GirlBoss takes flight with NASA on SOFIA observatory 747

It's one small flight for Alexia Hilbertidou, one giant leap for womankind.

The 18-year-old GirlBoss CEO is just days away from embarking on an overnight NASA flight over the Southern Ocean.

Selected for the flight by United States Ambassador-Designate Scott Brown, the Red Beach resident says she is "absolutely rapt" about the adventure.

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"I'm over the moon to be a part of it. It's such an exciting opportunity and I really look forward to sharing the experience with the young women I work with," she said.

Aboard NASA's flying observatory SOFIA - a modified Boeing 747SP carrying one of the world's most powerful telescopes - Alexia will experience a once in a lifetime journey to observe the stars.

The 10 hour flight will see the crew experience three days at -70C and zero humidity, while measuring stardust and keeping an eye out for the Aurora Australis.

At maximum altitude, the rear of the airplane will open up to allow for scientific observations.

Alexia has had NASA's SOFIA Project on her radar for some time, after seeing Nanogirl Dr Michelle Dickinson's live stream of her own flight.

She was thrilled to receive the letter from the US Embassy, telling her she had been selected for the "VIP mission".

"It's a flight specifically for science communicators, for advocates, and for people promoting science in their communities," she said.

"It is so important that we highlight women who are involved in male-dominated industries such as the sciences."

Alexia plans to livestream moments of the journey to some of the 8000 strong GirlBoss network, and will detail the experience in the monthly newsletter.

The flight departs from Christchurch airport on Friday, and Alexia can't wait for lift off.

"The flight's purpose is to find new planets and stars, measure stardust and observe space, and that's definitely why I'm most excited," she said.

"I could be part of finding some new wonders about our galaxy."

NASA will also organise opportunities for the VIP guests to talk to the scientists involved in the SOFIA Project.

For more information on GirlBoss, visit girlboss.nz or alexia.nz.