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These plastic toy "lunar rocks" came with the Toys R' Us Astronaut Barbie doll issued by Mattel in 1994 commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the first human landing on the Moon by Apollo 11 in 1969.

Invented by Mattel Toys co-founder Ruth Handler in 1958, Barbie dolls were conceived as a toy that would allow children to play with a doll of an adult woman, not a baby or child/companion. As such, Barbie dolls allowed their owners to act out the life of a "single career girl." In the history of this immensely-popular and iconic toy, the Barbie doll has taken on several aviation- and space-themed jobs, including several versions of Barbie as a stewardess, astronaut, and pilot.

This depiction of the doll as an Apollo astronaut did not attempt a precise representation. The design, including the play rocks, is more commemorative than accurate.

This doll and costume was donated to the Museum by Mattel in 1995.

 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
Date ca. 1994 Country of Origin CHINA Type MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture Manufacturer Mattel, Inc.
 Dimensions 3-D: 1.3 x 1.3 x 1.9cm (1/2 x 1/2 x 3/4 in.)
 Materials plastic
 Inventory Number A20070119006 Credit Line Gift of Mattel, Inc. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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