Mattel Creates Katherine Johnson Barbie Doll
March 9, 2018
By Lora Snow
Mattel has created a brand new Barbie doll, and while this wouldn’t normally be space news, it is this time. The doll is of Katherine Johnson, a “human computer,” who performed key mathematical calculations for NASA.
Johnson’s work includes
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Calculating the trajectory for Alan Shephard, the first American to fly in space
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Rechecking the machine calculations for John Glenn, the first U.S. astronaut to orbit the earth
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Working on the trajectory for the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, in which the first astronauts walked on the moon
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Working on back-up procedures and charts that helped the astronauts on the Apollo 13 mission return home
Barbie doll modeled after
Katherine Johnson. Credit: Mattel.
The doll will include miniature versions of Johnson’s glasses, NASA badge, earrings, and necklace. It’s part of Mattel’s “Inspiring Women” series, which also includes dolls based on aviator Amelia Earhart and artist Frida Kahlo. All of the dolls will come with educational information about the contributions the women made to society and their fields.
Barbie dolls modelled after Amelia Earhart, Frida Kahlo, and Katherine Johnson. Credit: Mattel
Mattel has made previous NASA themed Barbies. These include Barbie Careers Astronaut and Space Scientist Doll set, Mars Explorer Barbie, Astronaut Barbie, and the first Barbie astronaut doll, Barbie Miss Astronaut, which was released in 1965.
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