Lego reveals two NASA approved space sets for Artemis rocket and Milk Way galaxy

Lego NASA Artemis Space Launch System – ad astra (Picture: Lego)

Two new Lego space sets for adult builders have been announced, with accurate recreations of the NASA Artemis rocket and the whole Milky Way.

It’s interesting timing, that just as NASA reestablishes contact with the Voyager 1 probe – the most distant man-made object in the universe – Lego has announced two major new space sets based on real.

Lego has always made sets based on real spaceships, as well as imaginary ones, but this year they’re pushing the space theme further by releasing sets in themes that don’t normally deal with the subject, such as Friends and Duplo.

For adults though there are two brand new 18+ sets: the NASA Artemis Space Launch System and the whole of the Milky Way in Lego form…

The two sets have both been created in conjunction with NASA but they’re both very different, with the Artemis model being a highly detailed recreation of the rocket and the launch tower.

On the other hand, the Milky Way Galaxy is a 3D art piece, that can be displayed on the wall, and is made up of hundreds of the smallest size of Lego pieces. When you look at the image from a short distance away it looks just like our galaxy, complete with a little sign saying, ‘you are here’!

That’s meant to come off (Picture: Lego)

The Artemis Space Launch System is made up of 3,601 pieces and includes the multistage rocket and two solid fuel boosters, that come apart just like the real thing.

There’s also an equally accurate model of the Orion spacecraft, powered by the European Space Agency’s European Service Module, that fits inside – although it can also be displayed with its own plaque and foldout solar panels.

The tower looks just like the real one in Cape Canaveral and has supports for the rocket, a crew bridge, and retractable umbilicals. The whole model, with the rocket in place, works out at 70cm tall and 30cm deep.

The NASA Artemis Space Launch System is set number 10341 and will be released on May 18 for £219.99. Lego Insiders (which you can sign up as for free) can purchase it early, on May 15.

This is where you live (Picture: Lego)

The Milky Way set is a completely different prospect and is made up of 3,091 pieces, that build up multiple layers to create a 3D effect.

Although the pieces are recoloured plants and studs, and other innocuous Lego parts, they’re used to cleverly recreate the shape and colours of our home galaxy, including specific landmarks such as the star TRAPPIST-1, which famously has seven planets orbiting it; the Pleiades star cluster, which is the most easily seen by the naked eye; the Crab Nebula supernova remnant; and the famous Pillars of Creation.

Because it’s such a complicated build, the model is made up of five different panels, so a group of friends or family can work together, each with their own building instructions.

At the same time, you can also listen to a special podcast featuring Lego designers and University of Leicester’s Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock and former aerospace engineer Camille Bergin, aka Galactic Gal.

Lego Art The Milky Way Galaxy, set number 31212, will also be released on May 18, with early access for Lego Insiders. It costs £169.99 and the completed model measures 65cm long by 40cm high.

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