Continuing their longstanding partnership which has delivered such OTT models as the International Space Station, Apollo Saturn V, and beyond, LEGO and NASA are now presenting a Space Shuttle Discovery kit, complete with a miniature Hubble Space Telescope. A fitting celebration for the 40th anniversary of the first space shuttle launch and the 31st anniversary of the Discovery’s STS-31 mission.
This 1:70 scale recreation of the STS-31 mission in 1990 – wherein the space shuttle Discovery successfully launched the iconic telescope into orbit – comes to a total of 2,354 pieces and offers an abundance of details. Functional payload bay doors, landing gear, cockpit with accurate seating arrangement, elevons, rudder, solar arrays + panels. Let it be known that neither LEGO nor NASA ever half-ass an endeavour…
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“I was thrilled to see the space shuttle in LEGO form, and was very impressed by the amount of intricate detail they have managed to recreate from the module where we used to sleep and eat through to what we called the ‘milk stalls’ on the telescope,” says former NASA astronaut and first American woman to walk in space, Dr Kathy Sullivan – one of the five original STS-31 crew members.
“Looking at the model, it was great to reminisce about my experiences in space launching the telescope for the first time. Hubble is definitely the highlight of my career. This LEGO model is a great way for LEGO builders and space fans alike to get excited about space travel and learn more about the famous mission in a fun and engaging way.”
The space shuttle Discovery and Hubble Space Telescope will each have its own display stand and plaque inscribed with key data regarding the STS-31 mission.
The LEGO & NASA Space Shuttle Discovery kit will be available to purchase for $300 from April 1st.
