As it turns out, when you build a bear to fly into space, one mission is not enough.
"GiGi," the Build-A-Bear doll outfitted in a miniature version of Axiom Space's next-generation lunar spacesuit, will be returning to Earth orbit on Ax-3, Axiom's third crewed mission to the International Space Station set to launch this month. The doll — and the partnership that led to its creation — debuted on Ax-2 in 2023.
"We love to foster creativity and create special moments at Build-A-Bear, so we are pleased to continue our partnership with Axiom Space and see our beloved GiGi head back to orbit as part of the Ax-3 mission," Julia Fitzgerald, chief marketing officer at Build-A-Bear, said in a statement. "Our bears are always there for a hug and friendship, but we especially love when they can also provide the inspiration for pursuing a 'sky's not the limit' adventure."
As it did on its first flight into space, GiGi will serve as the "zero gravity indicator." Traditionally, Russian cosmonauts and later U.S. astronauts have tethered small toys inside their spacecraft cabins such that when they are seen floating it is a signal that they have reached orbit. GiGi was the first Build-A-Build doll to become a zero-g indicator or otherwise be flown into space.
Related: Axiom Space names Ax-3 astronaut crew for SpaceX mission to ISS
