LEGO Reveal – 2024 Technic Space Sets

There have been plenty of awesome LEGO Space sets based on real-world interplanetary ships, equipment and rovers released over the years, with our personal favourites including the NASA Space Shuttle Discovery 10283 and the NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander 10266.

Now, LEGO brick and vehicle/ship engineering enthusiasts who prefer the real history of space travel compared to space opera fantasy epics such as Star Wars and Dune have three new models to look forward to, all coming out in March 2024.

There’s one small twist, however – two of the models are based on near-future technology, predicting how engineering advances will be used to explore space and the Mars lunar surface, rather than celebrating past space achievements.

Which New LEGO Space Sets Are Coming Out In 2024?

The three new LEGO Technic sets are –

Mars Crew Exploration Rover 42180  |  $149.99

Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit 42179  |  $74.99

VTOL Heavy Cargo Spaceship LT81 42181  |  $109.99

What Is the Release Date for The LEGO Technic Space Sets?

All three Space models will be available from 1 March 2024.

What Is the Brick Count?

Mars Crew Exploration Rover 42180  |  1,599

Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit 42179  |  526

VTOL Heavy Cargo Spaceship LT81 42181  |  1,365

How Many LEGO Minifigures Are Included?

There are no minifigures included with the sets, as the models focus on the reality of space exploration through robotics, with the rover including room for collectors to add their own characters.

Mars Crew Exploration Rover 42180

This practical surface exploration rover looks to the future, predicting what would be used to explore the Mars lunar surface when human expeditions occur. The vehicle expands to reveal a truck bed and working crane, which carries a companion robot rover, tools and a fuel reactor. There are also plenty of other scientific accessories, including astronaut equipment and gas canisters. The large model also packs a living quarter and cockpit.

The model also includes new ‘Air Lock’ technology, so it can be connected to other compatible space-themed LEGO sets.

VTOL Heavy Cargo Spaceship LT81 42181

This vision-of-the-future space plane is based on the practical necessity of a heavy cargo transportation ship, which would ferry equipment and essential materials to planetary surfaces. Fun features include landing gears, rotating twin engines, and a cargo pod loaded with a mini space rover. The set also includes ‘Air Lock’ technology so it can connect to other models for a mid-flight display.

Planet Earth and Moon in Orbit 42179

This is arguably the most interesting new set in terms of using interactive LEGO Technic elements, with a scientifically accurate 3D map of Planet Earth, the Moon, and the Sun relative to each other in space. The model includes a crankshaft to rotate the planets around the central gravitational point. Printed months and moon phases also help younger builders learn about planetary movements throughout the year.