Review: 10341-1 - NASA Artemis Space Launch System (2024)

Contents:

Introduction
The Set
The Box
The Parts
The Build
Conclusion

Introduction

On 19 December 1972, the last humans walked on the surface of the moon. Since then, talks of bringing humans back have been going on, but so far only robots have been landing on the grey rocks. Until now! The Artemis project, named after the Greek goddess of the moon and twin sister of Apollo, will take us back, and we will bring the tools needed to build a permanent base too. The Apollo missions were powered by the massive Saturn V rocket, and for the Artemis project the Space Launch System was developed, which will carry the new Orion spacecraft. And that rocket, along with its launch platform, is the subject of today's set: 10341-1 NASA Artemis Space Launch System.

In 2017, 21309-1 NASA Apollo Saturn V was released, and this is one of my favorite sets ever. I love the massive size of the rocket, and as a kid I was in awe of the Apollo project and space travel in general. When the set came out, I was out of my dark ages, but I was building mostly exclusively Technic sets at the time. This was my first big SYSTEM set since Ice Planet 2002, and it brought me back to the 'regular' bricks fast (while also still loving Technic!). So another big set based on a moon mission? I have to build this! But it also means it has to live up to some high expectations, so let's start building and find out if I'm over the moon with the model.

The Set

Embark on a creative project with the premium LEGO® Icons NASA Artemis Space Launch System (10341) model building kit. Enjoy a mindful building experience as you craft this NASA-inspired LEGO interpretation of the Artemis Space Launch System, including a multistage rocket with 2 solid-fuel boosters, an Orion capsule and a detailed mobile launch tower.

This accurate replica depicts real launch systems and includes retractable launch tower umbilicals, rocket support and crew bridge, detachable solid-fuel boosters and separating rocket stages. The set also includes a model of the Orion module with foldout solar panels, which can be placed inside the rocket or on a separate display stand. A printed plaque adds the finishing touch to this impressive model, perfect for home and office décor.

Find space for relaxing activities with the inspiring range of LEGO building sets for adults. The LEGO Builder app features a digital version of the building instructions included with this set.

From LEGO.com

RRP: €259.99 / $259.99 / £219.99 / AU$449.99

The Box

The box measures 157 x 278 x 555 mm and weighs 4130 grams. Note that depsite the big Space 2024 super-theme that is going on, this seems to be a stand-alone set, as there is no logo on the box. Inside we find 27 numbered bags, 2 long axles and a cardboard sleeve containing the sticker sheet and the instruction manual.

The booklet starts with some background information on the Artemis project before building the model in 635 steps. Throughout the steps we get some additional information. The pdf can be downloaded here.

The Parts

The set contains 3601 parts and 54 spares, in 21 colors, and 37 part categories, with a total of 394 unique parts/color combinations.
Main colors are:

• Light Bluish Gray: 110 unique parts, 1314 quantity.
• Dark Bluish Gray: 98 unique parts, 1137 quantity.
• White: 55 unique parts, 224 quantity.

Main categories are:

• Plates Special: 75 unique parts, 613 quantity.
• Plates: 64 unique parts, 488 quantity.
• Bars, Ladders and Fences: 24 unique parts, 416 quantity.

New Colors

New Prints

Rare Colors and Prints

The Build

We start with the platform. At this point, the model feels a bit small due to the footprint.

The 'box' is closed up on the sides.

According to the information in the instructions, the sides should be fully closed off. The designer used open frames to show off the insides with stairs and pipelines.

A lot of plates cover up the top. It's hard to spot in the photo, but there are several shades among the Dark Tan parts.

A very fun step adds some fencing to the sides.

The stand for the rocket is added, along with fuel stations. Can you recognize the little Easter egg hidden inside? This finished what I call the first stage of the build.

The second stage is the tower. The tower consists of a central elevator shaft in Dark Bluish Grey, with an open beam structure around it holding pipe lines.

And yes, this is as repetitive as you think. The tower is made out of multiple sections, which are 98% identical. That last 2% adds connection points for the launch accessories and umbilicals leading to the tower. This means you can't go into auto-pilot and build the same section multiple times. You have to keep paying attention with each repetition, and I had multiple occasions where I overlooked a part. Not fun.

But once all sections are stacked, the resulting tower looks impressive. Where the footprint of the platform made the model look small, this shows the true size of the set.

At the top we find the elevator doors for the astronauts.

The last bags of the stage add the launch accessories and umbilicals, including a walk bridge.

The connections can be folded in with a clever technique. I always love mechanisms using ball joints.

Some final bars to represent pipe lines and stage 2 is ready. This thing is impressive!

Back to more regular bricks with the third stage: the rocket and booster. This is the first time we are going to need the sticker sheet. It's not big, but people have been pretty vocal about its existence. More on that later.

The rocket is mostly hollow, with several SNOT assemblies holding 4 separate sides.

Before the top is added, we first attach the booster rockets, made from a shish kebab of round bricks and pulley wheels. The connection points for the main rocket are cleverly hidden.

These boosters use the most stickers.

In the top of the rocket we find the Orion spacecraft folded up.

You can choose to keep the Orion out and put it on a small stand. To keep the tip in place, we add a small assembly to replace the spacecraft.

And the final part of the build is a small stand with some statistics.

Conclusion

Of course I had to put the model next to the Saturn V. With the SLS being just 13 meters smaller than the 111 meter tall Saturn V, the scales are very different.

This is an amazing model to have on display. The Saturn V is impressive due to its size, but aside from a few tiny side builds, it could be seen as 'just' a rocket. The launch platform adds a lot more to the SLS in terms of looks and build experience. This does mean you can only display it standing up, while I have the Saturn V displayed horizontally above the television. The tower is an impressive build and looks amazing in all the technical details. It is also a bit of a pain to build to be honest. As I mentioned, the repetitiveness made the process less than fun, but in the end I am very satisfied with the result. No pain no gain, I suppose? Luckily this is just one of three stages, and the other stages are more enjoyable to build.

Then that sticker sheet: When a set is developed, the designer gets a budget for the amount of new molds, recolors and printed parts the set can get. From what I understand, this budget was changed halfway the design process, forcing the use of more stickers than initially intended. It's a shame, as I would prefer printed parts here. For some sets, like Technic, I find stickers less of a problem as it keeps the parts free for re-use in MOCs. But for a set that is intended for display and I probably won't take apart, I prefer prints. I don't know the reason behind the budget change; maybe the price tag for the set got too high, maybe the overall amount of unique elements in production company-wide got too high? Either way, I understand people being put off by the stickers.

In the end, I do like the overall look of the set, and if you love space travel and want a great (vertical) display model, this is a good one to consider.

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Disclaimer: Anything said in this post is the opinion of the author and not The LEGO Group.
Parts- and build photographs by Tobymac (© 2024 Rebrickable)