New LEGO x NASA Technic sets fly on to shelves

Tristan Stringer

In collaboration with NASA, LEGO is aiming for the stars with these newly-released LEGO Technic kits. We’ve rounded up all of these new sets and where you can buy them.

The LEGO Technic collection comprises a host of detailed vehicles. Take, for example, the models featured as the best LEGO Technic sets for adults. Each of these kits is exquisite. There is no doubt about it.

However, the LEGO Technic vehicles from LEGO’s collaboration with NASA aren’t your run-of-the-mill vehicles. Not at all. Indeed, these newly-released LEGO Technic kits takes inspiration from spacecraft. However, whereas most are of the latter variety, there is one that recreates the Moon’s orbit around Earth.

We have rounded up each of these new space-inspired LEGO Technic sets. Here’s what you can expect from each and where you can buy each of them.

1. LEGO Technic Space Mars Crew Exploration Rover – 42180

The LEGO Technic Space Mars Crew Exploration Rover on display

Ever wanted to explore Mars? Well, we’re arguably still some time away from putting humans on the Red Planet. Understandably so, though. The fourth planet from the sun is a whopping 142 million miles away from Earth. As such, for the time being (at least), you’ll have to stay home and use your imagination to do so.

However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially when you consider that you can immerse yourself into the imaginative experience with a LEGO Technic kit such as the one featured here.

Comprising 1599 pieces, the LEGO Technic Mars Crew Exploration Rover is sure to provide aspiring astronauts aged 11 and up with a rewarding and enjoyable building experience. But that’s not all. Considering the features with which this model is equipped, it will be oodles of fun to play with.

This LEGO Technic kit is fitted with suspension, a moving crane, and an expanding truck bed, among many other items. There’s even an elevator. The interior features a cockpit and living quarters for the exploration crew. The latter is, however, not included. A companion rover is also present.

In addition, the set ships with myriad scientific accessories. The latter includes scientific equipment and gas canisters.

The completed model measures nine inches tall, eight inches wide, and 17 inches bow to stern. This set is priced at $149.99.

2. LEGO Technic Space VTOL Heavy Cargo Spaceship LT81 – 42181

The LEGO Technic Space VTOL Heavy Cargo Spaceship LT81 on display

A spacecraft of the future, what’s not to like? With the LEGO Technic VTOL Heavy Cargo Spaceship LT81 you can immerse yourself into taking flight to the galaxies far, far away (in our universe, at least).

This LEGO Technic kit comprises 1365 pieces, each of which clicks together to create a stunning space-exploration ship. The completed build measures seven inches tall, 18.5 inches wide, and 20 inches nose to tail.

Thanks to the latter and the ship’s intricate detailing, it’s sure to look great when displayed next to your other space-inspired LEGO kits, such as the LEGO Creator 3in1 Space Astronaut. You can, of course, also suspend it from the roof in your bedroom or office. Now that will look cool.

However, you would want to have this kit close at hand. Why? Well, like all LEGO Technic sets, this model is equipped with several neat features. As such, it promises an enjoyable playing experience.

The set is fitted with a self-leveling cockpit, rotating engines, and vertical take-off and landing gear. A mini space rover is also present for when you have landed and want to explore new terrains. You’ll have to be aged 10 and up, though. This set is priced at $109.99.

3. LEGO Technic Space Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit – 42179

The LEGO Technic Space Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit set

This LEGO Technic kit is great for kids aged 10 and up who want to learn about the Moon’s orbit around planet Earth. In addition, if you’re a teacher, it will be a lovely addition to your science classroom. LEGO is, after all, designed with a focus on learning. This set is perfect for that.

In addition, comprising 526 pieces, it will also give the young LEGO builders the opportunity to explore engineering. The completed build measures nine inches tall, seven inches wide, and 12.5 inches long.

The model features a crank, which, when you turn it, allows you to see how the Moon orbits the Earth. There are also printed details, such as the months and moon phases to showcase how the Earth’s orbit affects our seasons. This kit is priced at $74.99.

4. LEGO Technic Space Surface Space Loader LT78 – 42178

Kids aged eight and up will love this space-inspired LEGO Technic set. Not only will it provide them with an enjoyable building experience, the playing experience will be equally as smile-inducing.

Although smaller than the other kits featured here, the LEGO Technic Space Surface Space Loader LT78 is still equipped with an array of fun-filled elements. The latter includes steering, a raising and lowering function, and a crane.

The set comprises 435 pieces. The completed model measures three-and-a-half inches tall, seven inches wide, and eight inches long. The LEGO Technic Space Surface Space Loader LT78 is priced at $34.99.

Each of these LEGO Technic sets promises to provide young (and young-at-heart grownup) LEGO builders with a fun-filled building and imagination-sparking playing experience. In addition, each of these kits will look spectacular on display.

However, if you are an adult who prefer to keep their wheels firmly on Earth yet looking for a building experience that’s rewarding and immersive, you needn’t worry. There are more new LEGO Technic sets, such as the LEGO Technic Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance, that will provide just that.

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About The Author

Tristan graduated from Southampton Solent University in 2020 with a bachelor's in TV, Media Production, and Journalism. Previously, he's written for Nintendo Life, Dualshockers, Pocket Tactics, The Digital Fix, VideoGamer, and The Loadout as a guide, list, features, and review writer. On top of being a massive figure collector and struggling New York Yankees fan, Tristan is a Weekend Writer covering all things entertainment Dexerto, from reporting on news to writing features and guides. He can be contacted at tristan.stringer@dexerto.com.