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NASA’s next planned Space Launch System (SLS) flight is Artemis III in 2027, but it will not land astronauts on the Moon. The mission is planned as a crewed test in low Earth orbit: Orion and four astronauts will practice rendezvous and docking with commercial lunar-lander test vehicles. NASA now targets Artemis IV, in early 2028, for its first planned crewed lunar landing. These are agency targets, not guaranteed launch dates.
Artemis III is an Earth-orbit test, not a Moon landing
NASA plans to launch four astronauts aboard Orion on SLS from Kennedy Space Center in 2027. Commercial rockets are expected to carry test versions of lunar landers into orbit. NASA’s July 2026 mission description identifies test vehicles from SpaceX and Blue Origin and outlines separate, back-to-back docking sequences with Orion. Final objectives and hardware readiness remain subject to change.
The teams intend to rehearse rendezvous and docking, coordinate multiple launches and ground operations, and work through interactions between Orion and the commercial lander teams. The experience is meant to reduce risk before NASA attempts a crewed lunar landing.
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This is a change from earlier plans that described Artemis III as the first crewed landing. NASA’s March 2026 architecture update moved that planned landing to Artemis IV. NASA reported on August 27, 2026, that installation of Artemis III’s four RS-25 engines in the core stage had begun, with the installation milestone reached August 24 at Kennedy Space Center. That is a vehicle-integration milestone, not confirmation of a launch date. NASA’s Artemis mission information and engine-installation update describe the plans and progress.
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- BUILD AN OFFICIAL NASA ROCKET – Kids prepare to explore outer space with the LEGO Technic NASA Artemis Space Launch System Rocket (42221) building toy for boys and girls ages 9 years old and up
- 3-STAGE ROCKET SEPARATION – Young builders can turn the hand crank to watch the rocket separate in 3 distinct stages: solid rocket boosters, core stage, then upper stage with Orion spacecraft
- STEM BUILDING TOY FOR KIDS – This educational rocket kit was created in collaboration with NASA and ESA to showcase the authentic system that will launch the Orion spacecraft into lunar orbit
- PRETEND PLAY POSSIBILITIES – Kids can dream up creative space adventures with 4 astronaut nanofigures, blue flame details and an information panel for eye-catching display
- GIFT FOR BOYS & GIRLS – Makes a fun birthday present or holiday treat for kids who love space toys and STEM toys
Artemis IV is the next planned crewed lunar landing
NASA targets Artemis IV for early 2028. Four astronauts are planned to travel in Orion, launched by SLS, to lunar orbit. Two are expected to descend in a commercial human landing system and spend about a week near the lunar South Pole before rejoining the other crew members. Which provider’s lander is used will depend on readiness and NASA’s mission decisions. NASA’s Artemis mission overview describes the planned sequence.
Artemis V and the intended flight cadence
NASA lists Artemis V as another lunar surface mission planned for later in 2028. The agency says it aims to move toward roughly one lunar mission per year. That is a goal, not a settled schedule; mission dates and cadence depend on vehicle integration, lander readiness, and NASA’s evolving architecture.
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- READY TO LAUNCH: No assembly required - simply attach an engine (C5-3 recommended) blast off, reaching heights of up to 600 feet! The Estes Space Shuttle is the perfect model rocket for beginners.
- ICONIC DESIGN: This 1:200 scale model faithfully replicates the famous NASA space shuttle and stands at 10.9 inches tall. This iconic workhorse of the American space program soars like the real thing with detachable boosters and gliding orbiter!
- EXPAND YOUR FLEET: Proudly exhibit alongside other iconic Estes 1:200 model rockets such as the Saturn V and SLS models, building your own mini space history museum! Display stand included.
- AGES 10 & UP: NASA’s space shuttle fleet inspired generations, and the Estes Space Shuttle aims to do the same! From the captivating scale replica to the safe and easy flight experience, every element fuels the fire of curiosity and ignites a passion for space in enthusiasts of all ages.
- MODEL ONLY: This listing contains only the space shuttle replica model. For the optimal experience, be sure to purchase Estes C5-3 Engines, recovery wadding, and a launch pad. Enjoy space exploration from the comfort of home!
What NASA is changing on SLS
For Artemis IV and later missions, NASA says it is standardizing the SLS configuration around a new second stage rather than continuing with the Exploration Upper Stage (EUS). Mobile Launcher 2, which was designed to support the EUS configuration, is no longer needed in the updated plan. NASA’s FY 2027 budget request cites EUS cost overruns and delays as part of the rationale for changing the architecture. NASA’s FY 2027 budget request explains the agency’s plan.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The shift also involves other Artemis systems. In a June 24, 2026 summary, NASA’s Office of Inspector General said the reformulated campaign terminated or repurposed the EUS, Universal Stage Adapter, Mobile Launcher 2, and Gateway Habitation and Logistics Outpost. Across those reviewed efforts collectively, their combined contract value rose from $2.8 billion to $5.9 billion, and delivery dates were extended by as much as seven years. Those figures cover the set of reviewed systems—not SLS alone. NASA OIG’s report provides the figures and scope.
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- 🔧 ICONIC SLS-INSPIRED DESIGN – BUILD A LEGEND Recreate a powerful heavy-lift rocket inspired by the Artemis SLS. This kit includes all the core components needed to assemble a complete, display-ready launch vehicle with realistic proportions and clean engineering aesthetics.
- 🔄 FULLY MODULAR SYSTEM – SWAP & RECONFIGURE Built on the APEX modular platform, every section connects using a universal interlocking system. Swap stages, boosters, and components in seconds to create your own custom configurations beyond the SLS build.
- ⚙️ LOCK & LAUNCH SYSTEM – TOOL-FREE ASSEMBLY Each module features a precision push-in, quarter-turn locking mechanism for fast, secure assembly. No tools required—just connect, twist, and lock into place.
- 🖥️ DISPLAY-READY CENTERPIECE Designed to stand out on any desk, shelf, or wall. Compatible with BaseStation desktop stands and RocketDock wall mounts so you can showcase your build like a true mission display.
- 🧩 EXPANDABLE APEX ECOSYSTEM This set is part of the APEX Modular Rocket System. Add additional modules, boosters, and accessories over time to evolve your rocket beyond the standard SLS configuration.
How long is SLS planned to remain in the Artemis plan?
NASA’s FY 2027 budget request, together with Working Families Tax Cut (WFTC) Act funding, supports SLS production, integration, and delivery for Artemis IV and V. This gives the rocket a planned and funded role through Artemis V in NASA’s current budget framing.
NASA also says it will pursue commercial transportation services for future Artemis flights through a competitive process. That is a future procurement direction, not evidence that SLS has already been replaced. For now, NASA’s plans distinguish between SLS’s specified role in missions through Artemis V and a commercial-services approach it intends to develop for later flights. The FY 2027 request outlines both.
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Rank #4
- High Precision Reproduction: The SpaceX starship rocket model is a classic replica of the original 1/400 scale model. This starship model adopts a smooth surface design, showing a metallic texture, which enhances its realism and texture. This SpaceX starship rocket model not only meets collectors' pursuit of high simulation of starship model rockets, but also can be used as an interactive STEM learning tool.
- Material: The SpaceX Starship rocket model is a high-quality metal and plastic desktop decoration specially designed for spacecraft collectors. The metal thruster engine inherits the design of NASA's Dragon spacecraft. The main material is high-strength ABS plastic (fuselage and bracket) and zinc alloy (thruster), which is both lightweight and durable. It is stable and anti-fall when placed on the desktop, making it an ideal choice for long-term collection and display.
- Painting: The SpaceX Starship model rocket set shows superb painting and details. The front end and booster of the spaceship model are metallic silver, the rear end is black, and the rocket starship is full of lines and grooves of starship rocket parts. Details include delicate engines, hatch hydraulic rods and bionic insulation tile textures. The space X model is equipped with a base to restore the real SpaceX starship as much as possible. This model rocket is an ideal collectible or decoration
- Rich Set: This meticulously crafted Starship rocket model set accurately reproduces the iconic SpaceX Starship rocket and its Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 booster launcher. It is a must-have Starship static model collection for space enthusiasts and NASA model rocket fans. space xrocket exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, making it a valuable addition to any aerospace collection
- Collection Value: The static display SpaceX starship model is perfect for desktop decoration or collection of space aviation enthusiasts, providing them with endless enjoyment and appreciation. In addition to expressing your enthusiasm for starship spacecraft, this starship rocket model that combines technological and artistic value is also an excellent gift choice. It can also be used as an educational tool or a means to emphasize the importance of space science.
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