Review: 60439 Space Science Lab
Posted by CapnRex101,
60439 Space Science Lab expands the fantastic selection of Space sets launched in January. The dome-covered laboratory seems interesting and maintains the style of buildings in 60434 Space Base and Rocket Launchpad, connecting neatly to the existing base.
Moreover, the minifigure selection is appealing, especially for the exclusive alien astronaut. There should be ample space inside too, although interiors have not been a particular strength of previous City Space sets, so I am unsure what to expect here.
Summary
60439 Space Science Lab, 560 pieces.
£34.99 / $34.99 / €39.99 | 6.2p/6.2c/7.1c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
60439 Space Science Lab looks good alone, but better connected to a larger base complex
- Attractive domed shape
- Easy interior access
- Exclusive alien figure
- Great companion for Space Base and Rocket Launchpad
- Very little scientific equipment inside
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Colour-coded astronauts are available across this Space subtheme and their uniform colours denote various roles, with darker shades signalling officers. This character is the leader of the pilots and returns from 60430 Interstellar Spaceship. Although I am pleased to see her again, I would question whether a pilot really belongs in a set focused on a static laboratory.
The second astronaut is a scientist and seems better suited to the laboratory. Additionally, this minifigure uses a wheelchair, which distinguishes him from others throughout the Space range. More variety is always appreciated and the dark bluish grey wheelchair has appeared just once before, in 71799 NINJAGO City Markets, so its appearance in a more affordable set is great.
We encountered some friendly aliens in the initial wave of Space sets and their hospitality now extends to aiding the human visitors, it seems! This figure is absolutely adorable, featuring the Dreamling body developed for DREAMZzz, decorated to match the astronauts' uniforms. Also, the alien wears a helmet when entering the laboratory, reflecting the humans' need for helmets outside on the surface of the planet.
The Completed Model
Among the greatest strengths of this Space subtheme is its clear visual style, so any vehicles and buildings all appear cohesive. This structure is therefore designed to match 60434 Space Base and Rocket Launchpad, using the same colours and some familiar architectural features, such as the circular pads at each corner and external energy cells.
The door pattern is identical too, as 2x2 triangular tiles are arranged to create diagonal stripes, as though the door separates along a diagonal line. In fact, it simply lifts as a single panel, but the effect is successful. However, there is no method for opening the door and keeping it open, which is certainly an area for improvement.
I like the printed control panel beside the entrance, as well as the modernised Classic Space emblem on a 2x2 tile. The laboratory otherwise seems rather bland from the front, although a docking station is attached on one side, where the supplied speeder can be charged. A similar charging dock appears in 60433 Modular Space Station, again creating a sense of continuity across the range.
Furthermore, this vehicle bears a close resemblance to 30663 Space Hoverbike, especially in relation to its adjustable engines and the light cluster on the front. However, the driver's seat is adapted for a wheelchair user, as the wheelchair fits on a 2x2 jumper plate underneath. Not only is this an enjoyable inclusion for play, but it is great to see a specialised vehicle.
On the other hand, I think the docking station should be designed with a ramp, allowing easier access to the speeder. The pearl gold and sand blue accents look nice though, matching other sets, once again. In addition, the docking station is connected to the main structure with Technic pins, hence you can move it around the base.
The back of the laboratory could be better though, as the walls are remarkably bland. I like the dark bluish grey and reddish orange stripes, although further texture around the window would have improved the model, in my opinion. The trans-black dome looks superb, however, despite the presence of some scratches on a couple of those panels, which are new in trans-black.
City and Friends sets have put 6x6 rounded plates to excellent use as airlock hatches this year, with reddish orange octagonal frames behind them. Their shape is superb and clips function as effective hinges, although this hatch lacks any exterior details, unlike its counterpart from 60434 Space Base and Rocket Launchpad.
The laboratory comprises four walls, mostly connected with clips. The whole structure can thus fold out for easy access to the interior, splitting near the docking station, where a clip links to a click hinge. This design reminds me of 4707 Hagrid's Hut from 2001, partly because both sets provide little floor space.
Related to this, the area around the main entrance and the side hatch is decidedly lacking in detail. The stickered screens on the wall look good, even though they are rather generic. The complete lack of furnishing underneath is disappointing though, as a couple of basic computer terminals or similar could surely have been included.
I am more forgiving of the secondary hatch, since the alien rock formation in the middle of the laboratory is attached here. I imagine the building was constructed around this pillar when the astronauts arrived, eager to investigate its strange plant life and embedded crystals. Pieces of terrain are found in several City Space sets, but this is undoubtedly the most intriguing.
The interior detail improves on the other walls, which include a living space and two research stations. I like the use of sand blue ingots as bedding and the shower makes excellent use of space, although it would be an exceptionally tight fit for any minifigures standing in the shower when the building is closed.
A pearl silver ring is placed beside the bed and I think this might be to help the scientist reach his wheelchair, as he is shown here in official images. Personally, I would rather the room was devoted entirely to scientific equipment, although keeping a sleeping area inside the laboratory might be sensible. The television screen is a welcome addition, showing a football match.
Proper research equipment is limited to the final section, consisting of two more screens and a microscope. While I like the screen showing a crystal's chemical composition, these details are not nearly enough. Maybe there could have been a robotic arm to collect samples from the rock formation and plants, or a larger workbench where energy from the crystals is extracted for the trans-opalescent purple batteries.
The laboratory looks reasonable when displayed independently, but really comes to life when connected to the main structure in 60434 Space Base and Rocket Launchpad. These models are ideal companions, since their architecture matches perfectly and I think their relative sizes seem appropriate as well. The combined structure measures 48cm across.
A cylindrical module fits between the buildings. Any of these modules from the Space subtheme can be used, although this one originates from the Space Base and Rocket Launchpad, so only two sets are actually needed to build the complete base. The hatches can be raised or removed entirely, while the crane on the tower comfortably extends above the dome, as shown below.
These sets were obviously designed with compatibility in mind, but I find it odd that the main base contains another microscope, which is actually bigger than the version in the laboratory. Even so, the sample under the microscope is interesting, represented by a magenta 1x1 round plate. I wonder whether this is a cutting from an alien flower, as they are also magenta.
Overall
I was excited for 60439 Space Science Lab when this set was unveiled, not least because it shares similarities with the fantastic 60350 Lunar Research Base released a couple of years ago. However, I find myself a little disappointed. The exterior appears reasonably detailed on the whole, but the interior leaves much to be desired, especially where scientific hardware is concerned.
That being said, maybe I should have expected a sparse interior because the price of £34.99, $34.99 or €39.99 is relatively modest. In addition, the model combines well with 60434 Space Base and Rocket Launchpad, creating a full planetary base complex. The figures are delightful too, most notably including the alien recruited to help the astronauts.
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28 comments on this article
This is a cute set, especially when connected to the other City Space sets, but that interior is so barren that I would struggle to pay full price for this.
Great set. Great review.
I look at this set as an add-on to the larger station 60434 with room to grow. So, the sparseness seems more as asset than a detriment.
Perhaps, they should have included a pair of space hedge trimmers.
That alien is crazy cute!
Aghh now I want to buy it
I really wanted to buy this just to MOC it into a botanical garden. After reading this review, I guess I'll wait till this gets a discount.
I will be very sad if space is just this year, i love all these sets
The interior space can easily be filled with the elements on 60429-1
Looks great attached to 60434 Space Base and Rocket Launchpad, but on its own it's a little lacking. Fair price, though.
@CapnRex101 said:
"...2x2 triangular tiles are arranged to create diagonal stripes, as though the door separates along a diagonal line. In fact, it simply lifts as a single panel, but the effect is successful."
I'm actually pretty sure those tiles are meant to represent caution stripes, not diagonal doors.
My Friends botanical gardens is getting a new dome!
Thanks for the review and showing how it connects to 60434 is much appreciated.
I think it's almost the perfect Space army/city builder.
Swap out the dark blue commander figure for a light blue one and add a space person with a yellow uniform.
Sparse interior is fine, let's all get creative!
@AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
"...2x2 triangular tiles are arranged to create diagonal stripes, as though the door separates along a diagonal line. In fact, it simply lifts as a single panel, but the effect is successful."
I'm actually pretty sure those tiles are meant to represent caution stripes, not diagonal doors."
They could be either. Regardless, I like how the stripes give the impression of diagonally opening doors, which have a proper science fiction aesthetic.
This seems to be a LEGO exclusive set in Europe; there is no sign of a retailer selling it. I'm used to buying my sets at a discount so no retail means 50%+ more expensive than the price I'd get it at. I like this set but not enough to justify that, too bad.
This set appeals more to me than the 2 big city space sets released in january, since i am building my own base and this fits realy nice like it is except for the interior which is easy to fix.
Is it a Lego Store exclusive set? I've been searching for it since 1st of april on different internet platforms as well as toystores around my hometown which are often fearly stocked with new sets. I couldn'd find it till now...
@Moriboe said:
"This seems to be a LEGO exclusive set in Europe; there is no sign of a retailer selling it. I'm used to buying my sets at a discount so no retail means 50%+ more expensive than the price I'd get it at. I like this set but not enough to justify that, too bad."
Google brings up several Dutch (online) shops that sell it. Maybe wait awhile?
I couldn't understand why the high ranking navigation officer is in this set, when there doesn't appear to be anything for them to navigate.
However, I have just come up with a story.
The alien is wearing a blue pilot helmet and the custom speeder has a centre stud so it is perfect for them to pilot. The navigation officer is there to teach them how to fly human vehicles.
I challenge anyone to come up with a better explanation for this minifigure selection.
Dome sweet dome
Sandy’s Tree Dome
Something about this set gives me 90s vibes, those slightly odd sets that would be related to but not quite part of the normal retail line, like 1822
I do like it though. And for the price you absolutely can't complain.
Yup getting this for my larger base. They look great together. Was on the fence but expanding the complex really does help it out a bunch and expands what it does. My kids already love the fiddling the crane so having a bit extra wont hurt at all.
6.25 cents per piece is not a bad deal for a city set these days, particularly with the large dome pieces.
This set is crazy value for so many stuff. Get this and +4 set and you are set!
Its also WAY better than bigger base- connect few of these, moc interiors and bam you have a cool base or great space partspack for mocs.
I think the spartan interior is misunderstood. My son is 4, put this together with minimal help, and has been very busy filling it and customizing it on his own and adding things to space inside. This does look great on display with the the dome, but for him it is a play set and the open space is good for him to add his own things.
For a kid, this set is amazing. And for me too.
@lordofdragonss said:
"This set is crazy value for so many stuff. Get this and +4 set and you are set!
(...)"
Great idea!
The sciencey stuff from 60429 can go inside this dome (with a little modding to hold up the middle bit) whilst the alien 'tree' can go and be terrain.
Astronaut in a wheelchair. Is this an additional Avatar set?
Seriously though, the price doesn't seem too bad for what you get. A discount would make it an even sweeter deal of course.
@Oli said:
"This set appeals more to me than the 2 big city space sets released in january, since i am building my own base and this fits realy nice like it is except for the interior which is easy to fix.
Is it a Lego Store exclusive set? I've been searching for it since 1st of april on different internet platforms as well as toystores around my hometown which are often fearly stocked with new sets. I couldn'd find it till now..."
Target sells it in the US.
will this attach to the prior edition of city space sets?
Nice review, Thank you! I wish you would consider including a photo of the sticker sheet in reviews. For those of us who have larger issues with stickers, it is an important part when deciding on whether to purchase the set or not.
I'm tempted to pick up a second one to expand my planetary research base. One would have the tree/rock interior. The second would have stuff from 60429.