Earlier this year, NASA and LEGO teamed up for two contests
that ignited the imaginations of anyone with an idea of the sorts of new
vehicles that we might see in orbit in the near future. Let’s take a peek at
the winners!
Sunbeam
Taking first prize is “Hoshpup’s” Sunbeam, an interesting
dual-rocket design sporting an array of sensors and other important electronic
equipment. I wonder if NASA will cut the model maker a check when we see actual
Sunbeams taking astronauts to Mars?
LEGO Asteroid Initiative
The two runner-ups are “Epic185’s” LEGO Asteroid Initiative,
and “VoyagerAdastra’s” Oracom. I’m going to assume that the Astroid Initiative
would be used to either scan asteroids for informational data, or warn humanity
about the “Big One” that we all should be on our collective toes about. As for
Oracom, it is certainly an artistically modern take on the classic satellite,
and I really like how the designer incorporated the translucent blue pieces.
Great job, everyone!
Oracom
As an added bonus, here are the two winners of the “Inventing
the Future of Flight” contest, where builders were tasked to invent designs
that would serve as prototypes for future aircraft. The winner of the 13-18
category was “Wnodvik’s” FE-400 Fishing Eagle and the all-ages champion was Claessundstrom’s
Hydrogen Powered Regional Airliner. Both planes look sleek, sharp, aerodynamic
and fantastic all around, and I’ll place an order for the first one that is
available in plum purple.
FE-400 Fishing Eagle
Congratulations to all of the winners, and be sure to stay
tuned for the next big LEGO and NASA themed innovations, contests and goodies!
Hydrogen Powered Regional Airliner
Sources: ReBrick, LEGO, NASA
