saxus
NASA Ares V
NASA Ares V
This is a digital download and NOT a physical product!
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Build the Constellation program's heavy cargo launch vehicle, the Ares V!
With its 4975 pieces and a height of 105 cm (41.5"), this model rightfully captures the monumentality of NASA's proposed heavy launcher, specifically the last iteration from 2008. It's built at 1:110 scale, the same scale as the LEGO® Saturn V set! The model has a sturdy construction and scale-accurate exterior dimensions and details. Despite the high piece count the bricks to build the model cost around $320 (excl. shipping) and are bought separately following the "How to buy the bricks" section below.
The model features:
- A very sturdy construction with strong connections between the stages.
- Six RS-68 engines, two 5.5-segment booster and a detailed second-stage J-2X engine section.
- A hollow and spacious payload fairing intended to house the Altair lunar lander or the components of the Mars Transfer Vehicle.
- Raceways, fueling ports, and many more details for you to explore!
The digital building instructions you'll receive with your purchase are high-quality and easy to follow, even for less experienced builders. However, the sheer size of the model and the advanced building techniques might be a bit challenging for new builders.
Learn more about the Ares V:
When NASA laid down the foundations of the Constellation program, it became evident that there was a need for two rockets: a Crew Launch Vehicle and a super-heavy Cargo Launch Vehicle. These working names later became the Ares I and Ares V. Ares V's main task would have been to launch the Altair lunar lander and the components of the Mars Transfer Vehicle. The launch vehicle drew on various previous programs, utilizing components such as the Space Shuttle boosters, Boeing Delta IV engines, and leveraging experience gained from the development of the J-2 engine for the Saturn V.
The launch vehicle went through several iterations during its development. While initially NASA considered using 4 SSME engines and 5-segment Shuttle boosters, by the end of the development, this had grown to 6 RS-68 engines, an improved 5.5-segment booster, and a 10-meter diameter. According to plans, it would have been capable of placing a payload of up to 188 tons into Low Earth Orbit.
Unfortunately, due to technical issues, delays, and rising costs, along with the cancellation of the Constellation program, the development of Ares V was also halted. However, not all the work was in vain; many developments and research findings were later incorporated into the Space Launch System during the Artemis program.
This model was designed by saxus and if you are considering buying the instructions we are especially grateful to you for supporting our work and directly enabling us to continue producing more designs in the future!
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Product specifications
Pieces and price:
The model consists of 4975 pieces, costing approximately $320 excl. shipping (prices on Bricklink vary depending on region and current parts availability), see the buying guide in the section below.
Dimensions:
105 cm x 18 cm x 12 cm
41.5 in x 7 in x 5 in
Internal colors:
The model includes internal colors which aren't visible when the model is completed. Replacing these reduces the piece price, but can make the building process more complicated, especially if you aren't an experienced MOC builder. Consult the included color guide in the instructions for further details.
The following colors can all be replaced by "Any color" when exporting the pieces to BrickLink: blue, bright light blue, green, lime, coral and light purple.
How to buy the bricks
I recommend buying the bricks required for the model from Bricklink.com, which is the largest online marketplace for LEGO® parts sellers.
There are other alternatives, like the official LEGO® Pick a Brick site, but they rarely have all the required pieces and it's often more expensive there.
The process to buy from Bricklink is easier than it seems, and is explained thoroughly in this step-by-step guide to help you:
- After buying the product, you need to download the folder named "Part lists" and unzip it.
- Choose the part list(s) you want to buy using the guide in the "Variants" tab below.
- Next go to Bricklink.com and log in or create an account (it's very easy to set up).
- Click on the "Want" tab in the top right corner and "Create New List".
- Once you've done that, click on the upload button and drag and drop the part list you want to include in the order. Then click the blue "Proceed to verify items" button.
Repeat step 5 for each part list you want to order. - [Optional step if you want to slightly reduce the part cost] In the wanted list, you can sort by colors and select all the internal pieces (described in "Product specifications" above) and click on "Color" and apply "Non applicable" since all those colors can be substituted without affecting the exterior look.
- [Optional step if you only want new pieces] Select all the pieces and change their "Condition" to "New" (needs to be repeated for each page). Note that this will lead to a higher price and the risk of some parts being unavailable. The default option gives you a price around the estimate and will include both new and used bricks.
- Next click the green "Buy All" button and then adjust the settings to your preference. For lower shipping costs, I recommend beginning by choosing your region/country first and only change it if the pieces aren't available there.
- Once that's done, click the blue "Auto-select" button, uncheck the box in the pop-up and click "Start".
- This will give you a list of stores whose orders together will include all of the pieces in your wanted list. Confirm that all the pieces are included by clicking the "Wanted Items" tab to the left and control that there aren't any pieces left there.
- If you are happy with the selection and price, click "Create carts", followed by "Checkout" for each individual store and buy the pieces!
(If you are not happy with the price or if you're missing any pieces, you can click "Remove All" and redo the auto-selection with different settings)
If you're having any issues with ordering your bricks, don't hesitate to send us a message through the "Contact us" tab in the menu and we'll do out best to help!