Review: 21321 International Space Station
Posted by CapnRex101,
NASA spacecraft and investigative probes have inspired numerous impressive products during recent years. 21321 International Space Station maintains that marvellous standard and seems exceptionally realistic when compared with the original space station.
However, the model comprises linked modules which appear comparatively fragile. Strengthening those connections might therefore have necessitated some interesting assembly techniques. Past spacecraft have proven appealing and this set should represent an appropriate celebration of LEGO Ideas' tenth anniversary.
Box and Contents
LEGO Ideas sets are traditionally packaged in boxes with opening flaps and this example conforms to that trend. The enormous International Space Station is displayed in orbit on the front of the box along with the flags of each contributing country. I like the blueprint which shows the dimensions and several additional images, exhibiting smaller details of this model, appear on the reverse.
The instruction manual comprises 128 pages and features information about the International Space Station along with some comments from the fan designer, Christoph Ruge. In addition, six numbered bags are included but no stickers are required because every decorated element is printed, matching the majority of previous Ideas sets.
Nanofigures
Two tiny astronauts are provided, corresponding with 21309 NASA Apollo Saturn V where identical figures were available. These accordingly resemble astronauts from the Apollo program rather than modern characters, featuring numerous oxygen distribution hoses around their Primary Life Support System and a golden visor. Nevertheless, I appreciate these figures and a spare astronaut is included too.
The Completed Model
21321 International Space Station measures 49cm across and appears accordingly impressive on display, although this model is not accurately scaled beside nanofigures. However, the designer has included fantastic detail and the distinctive silhouette of the space station is immediately recognisable, featuring sixteen enormous solar panels and several habitation modules that are fixed to the Integrated Truss Structure.
Displaying sets like the International Space Station can be quite difficult, given their unusual shape. Fortunately, an attractive stand is included. Its black colour scheme contrasts with the space station and the printed 4x6 plate with four studs situated towards the front looks superb. Three spacecraft which transport astronauts to the station are also situated here, including the new SpaceX Dragon and the Boeing CST-100 Starliner.
However, the most famous such vessel is probably the Space Shuttle which rests behind the pillars. This model appears similar to the rendition from 21312 Women of NASA, albeit now featuring orbital manoeuvring engines which are represented by black roller skates. The primary engine nacelles and fuselage both remain almost unchanged though and I think the Space Shuttle looks excellent.
The display stand feels absolutely rigid but its connection with the International Space Station could certainly be improved in my opinion. Only four studs link this model with its base while the central habitation module is cradled between two 1x3 panels. This design provides reasonable support, although I believe it could be strengthened further. The blue Technic pins on the stand should have been concealed too.
Light bluish grey 2x2 round bricks are employed extensively across this model, beginning with the Columbus, Harmony and Kibo modules. These connected structures look splendid when compared with the original vessel, especially since the Kibo laboratory incorporates an accurate exposed facility for experimentation. Four light bluish grey roller skates form mechanical detail here, alongside a white robotic arm.
Another remote manipulator, known as the Canadarm2, is attached to the central truss. This features multiple points of articulation and can connect to the accompanying spacecraft, although not to the astronauts which is slightly disappointing. Nevertheless, the arm looks splendid and I love the pearl gold 4L bars positioned along the Integrated Truss Structure, representing an insulated conduit.
Numerous other details are fixed along the truss, including photovoltaic radiators which dissipate excess heat from the station and can rotate. Four logistics carriers are also situated on the exterior. They are represented by brackets and can become dislodged quite easily, although I like the pearl gold highlights and their fragile appearance seems authentic. A printed 2x2 round tile, returning from 21311 Voltron, forms the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer which is tasked with detecting antimatter in cosmic rays.
Sixteen immense solar arrays provide power to the International Space Station. Assembling these panels is somewhat repetitive but the result looks brilliant, including 64 1x4 tiles which are decorated with metallic silver solar cells and have appeared in five past sets. Matching designs are printed on 2x3 tiles with clips positioned at either end of each panel and those elements are new.
Each panel is linked to the truss using Technic pins, enabling them to rotate. Unfortunately, yellow axles are visible through these pins and the orange 2x12 plates on the reverse of each solar panel seem odd too. They are intended to depict reflective foil so pearl gold would have been ideal but orange looks reasonable. Pairs of white 3x8 banners accompany the arrays, forming radiator panels which are recognisable. However, such smooth elements cannot recreate the corrugation of these radiators in reality.
Various smaller solar arrays are fixed to each habitation module. The resulting structure seems rather chaotic but compares favourably with the source material and I like these printed 2x3 tiles with clips. The cylindrical Quest Joint Airlock appears particularly effective, making clever use of a 1x1 round tile which is decorated with a ring-pull and resembles the external hatch.
The distinctive Cupola provides an unparalleled view of Earth and is represented by a 2x2 truncated cone here. This component is decorated with several windows which is pleasing, although their precise arrangement could be improved. The spherical Bigelow Expandable Activity Module is also included alongside two further sections, known as Tranquility and Leonardo. Their configuration looks absolutely perfect.
Zarya and Zvezda were among the first International Space Station modules to be launched. These include reasonable detail, although the printed 3x8 banners which form solar panels are oriented incorrectly and the smaller arrays on Zarya should be retracted. The modules do feel remarkably sturdy though, despite their slender connections, as a long Technic axle runs through almost the entire length of the space station!
In addition to the spacecraft displayed around the base, Soyuz and Progress capsules are docked beneath the station. Solar arrays are connected to each vessel using white T-bars which have not been produced in this colour before and their spherical orbital modules look splendid. However, including these spacecraft has left no room for the smaller modules that should be positioned around Zvezda.
Overall
LEGO has produced several excellent renditions of historic spacecraft recently and 21321 International Space Station is definitely an impressive addition to the collection. The model includes extensive detail and looks magnificent in relation to the original vessel, especially across the Integrated Truss Structure where the intricate ExPRESS logistics platforms and solar arrays are accurately located.
Unfortunately, certain compromises become apparent towards the aft where the habitation modules seem extremely simple. The display stand could also be improved in my opinion, most importantly by strengthening its attachment to the space station. Nevertheless, I am very satisfied with this Ideas set and its price of £64.99 or $69.99 represents good value in my opinion, given the substantial size of the International Space Station.
I hope you have found this review informative. Let us know by liking this article and share your opinion of the set in the comments below.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review is an expression of my own opinions.
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35 comments on this article
"However, including these spacecraft has left no room for the smaller modules that should be positioned around Zvezda." The exclusion of Poisk and Pirs is one of my few complaints on the set. Should be easy to fix though.
Thorough review as always. Can imagine it takes a quite a bit of research for a number of sets like this to figure out each detail and judge if LEGO has come close to a realistic model. Appreciate the effort that goes into these articles.
Thanks again for all the work you do!
I didn't see a Bigelow inflatable module, or a small interior for the set. Those are my only complaints about this set. My dad works at NASA, so I'm getting this for him.
Beautiful set! Will be a day one purchase for me. Especially relevant with SpaceX on the verge of sending American astronauts to the ISS!
I wonder if we will get a similar Patch giveaway like we did for the Lunar Lander set?
Admittedly, I haven't read the review, as I don't want any spoilers before the building experience, but thanks for getting this review out!
Thank you for pointing out what all the different modules and parts are in the review. I'll be ordering my copy ASAP :)
Voltron pieces! I never thought I'd see them again. Looks like a cool display model for NASA fans. :)
Great review, thanks! I'm really looking forward to getting this. Do the structures that attach the main solar panels to the truss sag at all? It kind of looks like they do, but it could just be the curved slopes around the joint tricking my eye.
As an absolute display set, I don't know what to think of this one. I mean I love space conquest history and vehicles, I have been an amazed fan of Columbia and other space shuttles, but the ISS, as a fantastic representation of the improvements and discoveries mankind has done in mastering space and orbital travels does not appeals to me as Saturn V or Lunar lander do. It's a beautiful set, full of nice details, but for a few features does not attracts me so much. Price point is a good surprise this time, I still hesitate to get it or not. And when I hesitate it often means that I won't. Good review 1nd pics 1s usual thank you.
@Finn2187 said:
"I didn't see a Bigelow inflatable module, or a small interior for the set. Those are my only complaints about this set. My dad works at NASA, so I'm getting this for him."
The Bigelow module (BEAM) is visible in one of the later photos near the cupola. It's just two white sphere/globe pieces back to back connected by an internal Technic pin.
Nice review Rex.
Definitely an early purchase for me but on quick glance looks like the model bows a bit? Not rigid enough. Over time I fear it bowing more kept on display. Not sure though.
impressive display piece
Are the micro figs larger or smaller in scale with the ISS?
Are the solar cells printed pieces?
This doesn't have the mystique that the Saturn V, lunar lander, and a possible Shuttle did/would for me, but it is nice - just not enough pull for me to purchase. Waiting on that UCS-ish shuttle though...
@zipper said:
"Are the solar cells printed pieces?"
If you read through the review you'll find your answer. Hint its around the close up picture of the solar panels...
The price mystery continues with this set selling for €60 in France and €75 in NL.
That might just seem €15, but that's still 25% more.
That said, doesn't look like a bad set at all, but personally am more into minifig sets, and the 2019 Space Station set did deliver on that.
@TheMikeAwakens said:
"Great review, thanks! I'm really looking forward to getting this. Do the structures that attach the main solar panels to the truss sag at all? It kind of looks like they do, but it could just be the curved slopes around the joint tricking my eye."
I was wondering if the model would sag with time. Haven't built it yet of course but just by the build description seemed that it might given the style of build.
Thanks for thw review, so three micro figures and a 90% accurate ISS, is it on scale with the Midi Scale ISD set?
Does it allow you to dock the shuttle? Surely all you need is a round tile (15535) with hole to attach it to the PMA 2 where the shuttle used to dock.
Can't wait to get this - I'm a bigtime spaceflight enthusiast.
@TheMikeAwakens - The solar array supports do sag very slightly, although that becomes more visible in close-up photos than it is when viewed in person.
@SirBrick1 - The nanofigures are too large for this model of the International Space Station. It would need to measure about 90cm across for the scaling to be accurate.
@kolaxanthe - No, although fitting a 1x1 round tile with vertical shaft (31561) onto the PMA 2 creates an appropriate connection for the Orbiter and the set does contain an extra.
Nice to see an Ideas set that actually resembles what was submitted. Looks great!
@CapnRex101 looks to me those orange plates are 2x12, not 2x10.
Are the shortcomings mentioned in regards to the missing modules due to the fan designer omitting them in the proposed model, or TLG designers having to omit them in redesign in order to meet build requirements for production? If the original designer didn't include them, you can't really put blame on TLG for that.
SO Glad the solar arrays are printed! Overall, this set looks great. Definitely going to buy it once it comes out.
"[The Canadarm 2] can connect to the accompanying spacecraft, although not to the astronauts which is slightly disappointing"
Actually, if you remove the 1x1 with peg, the arm's clip can attach to the astronauts' heads. Not ideal, but it works!
It disgusts me how, just like most other Ideas sets, this set comes with a ton of new printed pieces while the Dinosaur Fossils set didn't even have a single print. There were only 4 decorations in that set, why did they make them stickers?!
There's an Android app called ISS Live Now, which shows you where in the world it is, as well as a live video feed from it. It's pretty cool!
Dang, they do bow and sag. Maybe I'll build a simple stand in clear bricks to hold up each side under the sails.
@SinKiller_Nick said:
"I wonder if we will get a similar Patch giveaway like we did for the Lunar Lander set?"
Yes.
Top review @CapnRex101 so much detail. This set rounds off the remakes of the Discovery line. No stickers is a real plus with sets like these.
Although I'm not interested buying the set, it looks like a good display set. Nice value too, for a memorabilia for this size.
@SirBrick1 said:
"Are the micro figs larger or smaller in scale with the ISS?"
Larger. They are approximately 1:130. ISS is about 1:200. Saturn V is around 1:110. Depends of course which dimension you take. I would have preferred the ISS to be larger to be the same scale as the Saturn V.
@SirBrick1 said:
"Are the micro figs larger or smaller in scale with the ISS?"
The microfigs are massively oversized for this size I.S.S.
I don't know exactly what scale they have done it at, but I'm guessing roughly 1:500
My 1:110 scale Kingsknight Space Shuttle is gigantic in comparison to the orbiter shown here. Cargo bay doors are 6 studs wide by 20 long.
Massive yawn yet again...
2020 didnt make a great start Lego-wise in my opinion....
@SinKiller_Nick said:
"Beautiful set! Will be a day one purchase for me. Especially relevant with SpaceX on the verge of sending American astronauts to the ISS!
I wonder if we will get a similar Patch giveaway like we did for the Lunar Lander set?"
According to the new February Store Calendar showing on the US website a patch will be available to VIP members 2/01-2/09.
Great review of a nice set! Thanks again, Capn! :)