The very first Lego set was released in 1964. Hundreds of models aimed at children and adults alike have been built since then. Which sets are the best? We might be able to help you sort the greatness from the space debris.

The first Lego set cost 98 cents, but it was a simple rocket made of three colors. The cost of a Lego set will be much higher in the future. Lego has changed a lot in those 58 years. With an official partnership with NASA, Lego sets are more realistic than ever, allowing us to recreate the Discovery shuttle in our own homes.

One of the most popular themes of Lego is its space theme, with sets being made to fit any age group. Lego City sets often go to the moon and beyond, and space-faring sets litter the adult section of Lego's website. Mickey and Goofy have their own Lego rockets.

You can't get a set for less than a dollar anymore, but sets vary in price from $20 to $200. Our Lego space deals page has the lowest prices on sets.

It's important to know which Lego space sets are the best. There are three sections to this guide: space sets for adults, NASA licensed models, and Lego space sets based on comic book characters.

Do you want your Lego space set to be more realistic or more sci-fi? We have a list of the best Lego sets.

Best Lego space sets for adults

Lego NASA Space Shuttle Discovery on display

(Image credit: Future)

There is no doubt that the Lego NASA Space Shuttle Discovery is one of the best Lego space sets you can get right now. It is an authentic recreation of NASA's real Discovery shuttle, with realistic elements such as an opening payloads bay, retractable landing gear, and five seats for the crew.

Since this set doesn't come with minifigures, it's a small price to pay for something that's otherwise so detailed. A model of the Hubble Telescope can be stowed away inside the shuttle's bay.

  • Read our full Lego NASA Space Shuttle Discovery review.

Lego NASA Apollo Saturn V_The LEGO Group

(Image credit: The LEGO Group)

There is a set of Legos. After being discontinued at the end of last year, it was brought back in 2020 with a different model number, but the same product as before. It was so popular that Lego decided to keep it on the shelves for a long time. It's easy to see why. If you stand it upright it is a meter tall.

There is a lot of realistic detail thrown in, such as fuel tanks, rocket fins, and engines, and there is even a tiny micro figure included to give you some sense of the scale of this thing. The build is a little repetitive but it is worth it.

Lego NASA Apollo 11 Lunar Lander 10266_product shot 2

(Image credit: Future)

The replica Apollo 11 lunar landers is instantly recognizable to space fans. Lego has gone to great lengths to bring it to life, looking as close to the real thing as possible. The display piece captures the moment humans stepped on the moon. There are a few intricate parts of the lander, but it is crafted masterfully. It is disappointing that some of the decorations are stickers rather than bricks.

This is one of the best Lego space sets on the market. The included display base is designed to look like the moon's surface, complete with little minifigure footprints.

Lego International Space Station_The LEGO Group

(Image credit: The LEGO Group)

We were a little worried when Lego announced the International Space Station. What's the reason? It appeared that all of the solar panels were stickers. People don't like stickers on Legos. Lego delivered more than we expected, and there is no sticker on this model.

There is a replica of the International Space Station that is more detailed than we could have imagined. The real-life features have been faithfully recreated. To give the International Space Station a sense of scale, there are even tiny versions of the NASA Space Shuttle. By their very nature, the solar panels are a little flimsy and easy to knock out of place. This is an impressive model when all is said and done.

Best Lego space sets for kids

Rocket Launch Center_The LEGO Group

(Image credit: The LEGO Group)

This set, along with the three to follow, is brand new and so we haven't had a chance to try it out. It is a replacement for Deep Space Rocket and Launch Control, but it is larger and more expensive. It feels like a lot of money to pay $150/125 for a play set.

A realistic rocket inspired by NASA's return to the moon is included in the price. The minifigures include astronauts, scientists, and workmen. A child needs to stage their own rocket launch.

Lunar Research Base__The LEGO Group

(Image credit: The LEGO Group)

We are yet to get our hands on Lego's lunar research base. There is a lot going on, but the main focus is that round Research Base with air-locking tunnels coming off of it. It is based on a NASA idea for its Artemis Base Camp.

Everyone has their own role in the minifigures. It's price makes us pause as it feels too expensive.

Lunar Roving Vehicle_The LEGO Group

(Image credit: The LEGO Group)

The Lunar Roving Vehicle is a great looking space toy. This set is based on a concept called Artemis. There is room for one in the driver's position and a mini figure in the back of the vehicle.

The vehicle can attach to the lunar research base if the large round panel opens up. It means that you will have to pay a fee of $120/90 to use that function, which is a little annoying.

Lunar Space Station_The LEGO Group

(Image credit: The LEGO Group)

This is the final Lego space set. The lunar space station is based on NASA's Artemis lunar gateway and gives some educational value to its play. There is a lot to like here, including a docking capsule, a science and botany lab, and separate sleeping quarters. It's almost like it's floating through the air.

The only concern we have is that it is only $10 cheaper than the International Space Station model, and we know which one we would prefer. For younger Lego space fans, this minifigure-scale is more enjoyable.

Creator 3-in-1 Space Shuttle Adventure_The LEGO Group

(Image credit: The LEGO Group)

One of the best Lego space sets out there is the 3-in-1 Creator set, which is a great alternative if you don't have a lot of money to spend on Lego. It is very clear what it is supposed to be despite not having the NASA branding. It also has opening doors and a satellite inside.

The other two models in the set look very effective too, each of them being a smaller version of a Lego set. If you want to build all three of them at the same time, you need to purchase three copies of the set.

Monkie Kid’s Galactic Explorer_The LEGO Group

(Image credit: The LEGO Group)

It might not seem like a good idea to make space-themed Lego sets, but here we are. If you want a realistic Lego space set, this isn't it, but as far as kids' playsets go, they don't get much more funky and interesting-looking than this.

The rocket is big and has a lot of internal details that are perfect for roleplay. Five seats are available for the crew to sit in the inside of the cabin. There is a lot of stickers in the finished build.

Creator 3-in-1 Space Mining Mech_The LEGO Group

(Image credit: The LEGO Group)

The Space Mining Mech isn't NASA approved, but we think it's one of the best Lego space sets for kids who like to have fun. There are three ways in which it can be built. The primary build is a space-faring Mech that has a blade on one arm and a hand that can grab things. His arms and legs are great for posing and having fun with.

Two of the builds are not as good. We are not sure if we would have guessed what they were supposed to be if we had not read the description on Legos website.

Lego Friends Olivia’s Space Academy

(Image credit: Lego)

Lego doesn't need to make a space set that's tailored for girls, but there's no denying that this is a lovely set While NASA doesn't typically put pink edging on its shuttles, it's still recognizable and packs in a lot of realistic detail. The Canadarm comes out of opening doors.

There is a telescope and a multi- axis trainer near the shuttle. It's a great piece of equipment. The Creator 3-in-1 Space Shuttle Adventure is very similar to the shuttle, so there isn't need to have both sets. We usually recommend that set, but if your child is a fan of pink, thenOlivia's Space Academy is a good choice.

Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse’s Space Rocket_The LEGO Group

(Image credit: The LEGO Group)

Lego fans will love this Disney- branded space rocket. A basic build for small hands is what this set is for. Older Lego fans will find it too simple to keep them occupied and you will probably have it together in a matter of minutes.

The rocket is made of large shapes. This is a nice looking set for young people. The minifigures dressed in their space suits are wonderful.

Chang’e Moon Cake Factory_The LEGO Group

(Image credit: The LEGO Group)

This is another set from Lego. Despite being crazy in design, this Lego space set captures the feeling of being on the moon. The Monkie Kid range is built around Chinese folklore and it is named after the Chinese goddess of the moon. There is a minifigure of her and the Jade Rabbit. It is possible that the blue punk-rock cat is not based on folklore, but is appreciated just the same.

The individual elements of the cake factory are neat. The set is made up of a lot of small parts, not one large model.

Best Marvel & DC space sets

Lego Marvel The Guardians’ Ship_The LEGO Group

(Image credit: The LEGO Group)

The realm of not-so- realistic space sets is where we are now. Is there a better way to start it than the great ship? This is one of the best Lego space sets out there, even though it isn't approved by NASA. It is a great recreation of the Benatar, the ship the Guardians of the galaxy replaced after it was damaged. The level of accuracy is amazing, and it is immediately recognizable to any fan of the comic book series.

It doesn't contain a minifigure of Drax or Nebula, which is disappointing for people who want a full set. We don't think Lego can decide if it's a play set or a display piece The included stand suggests the latter, but it is a 14+ set and the play elements inside the ship suggest the former. Something to keep in mind is not necessarily a bad thing.

Lego Marvel Rise of the Domo_The LEGO Group

(Image credit: The LEGO Group)

There is no denying the triangular Domo is eye-catching, even though the Eternals spaceship is not as well-known. A full interior with cockpit, weapons room, and laboratory can be seen when you open it up. If those names mean anything to you, you will love the minifigures included.

The Deviant builds that come with the set are questionable. They look cool, but they add a lot to the asking price. It would have been better if the focus was on the ship.

Lego Marvel Sanctuary II Endgame Battle_The LEGO Group

(Image credit: The LEGO Group)

We were surprised by how big the Sanctuary II is. The toy's wingspan of 14 in/36 cm makes it quite formidable. There are a number of minifigures, including Iron Man, Thanos, and CaptainMarvel. There is an opening at the back of the ship that can be used to store cargo.

It is disappointing that some of the details of the real thing are missing, but that is to be expected. It would have been great to see more printed parts here.

Lego DC 1989 Batwing_The LEGO Group

(Image credit: The LEGO Group)

The final entry on our best Lego space sets list is a bit different. The Batwing isn't a spaceship. We are pretty sure that Batman could go to space if he chose to. The Lego Batman Movie range proves that Batman has been to space with the retired Bat-Space Shuttle.

This is a replica of Batman's 1989 Batwing. It has two display options, a buildable stand or a wall-mounted option. The included Batman mini figure isn't exclusive to the set, but The Joker and his Goon are.