Jay's Brick Blog

A blog about LEGO bricks

  • Home
  • About Me
  • LEGO Reviews
  • News
  • SW Advent Calendar
  • HP Advent Calendar

Is LEGO planning to announce a NASA Mars Perseverance Rover?

February 20, 2021 By Jay 12 Comments

Yesterday, humanity and science achieved another massive milestone with NASA’s Perseverance rover successfully touching down on the Red Planet as part of the Mars 2020 mission to find evidence of extra-terrestrial life, and pave the way for samples to be sent back to Earth in subsequent missions.

Perseverance builds on the success of Curiosity, using a similar design and landing system which is superbly cool – check out the animation of the landing sequence from NASA above.

While this is a massive celebration and triumph of engineering, science and space exploration, what caught my eye was LEGO’s flurry of social media activity surrounding the Perseverance landing.

Our eyes are on Mars as @NASAPersevere begins sharing its first amazing images of the Red Planet. There’s something familiar about this one we just can’t put our finger on… #CountdownToMars pic.twitter.com/q0ShqcQ6n1

— LEGO (@LEGO_Group) February 18, 2021

Did you know the gravity on Mars is 62% less than Earth? Chances of you stepping on a LEGO brick there are slim. The temperature can be from 20°C to -153°C! Mars also has the largest mountain in the solar system, about 2.5 million LEGO bricks high! #CountdownToMars pic.twitter.com/thaPcEzpo7

— LEGO (@LEGO_Group) February 17, 2021

All eyes on Mars… Don’t miss the Live event! #CountdownToMars @NASA @NASAPersevere pic.twitter.com/oEC4cwN8Xn

— LEGO (@LEGO_Group) February 18, 2021

While it’s not unusual for LEGO’s Social Media account to reference real-world events like Biden’s inauguration poet Amanda Gorman, the flurry of social media activity does suggest that there might be something up.

Here’s some reasons to believe that we might get a LEGO Mars Perseverance model imminently.

Popularity and rarity of the LEGO Cuusoo Curiosity Rover

21104 Curiosity Rover was released under LEGO Cuusoo (now LEGO Ideas) in 2014, and is now one of the most sought-after LEGO Ideas sets, with new sets easily going for up to US$400 on Bricklink.

Given that Perseverance’s design is similar to Curiosity, and how sought-after 21104 is, I can imagine that there would be a lot of pent-up demand in the market by both LEGO, NASA and space enthusiasts for a follow-up set.

This would allow LEGO to release a new NASA Mars Rover for those new to LEGO who might have missed out on the first release. The fact that Curiosity and Perseverance are close cousins is also a very handy coincidence.

NASA and LEGO’s close partnership

The Apollo 11 Saturn V (also an Ideas set), is one of LEGO’s best models released in modern times, and was recently brought out of retirement in late 2020 with a new set number.

Looking at release cycles, we seem to get a new NASA Creator Expert-scale model every 2 years – the original Saturn V released in 2017, the Lunar Lander was released in 2019 and we are now in 2021..

That said, there have been a few rumours floating around that we’ll get a Space Shuttle this year (it’s the 40th anniversary of the Space Shuttle launch), which will probably be a closer fit to the Saturn V and Lunar Lander.

Add the Women of NASA set to the mix, and LEGO’s recent Space-exploration City subtheme from 2019, and it seems that LEGO’s NASA Partnership is going incredibly well, given they have very similar aspirations to inspire and educate children with the love of science and technology.

C’mon LEGO, there’s a lot of smoke here, so please just unveil the Perseverance.

I believe we’ll start seeing many more mid-range LEGO sets in 2021 (priced like the Bonsai Tree and Flower Bouquet), and the Perseverance would be a great way for adults, parents and kids to get excited about science and space exploration.

The Perseverance also has some really neat features such as a helicopter – Ingenuity which if successful, will be the first powered flight on an alien planet, which would translate pretty well into LEGO.

That said, all this chatter on social media could just be misdirection for a Life on Mars reboot…. which I wouldn’t mind.

That said, that’s enough speculation and theorycrafting for one day!

Let me know what you think, and if you’d love to see LEGO produce a set based on the Perseverance Rover!

Filed Under: Editorial, News Tagged With: 2021, curiosity, international space station, lego, lego cuusoo, lego ideas, lunar lander, mars 2020, mars mission, nasa, perseverance, rover, saturn v, social media, space, speculation

« LEGO Fan Media sites caught up in Australian Facebook News Blockade
Review: LEGO Brickheadz Pets German Shepherd, Shorthair Cats, Goldfish & Budgie (40440, 40441, 40442, 40443) »

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Logan Todd says

    February 26, 2021 at 6:31 AM

    I am a space nerd, and still enjoy lego, however not as much as when I was younger, but the recent Saturn V, ISS, and Moon lander sets have been excelent and I have them all. I think it would be silly for lego to not make more space themed lego. In addition I am hoping for Classic Lego Space to be brought back!

    Reply
    • Jay says

      February 28, 2021 at 10:41 PM

      I also wouldn’t mind more Satellites 🙂

      I am still a little bummed I missed out on the Hayabusa Cuusoo set!

      Reply
  2. Ian Hazlehurst says

    February 23, 2021 at 5:08 AM

    OMG Yes. Tell me when its released. I’ll be 1st in the queue!

    Reply
    • Jay says

      February 28, 2021 at 11:08 PM

      Can you settle with being 2nd in line? I’d like to be first 🙂

      Reply
  3. John McCann says

    February 22, 2021 at 6:57 AM

    Yes! Yes! Yes! My grandson is a Lego Wizard , believe me!!! I would love to be one of your first customers for Perseverance.

    Reply
    • Jay says

      February 28, 2021 at 11:12 PM

      If he’s a wizard, I hope he can magic a LEGO Perseverance into existence!

      Reply
  4. Scott Baltic says

    February 21, 2021 at 11:15 AM

    As a happy owner/builder of a Lego Curiosity, I agree entirely!
    And I’d love to buy and build a Perseverance kit to keep my Curiosity company.

    Reply
    • Jay says

      February 21, 2021 at 4:27 PM

      One day, once we colonise Mars, I hope they both get to meet again!

      Reply
  5. Bob Smith says

    February 21, 2021 at 2:36 AM

    Yes yes yes yes yesssssss! Please tell me how to encourage (or even beg) Lego to release a Perseverance rover! My 6 year old grandson and I would be in heaven. Sign me up for two right now – one to build and another to sit in its box until it’s worth a bloody fortune as the coolest Lego ever!!!

    Reply
    • Jay says

      February 21, 2021 at 4:30 PM

      Ask your son to write to LEGO 🙂

      Reply
  6. Andrew says

    February 20, 2021 at 4:17 PM

    Yes please 🙂

    Reply
    • Jay says

      February 21, 2021 at 4:31 PM

      I mean, who wouldn’t want one!

      Reply

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to Jay's Brick Blog. In here, you'll find independent LEGO set reviews, commentary on LEGO trends & news, bargain hunting tips and an inside look into the life of an average LEGO fan. Find out more about me here

Subscribe for updates

Enter your email address here to receive updates about new posts from Jay's Brick Blog - straight to your inbox!

Join 1,782 other subscribers

Like my page on Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget

Buy LEGO

Buy LEGO

jayong28

Jay Ong | Jay's Brick Blog
Treat yo self 💫 January was a massive month, s Treat yo self 💫

January was a massive month, so I decided to finally take the MF plunge.
Today is "Chap Goh Meh" or the Lantern Festival, t Today is "Chap Goh Meh" or the Lantern Festival, the final day of Chinese New Year. 🏮

It's a bit of a strange one this year, with the pandemic throwing plans into disarray, and my family being further away than usual, so celebrations were a little different in 2021.

Thank you @LEGO for an excellent range of Chinese Traditional Festival sets. 🙏

@little.ong (and myself) really loved the Duplo Happy Childhood Moments set, and I especially enjoyed the new dumplings element! 🥟

Spring Lantern Festival is one of the best LEGO sets I've had the pleasure of building, and I also appreciated the foray into the mythological origins of Lunar New Year with Story of Nian. 🧨🧧🎆

More sets that celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the world, please! 🌏
More photos of the upcoming #LEGO Amelia Earhart T More photos of the upcoming #LEGO Amelia Earhart Tribute are now available!

Coming March 2021 globally, but if you're in Australia, it's available from today onwards from @legocertifiedstores_anz!
Very impressed by the minifigure designs of Chief Very impressed by the minifigure designs of Chief Mammatus and Thunder Keeper from the new #LEGONinjago 71747 The Keeper's Village.

Love the Polynesian influences that have inspired #ninjagoseason14 - The Island!
Hey @lego, I think i understand what #vidiyo is al Hey @lego, I think i understand what #vidiyo is all about now.

Step aside @musicbyllama!
Really enjoyed building and reviewing the new #LEG Really enjoyed building and reviewing the new #LEGONinjago 71747 The Keeper's Village from Season 14 - The Island 

Hit the link in bio to read the full review

For #Ninjago fans, it doesn’t get much better than this. 71747 The Keeper’s Village is packed with value and is a great centerpiece to Season 14 – The Island.

I have a soft spot for location, or structure-based Ninjago builds, so The Keeper’s Village strikes that itch in the best of ways.

The jungle lair sets the scene and provides a rich backdrop that works really well as a small playset and display piece.

Combined with a very generous helping of 5 minifigures, there’s a ton of value and playability built into the set, especially the stone pillar which works remarkably well as a “big enemy” for the Ninjas to deal with – it very much gives off a “mini-boss in a video game vibe”.

The highlights for me would be Chief Mammatus and Thunder Keeper’s designs. As a big fan of the Islanders theme, I love that #LEGO could callback to those designs in a fresh new way, utilising the tech and innovation that’s now possible through minifigure design.

Whether you’re an adult fan looking for a set that’s a bit more kiddy, outlandish and fun, or you’re planning to buy this for a young child who wants an engaging playset, I can highly recommend 71747 The Keeper’s Village.

Rating and score: 4/5 ★★★★✰
Thanks @lego for sending over the new #LEGONinjago Thanks @lego for sending over the new #LEGONinjago Season 14 sets ahead of their March release!

My first review of 71747 The Keeper's Village is already live on the blog! Speed build is live on YouTube as well! 

@justhypeofficial Kai Plushie just chilling as he's now a regular fixture on all #ninjago videos!
Happy Valentine's Day to this 10/10 stunner. 🌹 Happy Valentine's Day to this 10/10 stunner. 🌹 

Sharing photos from Japan because we miss travelling (and food!) but being in lockdown with you for 5 days isn't too shabby of an alternative.
Happy "Niu" Year! 🐮 May your hongbaos be fat, Happy "Niu" Year! 🐮

May your hongbaos be fat, cookies be crunchy, and mandarins juicy 🍊💦
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • LEGO Power Rankings – February 2021
  • LEGO 40450 Amelia Earhart Tribute Gift with Purchase revealed!
  • Review: LEGO Brickheadz Pets German Shepherd, Shorthair Cats, Goldfish & Budgie (40440, 40441, 40442, 40443)
  • Is LEGO planning to announce a NASA Mars Perseverance Rover?
  • LEGO Fan Media sites caught up in Australian Facebook News Blockade
  • First look at all the new LEGO Vidiyo sets – Beatboxes and Bandmates!
  • Review: LEGO Ninjago 71747 The Keeper’s Village

LEGO Reviews

Review: 40237 Easter Egg Hunt

Review: 71231 LEGO Dimensions Unikitty Fun Pack

Review: LEGO 76034 The Batboat Harbour Pursuit

Review: LEGO 75956 Quidditch Match

Review: 40236 Romantic Valentine Picnic

Review: LEGO Ideas 21109 Exo Suit

Review: DK Star Wars Small Scenes From A Big Galaxy

Categories

Archives

Jay

Jay is passionate about LEGO and the endless creative adventures made possible by this complex interlocking brick system.
Learn more →

Popular Posts

Copyright © 2021 · WordPress · Log in We may earn a commission when you use one of our offers/links to make a purchase.