LEGO Space Shuttle Set, built by Alexander

Ready to blast off into the universe of LEGOs? The LEGO Space Shuttle (model 3367) is a great set, easily put together by younger LEGO enthusiasts in just a couple of hours. The LEGO description for this set reads: “Rocket into orbit on an important space mission! Blast off from our LEGO® City and set your navigation for deep space! Help the astronaut to open the cargo bay doors, then use the robotic arm to release the Hubble Space Telescope into orbit!” Well, who can resist that? We couldn’t! I mean, come on, space is awesome!

According to the Brickipedia entry, the LEGO Space Shuttle set is new, having just been released in March 2011. The space shuttle has a detachable cockpit with room for the astronaut minifigure. The midsection features opening doors that conceal a manipulator arm and enough space to store the model of the Hubble Telescope included in the set. The back section contains three boosters and two thrusters, with transparent orange studs to mimic bursting flames. The underside has fixed landing gear and the wheels actually move.

LEGO Astronaut with helmet, visor, and oxygen tanks

Alexander (age 6) had no problems following the directions and built the set entirely on his own without assistance (the set was rate for kids ages 5-12). It took about 2 hours to build, though we did stop frequently to take photos so it probably would have been a bit faster without that. Alexander loves the astronaut minifigure and the equipment bay doors that open and close. Now that the set is completed, he’s already filled the bay with “treasure” and tricked out the top with his favorite bricks and flags. (Let’s hope they don’t burn up in re-entry.)

To learn more about our experience building the LEGO Space Shuttle, we made a little “build and review” movie that shows Alexander unboxing the set, organizing the 231 pieces, and building the space shuttle step-by-step as a stop-motion animation movie. Alexander also shares his thoughts on the space shuttle and some of its fun features in the video.

We purchased our set at our local Toys ‘R Us store for $29.99, and we feel it was great value for the price. You can also purchase the LEGO Space Shuttle directly from the LEGO store online.

Here are more close-up photos of the LEGO Space Shuttle set:

The nose of the LEGO Space Shuttle

Equipment Bay Doors of the LEGO Space Shuttle

Boosters of the LEGO Space Shuttle