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LEGO x NASA Unveil Epic 2,354-Piece Space Shuttle Discovery Set
By Izza Sofia, 24 Mar 2021
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Image via LEGO
LEGO has joined forces with NASA to create a collaborative Space Shuttle Discovery set, which also highlights Dr. Kathy Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space.
The design of the shuttle is inspired by the STS-31 mission that launched back in April 1990. The mission involved five crew members who deployed the Hubble Space Telescope into the cosmos.
Commenting on the concept behind the model, LEGO set designer Milan Madge said that the Space Shuttle is “the most complex vehicle ever made” and that it was exciting to translate it into LEGO form.
“In the real vehicle, every inch of space is used in ingenious ways. Generally, in a LEGO model, we can rely on the size to accommodate the structure that holds the whole set together, but on the Discovery Space Shuttle, we needed to create a smooth exterior and an interior capable of holding the payload. Add functional landing gear and you have a real puzzle,” Madge said.
Ideal for adults, the set features 2,354 pieces and comes with functional landing gear and payload bay doors. The doors are dressed in reflective stickers that mimic the cooling radiators on the real-life shuttle orbiter.
The Discovery shuttle also boasts three main engines and five seats in honor of the astronauts that worked on the STS-31 mission.
Priced at US$199.99, the LEGO x NASA Space Shuttle Discovery will be available to purchase online and LEGO stores on April 1.
Image via LEGO
Image via LEGO
Image via LEGO
Image via LEGO
Image via LEGO
[via LEGO, cover image via LEGO]
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