Mattel inks deal with Elon Musk’s Space X to launch astro-themed toys

 Toy makers Mattel and Elon Musk's rocket company, SpaceX, have inked a multi-year deal. The deal looks to develop and market items that encourage collectors and kids to tap into their inner space explorer.

As part of the deal, from 2023, Mattel start marketing toys inspired by SpaceX under its Matchbox brand. The Matchbox is best known for its action figures and toy vehicles. Concurrently, astro-themed items will also be unveiled on Mattel Creations, the company's online collector platform for collaboration and direct-to-consumer platform. “We take pride in our ability to create products and experiences that honor cultural moments and inspire humankind,” said Nick Karamanos, SVP Entertainment Partnerships at Mattel.

“As space exploration advances more quickly than ever before, we are thrilled to work with SpaceX and help spark limitless play patterns for the space explorer in every kid. At SpaceX, we believe that a future in which humanity is out among the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one in which we are not,” said Brian Bjelde, vice president at SpaceX.

“We look forward to working with Mattel to help inspire the next generation of space explorers and enthusiasts," he added.

Earlier this month, The Matchbox brand also partnered with Skydance Media to develop Matchbox into a live-action motion picture. Meanwhile, Mattel has been producing space-related toys inluding the Imaginext's Disney And Pixar Lightyear Lights and Polly Pocket's Saturn Space Explorer. In the 1960s Mattel also made Nasa-inspired toys.

Meanwhile, Mattel also sent two of its iconic 63-year old Barbie dolls to space recently. This is to encourage girls to consider a career in aerospace, engineering and STEM.

According to Mattel, the Barbie purpose has always been to remind girls they can be anything and by showing them nearly 40 different careers in STEM. According to Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of barbie and dolls, Mattel, Barbie introduced an astronaut doll in 1965 - before humans had even stepped foot on the moon.

“Now, almost 60 years later and with 200 careers and counting, Barbie dolls have made it to space. It is important that we encourage girls to reach for the stars – literally – and pursue careers in aerospace and STEM. With help from the International Space Station National Lab team, we are reminding girls that not even gravity can hold them back,” McKnight said.

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