UCS Space Shuttle Atlantis

   Never before has The LEGO Group released a truly minifigure-scale Space Shuttle, even though most previous sets included minifigs. (As a LEGO space fan this admittedly bothers me somewhat.) That was the primary inspiration for my project; to close that gap in LEGO's space themed sets and improve upon sets like 10231 Shuttle Expedition and 7470-1 Space Shuttle Discovery.

As a UCS-style set, detail and accuracy is key. Features include:

• Opening payload-bay doors.

• Retractable landing gear

• OMS (orbital maneuvering system) thrusters in the nose and aft section

• Robotic CANADARM to manipulate cargo

• Robust rotating display stand

• Adjustable elevons and rudder

• Detailed cockpit

Why Atlantis? Well, as a Star Trek fan, my first choice was Enterprise, but after some research I discovered that particular shuttle never actually left the atmosphere, which I found a bit disappointing. Discovery had already been made into a set, and Endeavor is currently another Ideas project. I could have done Challenger, but Atlantis was the last space shuttle to fly, so as a historic set, it makes more sense. 

Thank you so much for supporting! If you would like to help out extra, please share this project on MOCpages or Flickr, or simply tell your friends.