To celebrate the latest honour for the Curiosity Mars rover – immortality in Lego – New Scientist presents the pick of space probe models from Mars and beyond
Read more: “Mars fans vote to immortalise Curiosity rover in Lego“
Curiosity
A working suspension system, an articulated arm and a poseable mast for recreating your favourite events in Curiosity’s ongoing mission – truly high-end Lego engineering.
Read the full story: “Mars fans vote to immortalise Curiosity rover in Lego“
(Image: Stephen Pakbaz)
Hayabusa
Like the new Curiosity kits, the Lego version of the Japanese asteroid sampler started life in the company’s Cuusoo programme and went on sale last year.
(Image: Lego Cuusoo)
Sky Crane
Stephen Pakbaz, designer of the Lego Curiosity, has also released plans for a Lego version of the Sky Crane, which lowered NASA’s rover to the surface of Mars.
(Image: Stephen Pakbaz)
Pathfinder and Sojourner
Mattel released models of the Pathfinder Mars lander and Sojourner rover in 1996.
(Image: TimeLife)
‘Mars Crash Set’
Mattel’s 2001 “Return to Mars” set included the Mars Polar Lander, the Mars Climate Orbiter and the Deep Space Two probes – all of which failed.
(Image: Hot Wheels Mattel)
Mattel’s Curiosity
Stung by the failure of the real “Return to Mars” spacecraft, Mattel waited until Curiosity had safely landed before releasing its model.
(Image: Hot Wheels Mattel)
