NASA has teamed up with beloved doll and book company American Girl to create a new character aiming to inspire young kids — specifically, young girls — to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
That character is Luciana Vega, an 11 year-old aspiring astronaut who wants to be the first person to set foot on Mars. NASA, through a Space Act Agreement, offered input on the creation of this character — which American Girl has named its 2018 girl of the year — and a new chapter book series written by Erin Teagan and published by Scholastic that chronicles Luciana's trip to space camp and beyond. 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 so important to find exciting new ways 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 always want to encourage girls and boys to pursue their dreams, no matter how big, and I think it helps to show how those dreams can become reality for any kid."
The project's advisory board also included former NASA Chief Scientist Ellen Stofan, CEO and Executive Director of the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Deborah Barnhart, and NASA's Manager of Strategic Alliances Maureen O'Brien.
NASA views the collaboration as a way to educate and get kids excited about STEM through Luciana's story.
"Luciana's experiences may be familiar for many of the Women@NASA, including astronauts like Megan, who have overcome obstacles to pursue their dreams," the agency said in a statement. NASA added that it "will 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 18-inch Luciana doll will go on sale Jan. 1. The first two Luciana books are available now.