Growing up in the 1970s, the excitement of ongoing space exploration despite the end of the Apollo Program continued, particularly in the form of the Pioneer and Voyager probes exploring the outer solar system, as well as the Viking Lander on Mars. But things really go exciting for 8 year old me when I saw there were plans afoot for the Americans to return to a manned space program. My first glimpse of the Space Shuttle was likely a prototype model featured in The Encyclopaedia of Nature and Science (1974, R. Taylor Editor, Bay Books).
Today, the LEGO Group officially reveal their upcoming 10360 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft – depicting the modified 747 along with the prototype shuttle ‘Enterprise’. The set has 2419 pieces and will retail for $AUD349.99 / €229.99 / £199.99 / $USD229.99. It is due for release for LEGO Insiders on May 15th, 2025, and to all on May 18th.
Enterprise detaches from the SCA during the early Approach and Landing Tests in 1977
The next time I saw images of the Space Shuttle was probably on the evening news, sometime after the Enterprise’s first untethered flight in August 1977 -footage showing this craft flying on the back of a Jumbo Jet, before being released and coming in for a landing. A 747 Jumbo Jet was something I could relate to. A spacecraft was just plain exciting (this was also in the months after Star Wars was released in cinemas.
The Enterprise
The craft was initially set to be named ‘Constitution’, but after a letter writing campaign from thousands of Star Trek Fans, president Gerald Ford directed NASA to name the craft Enterprise. Star Trek Creator Gene Roddenberry, as well as many of the principal cast, were present for the craft’s dedication ceremony.
The Shuttle Enterprise rolls out of the Palmdale manufacturing facilities with Star Trek television cast members. From left to right they are: Dr. James C. Fletcher (NASA Administrator), DeForest Kelley (Dr. “Bones” McCoy), George Takei (Mr. Sulu), James Doohan (Chief Engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott), Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhura), Leonard Nimoy (the indefatigable Mr. Spock), Gene Roddenberry (The Great Bird of the Galaxy), Democratic Congressman Don Fuqua, and Walter Koenig (Ensign Pavel Chekov). Source: NASA via Wikipedia.
As well as testing the shuttles gliding and landing dynamics, the Enterprise was also flown to Europe, on the back of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft to the Paris Air Show, and other European destinations, in 1983. This tour was the the only time that a space shuttle has been showcased outside of the United States. On its return, it was displayed at the World Fair in Louisiana before moving to the Smithsonian’s Collection in 1985. It is now on display at the Intrepid Museum in New York.
It is specifically the form of the Shuttle Carrier aircraft seen at the Paris Airshow that is incorporated in this model. (The 307 on the dome of the jumbo refers to the exhibit number at the Paris Air Show.)
Shuttle Carrier Aircraft
Space Shuttle Enterprise atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft at Ellington Airfield in 1978 Image: Rossbarranco via Wikipedia
The SCA in this set is one of two ex- American airline 747’s that were used to transport not only the Enterprise in its test flights, but also the active Shuttle fleet from their landing site at Edwards Airforce Base in California to Cape Canaveral in Florida.
In the early 1980s, the planes were painted white, with a navy blue stripe along the length of the aircraft, featuring the NASA ‘Worm’ logo. In the 1990s, the logo was updated to the new NASA livery.
Enterprise detaches from the SCA during the early Approach and Landing Tests in 1977The two SCA used by NASA during the Space Shuttle Program
Get ready to embark on a journey through aviation history as the LEGO Group announces the new LEGO® Icons Shuttle Carrier Aircraft.
This is a must-have for aerospace enthusiasts and LEGO® fans alike! The stunning new set allows you recreate the iconic Boeing™ 747™ and NASA Space Shuttle Enterprise, the dynamic duo that played a crucial role in shaping the future of space travel. Savor every moment, as you bring this iconic tribute to innovation and exploration to life, piece by piece.
With this 2,417-piece set, prepare for lift-off as you craft each detail of this legendary aerospace duo. The Boeing™ 747™ features an elegant fuselage design, deployable 18-wheel landing gear, and a specialized shuttle mounting system, ready to carry history on its back. Meanwhile, the NASA Space Shuttle Enterprise is mission-ready with an attachable tail cone, detachable engines, and stowable landing gear tucked inside its cargo bay. A sturdy display stand with information plaques adds the perfect finishing touch, transforming this build into a gravity-defying showpieces.
Unwind in your own orbit of creativity with this collectible building set – the perfect gift for fans of aviation, science, and space exploration.
LEGO and Space Shuttles
6544 Shuttle Transcon One, from 1995. Image: Brickset.
There have been many LEGO sets incorporating the Space Shuttle on a variety of scales over the years. Roughly 37 in general release, and across a variety of themes and scales, including LEGO Town, LEGO City, Creator 3in1, The LEGO Batman Movie, LEGO Friends, Icons and Creator Expert. There have been relatively few, however, including the SCA in some shape or form.
The most recent ICON/ Creator Expert scaled space shuttle was the 10283 NASA Space shuttle Discovery from 2021. In that model, the orbiter was the principal model. In this new set, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft is the star.
Despite the frequency of LEGO Space shuttles, there have been relatively few real world LEGO Jet planes released in recent years. Indeed, until the 10318 Concorde in 2023, the options had been few and far between, all the way back to the 1197 Boeing 787 Dreamliner in 2006. This set was released in a different era, when SNOT building and curved elements were rarely seen in official sets. Indeed, I would wager that there are very few elements that give this new set its unique look that were present at the time of release.
This is certainly the first model of a 747, albeit heavily modified, to have been released as a LEGO set.
Like the Concorde, the Shuttle carrying aircraft features functional landing gear- the shuttle has landing gear, but they are tucked away inside the shuttle’s cargo bay, along with the engines, while a cone fits over the tail of the shuttle while it is being transported on board the jet.
The Model measures 50cm wide and 63cm long, and has its own display stand. The shuttle can sit on the back of the jumbo, or be remove its tail cone, and replace it with engines, and add the landing gear for an orbiter coming in for its own independent landing.
The model also comes with a stand, designed to display the model on an obligatory Jaunty Angle, helping it to appear more dynamic in the corner of your office.
I hope you have enjoyed this little overview/preview of the 10360 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. I’m quite excited to be putting this set together shortly, to bring you my review. Keep your eyes open.
As a closing note, here is a model of a Shuttle (probably the Columbia) that my brother and I made back in the early 80s…
What do you think of this set? Do you feel those nostalgic pangs for the early days of the shuttle program? Why don’t you leave your comments below.
The LEGO ICONS 10360 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft has 2419 pieces and will retail for $AUD349.99 / €229.99 / £199.99 / $USD229.99. It is due for release for LEGO Insiders on May 15th, 2025.
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