LEGO Unveils Perseverance Mars Rover Build That Moves Like The Real Thing

LEGO is taking one small step on desks but one giant leap for brilliant minds of the future with the help of its new set with NASA, an articulating model of the breakthrough Perseverance Mars rover.

Whereas the real rover’s mission is to comb the Red Planet for signs of ancient life and collect samples for examination, its earthbound mini-me is being deployed to encourage children ages 10 and up to forge paths in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Though, make no mistake that this is a simple build—the elaborate Perseverance set comprises 1,132 pieces.

The nine-inch-tall LEGO Technic NASA Mars Rover Perseverance has a 360° steering and a movable arm, as well as fully-articulated suspension that lets it traverse uneven terrain on its six wheels, just like its ambitious muse. These thoughtful engineering details have been added to show builders how the rover does its work so capably on Mars.

On top of that, the mini-rover is paired with a replica of Perseverance’s sidekick, the Ingenuity helicopter.

To take learning to astronomical heights, the build’s accompanying app, Technic AR, enables fans to enjoy the set physically and digitally, and find out more about Perseverance’s expeditions on Mars. From here, builders can also get a snapshot of the weather on Mars.

Luke Cragin, a designer at the LEGO Group, reflects that this project has been “both challenging and exciting.”

“I’ve always felt passionate about space, and the design process let me explore my interest as I recreated the incredible engineering developed by the pioneering team at NASA,” Cragin adds.

“We hope the model’s features and functions will help introduce young space lovers to the world of engineering and encourage them to reach for the stars in the future.”

The otherworldly set will roam into LEGO stores and on LEGO.com on June 1 at a price of US$99.99.

[via Brick Fanatics, Brothers Brick, LEGO, images via LEGO]