HOUSTON, Jan. 8, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Axiom Space and Build-A-Bear Workshop
(NYSE: BBW) have continued their partnership and will send a
furry fifth crew member to space, alongside the Axiom Mission 3
(Ax-3) astronauts in a launch planned no earlier than Jan. 17, from Florida. The teddy bear, named GiGi, will
launch to space as the Ax-3 mission's zero-gravity indicator
wearing Axiom Space's next-generation spacesuit. GiGi's first
mission was Axiom Mission 2 (Ax-2) in May, marking the first time
Build-A-Bear sent a furry friend to space, and once again, both
companies will engage youth through STEAM education and
outreach.
GiGi's return to space continues the tradition of having a
zero-gravity indicator inside the spacecraft to provide a visual
indicator when the spacecraft has reached the weightlessness of
microgravity. As the fifth crew member of Ax-3, GiGi's mission is
to inspire children around the world to learn about space and
consider careers in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and
mathematics (STEAM).
"Our partnership with Build-A-Bear is key in helping to drive
curiosity in young minds about space exploration," said
Sandra Nelson, Vice President of
Marketing, Axiom Space. "We want our fifth crew member, GiGi, to
inspire youth in space exploration and encourage them to grow their
knowledge about STEAM. It's imperative that we build a diverse
workforce with a unique skillset ready to drive innovations and
fuel new ideas to advance civilization."
Julia Fitzgerald, Chief Marketing
Officer at Build-A-Bear, shares her excitement on the continued
partnership with Axiom Space. "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. Not only does this
mark a special moment in history, but we also hope GiGi's story
inspires children to consider STEAM activities, hobbies and even
careers. 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."
About The Ax-3 Mission
Ax-3 will be the first
all-European commercial astronaut mission to launch to the space
station – redefining the pathway to low-Earth orbit (LEO) and
helping chart a course toward Axiom Station, the world's first
commercial space station.
The Ax-3 crewmembers are Commander Michael López-Alegría of the U.S. and
Spain, Pilot Walter Villadei of
the Italian Air Force, and Mission Specialists Alper Gezeravcı of Türkiye and Marcus Wandt of Sweden and ESA. To learn more about the Ax-3
mission, visit www.axiomspace.com/ax3.
GiGi's Story
GiGi was the first Build-A-Bear to make
bear history this past spring as the fifth crew member and
zero-gravity indicator aboard the historic Ax-2 mission. GiGi, yet
again, will have the special opportunity to serve as the zero-g
indicator to return to space aboard the upcoming Ax-3 mission. GiGi
shares these inspiring words:
"My first space mission was the culmination of a lifelong dream.
Now, I am a full-time astronaut and aspiring pilot, and this next
space adventure will give me the opportunity to learn even more and
complete my pilot training. With a little heart and a lot of hard
work and dedication, I want all children to know that dreams are
always within reach."
To read GiGi's full story and follow her space adventures please
visit her blog at www.axiomspace.com/news/meet-gigi. Fans can
also follow GiGi's exciting adventures on all @buildabear social
channels.
Celebrate GiGi's Second Mission
Be part of this
memorable moment and join Build-A-Bear for an out-of-this-world
party with fun events at participating Build-A-Bear Workshops.
Visit select stores on Saturday, January
13 and Saturday, January 20
from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for fun
sticker giveaways, an appearance from our mascot Bearemy, and the
opportunity to make a furry friend and outfit them in the Axiom
Space next-generation spacesuit. This unique replica of the
spacesuit worn by the crew is available in select stores, online at
Build-A-Bear and axiomspace.com.
ABOUT AXIOM SPACE
Axiom Space is building for beyond,
guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits
every human, everywhere. The leading provider of human spaceflight
services and developer of human-rated space infrastructure, Axiom
Space operates end-to-end missions to the International Space
Station today while developing its successor, Axiom Station – the
world's first commercial space station in low-Earth orbit, which
will sustain human growth off the planet and bring untold benefits
back home. For more information about Axiom Space, visit
www.axiomspace.com.
ABOUT BUILD-A-BEAR®
Build-A-Bear is a
multi-generational global brand focused on its mission to "add a
little more heart to life" appealing to a wide array of consumer
groups who enjoy the personal expression in making their own "furry
friends" to celebrate and commemorate life moments. Nearly 500
interactive brick-and-mortar experience locations operated through
a variety of formats provide guests of all ages a hands-on
entertaining experience, which often fosters a lasting and
emotional brand connection. The company also offers engaging
e-commerce/digital purchasing experiences on buildabear.com and its
age-gated, adult-focused "Bear Cave". In addition, extending its
brand power beyond retail, Build-A-Bear Entertainment, a subsidiary
of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc., is dedicated to creating engaging
content for kids and adults that fulfills the company's
mission.
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SOURCE Build-A-Bear Workshop