September 15, 2025 — Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman to travel to space, has already secured her place in history with honors like the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a spot in the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Now, she’s being recognized in a new way — as a Barbie doll.
On Monday, Mattel unveiled the Barbie Inspiring Women Ellen Ochoa doll, modeled after the former NASA astronaut. This marks just the fifth time Barbie has paid tribute to a real-life space explorer, and only the third time such a doll has been made widely available for purchase.
“Before I became the first Hispanic woman in space, my journey in STEM was fueled by curiosity and a drive to explore the unknown,” Ochoa said in a statement. “Being honored by Barbie — a brand that encourages imagination and possibility — is incredibly meaningful. I hope this inspires young people to pursue their own passions, just as I have throughout my career.”
The doll reflects Ochoa’s appearance during her first mission in 1993, when she flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery as a mission specialist. Dressed in a scaled-down version of NASA’s bright orange flight suit, complete with gloves, boots, helmet, and mission patch, the Barbie captures her look from that groundbreaking launch. Ochoa also worked closely with Mattel’s designers to ensure the doll resembled her at the time, including her signature longer, curly hairstyle.
Over her career, Ochoa flew four spaceflights, dedicating her first two missions to atmospheric science and later helping deliver supplies and install critical components of the International Space Station. In 2013, she became the first Latina and only the second woman to lead NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, capping off three decades with the space agency before her retirement.
“Ellen Ochoa has inspired countless young people to see themselves in STEM,” said Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls at Mattel. “We’re honored to highlight her achievements through our Inspiring Women series and hope this doll shows the next generation that no dream is too big.”
The Inspiring Women collection has previously celebrated other trailblazing explorers, including Sally Ride, Samantha Cristoforetti, Anna Kikina, and Katya Echazarreta, as well as NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson of Hidden Figures fame.
Released in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Barbie Inspiring Women Ellen Ochoa doll is now available for pre-order through Mattel Creations ($38) and at major retailers including Amazon, Target, and Walmar
