On April 12, 1981, the first NASA Space Shuttle launched and changed space exploration forever. Now, almost exactly 40 years later, space enthusiasts can celebrate that historic space mission with a colossal new LEGO set.
Astronaut Dr. Kathy Sullivan, who was part of the original NASA STS-31 mission, helped reveal this new LEGO set for adult builders, which recreates the NASA Space Shuttle Discovery. Made in collaboration with NASA, this Space Shuttle is made up of 2,354 pieces.
The set features the Discovery orbiter, complete with functioning landing gear, payload bay doors, elevons, and rudders. There is also a brick version of the Hubble Space Telescope, which can be folded inside of the payload bay or expanded to be displayed on its own. The set includes two display stands and plaques — for both the orbiter and the telescope — that are loaded with key data from this iconic mission.
The shuttle is part of the wider LEGO Go Beyond campaign, which is set to include a variety of space-themed LEGO sets. The campaign also includes an exclusive interview with Sullivan, discussing the original mission. The interview is available exclusively to those with a (free) LEGO VIP account.
LEGO VIPs can also use their points to purchase an exclusive item: the Ulysses Space Probe, which the Space Shuttle Discovery launched in 1990 on a mission to scan the Sun. This limited-edition set is available for 1,800 VIP points while supplies last.
The LEGO NASA Space Shuttle Discovery will be available on April 1 for $199.99 at lego.com and LEGO retail stores.
