LEGO Creator Expert NASA Space Shuttle Discovery (10283)

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Alternatively, you can rotate the stand and display the model with its nose pitched downwards because the stand remains sufficiently tall. This configuration seems awkward on flat surfaces but could prove effective when displaying the orbiter on higher shelves, showing the bodywork more clearly. However, this vehicle cannot be displayed sideways, as though banking. Over half (52%) think there will be space tourism in the next 30 years. With 32% thinking it will involve very expensive and exclusive journeys into the atmosphere The distinctive forward rake is present and viewing the landing gear from underneath reveals their tidy integration. The doors are understandably excluded but these struts are outstanding. Additionally, the underside of the shuttle is smoothly finished, interrupted only by landing gear and display stand slots. The inverted 2x2 wedge tiles attached on the underside of each wing are especially delightful, nestling among larger wedge plates and curved slopes.

Golden solar arrays are connected to the telescope, taking inspiration from the flexible panels which originally provided power. Recreating the solar panels using plastic sheets has certainly proven effective and the slender stanchions around the edges appear relatively inconspicuous. The deployable communication antennas appear similarly authentic, in either their retracted or active positions. The build actually begins with the construction of the Hubble Telescope, arguably one of the most important scientific instruments ever created by man, and it is a stunning rendition. Perhaps it’s the building techniques utilised, or maybe it’s the subject matter itself, but everything about the model feels like it has a very precise and measured design. From the offset Technic pins used for the telescope’s angled stand to the intricate design created by the yellow 1×1 tap pieces, every stage creates the feeling of building a scientific instrument. The set contains over 2,300 pieces and will take you the best part of six to seven hours (if not more) to finish, which already makes it a good return. If the LEGO Group had sold both models separately, they would have been fantastic sets in their own right, so to have both in one makes the deal seem otherworldly. (Okay, maybe not that good, but you get the point.) — Pictures — Several appealing functions are also provided, including the deployable landing gear which is ingenious, while the Hubble Space Telescope appears spectacular. The metallic silver colours are attractive and numerous important details are included, matching the Space Shuttle in that regard. Their consistent size is also welcome, at an approximate scale of 1:70.But since we’re on the topic of other shuttles, here’s the new 10283 Discovery next to 10213 Shuttle Adventure, as well as 1995’s 6339 Shuttle Launch Pad orbiter, and the shuttle from 21321 International Space Station from 2020. I also asked a coworker, who used to be an Airedale in the US Navy, about this. He didn’t know why they did this, but confirmed that he’d seen it, and also mentioned that sometimes you could see a layer of dark red under the green. That would further suggest this acts as an anti-corrosion coating, if it’s the same shade of red. He also mentioned that the green is a flat paint, so not very reflective, which might also be a consideration.

Is it getting a bit weird how Lego stuff is getting closer and closer to scale models? If I wanted a 1/72 Space Shuttle for display I'd probably go for the Revell plastic model kit. (it'd be interesting to see this Lego product next to it). Of course you couldn't take it apart afterwards and re-use the bits... " For those who might be introducing themselves to the shuttle, I love how the set embeds a little bit of education into the build. I already mentioned the facts in the manual, but what I also love is just how much the set shows in terms of the shuttle's capabilities. It's obvious from looking at it that it was designed to land somewhat like a plane.Shortly after launch, it was discovered that the Hubble Space Telescope's primary mirror had been polished to the wrong shape. Thankfully, this mistake was corrected using the COSTAR system which was installed during 1993. This rendition of the telescope includes a removable section to represent that famous repair and the resultant void cleverly connects the telescope with its aforementioned deployment display stand. The only real negative thing we have to say about this kit is that there are no minifigures. Due to the size of the Lego NASA Space Shuttle Discovery, we understand that any included minifigs would not have been to scale, but it would have been nice to have a token astronaut anyway – maybe it could have stood next to the information placards that comes with each model.

NASA Space Shuttle Discovery is certainly impressive – there’s no doubt about that. Both models look incredible with a high level of accuracy and authenticity, and it’s clear the designers have a lot of love for this subject material as both have been incredibly faithfully recreated. Having the option to display the smaller Hubble attached to or alongside the larger Discovery adds another layer to the display, and both have an air of importance to them thanks to the display stands and information plaques. In excess of 1,500 additional pieces means the designers have been able to include even more accurate detailing and authenticity than ever before, but it wasn’t easy – as the interview with LEGO designer Milan Madge contained within the manual attests to. Several design features of the Shuttle proved to be a real headache, such as the retractable landing gear, and the interview does a great job in explaining how the design team overcame these hurdles, as well as building anticipation for the model to come. STS-107 the mission that saw the loss of the Shuttle Columbia was a Spacehab mission itself, and the last time the shuttle would have flown with a mounted interior module. All future modules would be ISS equipment being transported to the station or the equipment for the final Hubble Service Mission: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STS-107 From the review, it sounds like the interior of the tube is severely truncated, and the main mirror (which should completely fill the tube) would then have to be moved towards the aperture. The 3x radar dish is clear, where a mirror should be silver. It doesn’t completely fill the aperture, like the real mirror should, but neither is it small enough to represent the little chunk that is directly inside the aperture (unless clear is the big mirror, and gold is what’s just inside the aperture). Either what you’re seeing as the forward second mirror is supposed to represent the entire length of the real interior, or someone might have goofed and given it a glass lens instead of a mirror.

114 comments on this article

Excellent detail continues across the wider camera, spectrometer and spectrograph housing, where different instruments detect and record data. The yellow highlights around the exterior accurately recreate handgrips on the Hubble Space Telescope but the associated light bluish grey sections look awkward. Unfortunately, these pieces are unavailable in metallic silver.