a diverse mission that demands talent from every corner of America, and every walk of life," the agency wrote.

American Girl's eighteen-inch Luciana doll will go along sale Jan. one. The first two Luciana books are bachelor now.

About Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo

Angela Moscaritolo is PCMag's adept on fitness and smart home products. Education yoga for nearly 10 years has helped her in evaluating a range of connected health products including fettle trackers, heart rate monitors, rowers, smart scales, stationary bikes, strength training machines, treadmills, and more than. Angela likewise tests smart home devices from her ranch in Florida, including air purifiers, kitchen appliances, and robot vacuums, just to name a few.