The LEGO Space theme launched in 1978 as one of the first three official play themes, offering sets based on a science-fiction future of exploration and colonization. The initial sets were characterized by a color scheme of grey and blue with transparent green or yellow windows, and featured the new minifigure astronauts.
Key Elements of the 1978 Theme
The 1978 sets were a significant design leap for LEGO, introducing new specialized parts and building techniques that allowed for smoother, more detailed vehicles and bases.
Minifigures: The theme introduced the iconic "Classic Spacemen" minifigures, wearing red or white spacesuits with simple, smiling faces. They featured helmets without visors, air tanks on their backs, and C-shaped hands to hold accessories.
Color Scheme: The predominant colors were grey for ground vehicles and blue with transparent yellow windows for spaceships.
Design: Early designs were utilitarian and simplistic, focused on function over detail, often featuring basic wheeled vehicles and ships controlled by steering wheels, reflecting inspiration from 1960s and 1970s real-world space technology.
Parts: The sets incorporated new pieces like transparent yellow windows, radar dishes, and antennas, which were key to the space aesthetic.
Notable 1978 Space Sets
The first year of the LEGO Space theme introduced several foundational sets that are now considered classics.
LEGO 493 Space Command Center (or 926 Command Centre in non-US markets): One of the larger base sets of the initial release, featuring multiple sections and four minifigures (two red, two white).
LEGO 487 Space Cruiser (or 924 Transporter in non-US markets): A key spaceship set that included a small ground vehicle and two minifigures.
LEGO 918 Space Transport: A smaller spaceship set that came with one red astronaut minifigure.
LEGO 462 Rocket Launcher (or 897 Launcher in non-US markets): A smaller vehicle set, featuring a ground vehicle with a rocket, and two minifigures.
LEGO 885 Space Scooter: A small, simple scooter set with one red astronaut minifigure.