LEGO designers recreated the Moon landing with advice from NASA experts
The LEGO Creator Expert designers collaborated with NASA in order to develop the most accurate Lunar Lander set possible
When the LEGO Creator Expert team decided to embark upon 10266 NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander, Design Manager Specialist Jamie Berard knew that the team would need support from the experts at NASA, the US space agency. It allowed the set to be an incredibly accurate representation of the real-life lunar module.
To get a sense of the cultural and scientific significance of the lunar lander, and the Apollo 11 mission in general, Brick Fanatics Magazine spoke to NASA Marshall Historian Brian C. Odom.
One of the many stories he shared during the fascinating conversation illustrates the risk that Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin were taking, with the lunar lander’s ascent engines having no back-up system:
“The president at the time, Richard Nixon, has written a letter, saying how great of a sacrifice these two men have made and how they’ll forever be remembered. Thank god the letter doesn’t have to be put out – but it exists, they are ready with that.”
In Brick Fanatics Magazine Issue 8, Brian shares his knowledge of the moon landing, while Jamie shared his insight into how the LEGO set was designed. It makes for a unique look at how this special LEGO Creator Expert model has captured the story of a unique example of human endeavour.
For this exclusive double interview feature and plenty more, order a copy of Brick Fanatics Magazine Issue 8 – or start a great value subscription, for a lovingly crafted LEGO publication every single month.
Author Profile
- Graham was the Brick Fanatics Editor up until November 2020. He has plenty of experience working on LEGO related projects, including LEGO Star Wars: The Force of Creativity. He has contributed to various websites and publications on topics including niche hobbies, the toy industry and education.
Latest entries
- 25 Years of LEGO Star Wars02/05/2024How Lucasfilm approved LEGO Star Wars sets in the age before video calls
- 25 Years of LEGO Star Wars01/05/2024How the LEGO Group cooked up the original LEGO Star Wars UCS X-wing
- Features07/01/2021LEGO exclusive: AFOLs taught us to take adults seriously
- Features06/01/2021‘The 1989 Batmobile isn’t really a car…’