LEGO Technic 42158 NASA Mars Rover Perseverance isn’t the first such model

The upcoming LEGO Technic 42158 NASA Mars Rover Perseverance certainly looks impressive, but it’s not the first such Rover set to be released.

The LEGO Group announced the arrival of another Technic set for summer 2023 this week, with 42158 NASA Mars Rover Perseverance due to land on June 1, 2023. Containing 1,132-pieces, the STEM space model is based on the real-life exploratory vehicle of the same name that’s currently located on the red planet.

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Just like its counterpart, 42158 NASA Mars Rover Perseverance features 360° steering, a movable arm, six wheels and a small companion, the Ingenuity Helicopter. The LEGO Technic set also boasts its own AR app, to encourage children to learn more about the vehicle and its mission on Mars.

While 42158 NASA Mars Rover Perseverance certainly looks to be an impressive set, it’s not the first such brick-built version of a Rover to be released. Back in 2003, the LEGO Group launched 7471 Mars Exploration Rover, an 867-piece build that included a wide range of features such as solar panels, rugged tyres, a retractable camera, four separate gear systems, pneumatic pumps and more.

That was then followed in 2014 by 21104 NASA Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity Rover, a small 295-piece set that used various Technic elements. The Cuusoo build also included plenty of realistic functionality, with a moveable diagnostic arm, rocker suspension, a mast camera and even a rocky Mars terrain display.

We’ll find out more about how 42158 NASA Mars Rover Perseverance performs against those sets from yesteryear when the Technic model launches on June 1 for £84.99 / €89.99 / $99.99. You can find out everything you need to know about the upcoming LEGO Technic set by checking out our in-depth visual guide and gallery.

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