Science

Why These Space-Themed Lego Ideas Deserve Your Vote: Lunar Landscape, Voyager's Pale Blue Dot, and a Cool Telescope!

2024-09-27

The vastness of space has long captivated Lego enthusiasts, and three fresh submissions to the Lego Ideas platform have launched themselves directly onto our wishlist.

But will they secure enough votes to become actual sets? Let's delve into these imaginative designs and rally support for them!

Previous Space-Themed Submissions

Earlier this year, we examined several other space-themed Lego Ideas submissions, including notable concepts such as The Martian, NASA's Space Launch System, and a Kerbal Space Program Modular Ship System.

While the latter two received enough votes to be reviewed by Lego, they sadly didn’t make it through the approval process. However, The Martian still has over a year left to gather the votes it needs, so there’s hope!

What is Lego Ideas?

For those who may not know, Lego Ideas is a community initiative that invites amateur designers to submit their original concepts for potential Lego sets.

Once a design is live on the platform, the public can cast their votes. If a submission hits 10,000 votes, it's presented to an official Lego review panel, which selects only a handful of ideas to convert into real sets twice a year.

Celebrated Lego Space Sets

Some of the most celebrated Lego space sets, like the iconic NASA Apollo Saturn V and the charming Tales of the Space Age, originated from this very program.

Current Submissions Seeking Votes

Now, let’s highlight our three favorite current submissions that are actively seeking votes!

1. Voyager 1's "A Pale Blue Dot"

You may recognize "A Pale Blue Dot," a photograph of Earth taken by Voyager 1 on February 14, 1990.

The image portrays Earth as a minuscule, pale dot suspended in the vastness of space and was famously named by scientist Carl Sagan.

This Lego design, crafted by Brickbaum, seeks to recreate this iconic image along with a detailed model of the Voyager 1 spacecraft itself.

Unlike previous attempts, this revamped set offers more intricate details, including a striking 3D presentation of the Voyager against a two-dimensional background.

Ideal for display on a desk or shelf, the set includes a sturdy base for stability.

Brickbaum emphasized the significance of this image, stating, “It's crucial that as many people as possible know the history of this photograph.”

Since its submission in April, the set has garnered 833 votes. It has nine months left to reach the next significant milestone of 1,000 votes, which will allow additional time to obtain the essential 10,000 votes for panel review.

2. The Space Projection Telescope

Next up is the imaginative Space Projection Telescope submitted by user CuteHackler036.

At first glance, it looks like a high-quality model telescope, complete with a tripod and eyepiece.

However, this set has a hidden surprise—using a combination of projector slides and a light brick, it can project space-themed images onto nearby surfaces!

Supporters are thrilled with the prospect of having ten different projection slides, showcasing iconic celestial sights from Earth and Jupiter to otherworldly phenomena like shooting stars and even alien spaceships.

From a technical perspective, this model incorporates adjustable components, modelled from Technic pieces, ensuring a realistic feel while maintaining playability.

As of now, over 2,000 people have shown their support, and with 500 days left to secure the necessary votes, we’re hopeful for its success!

3. The Moon: Lunar Landscape

Last but certainly not least, we have "The Moon: Lunar Landscape," submitted by Marc Sloan, known as SharkyBricks.

This wall-mounted set depicts detailed lunar topography, striking a nostalgic note reminiscent of classic educational posters.

This is Sloan's second attempt to bring this project to life, having previously reached the 10,000-vote requirement only to be rejected due to an unusually competitive review batch of 71 designs.

Undeterred, Marc rebuilt the Lunar Landscape from the ground up, incorporating commercially available bricks in a refined color palette for a more authentic appearance.

According to Sloan, this project has demanded both dedication and a commitment to scientific accuracy, resulting in a stunning and visually captivating set that perfectly encapsulates the moon's features.

It raises the question: why hasn’t Lego capitalized on this incredible design already?

Conclusion

With the universe still unexplored, these compelling Lego Ideas offer a glimpse into the cosmic realm, all while inviting fans to turn their imaginations into reality.

If these sets have inspired you, head over to the Lego Ideas website and cast your vote! Let’s help these creative designs take off!