The Nanoblock Space Center Set Reminds Us of When Every Kid Wanted to Be an Astronaut

The Nanoblock Space Center kit design is supposed to be a replica of the Space Shuttle on the launch pad at the Johnson Space Center.

Nanoblock Space Center Set →

Nanoblock Space Center Set

  • Collection: Sights to See 
  • Difficulty level 3
  • About 30 min to finish
  • Comes with 510 pieces
  • Brick sizes start at 4x4x5 mm
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • 5.9 inches tall

After reading this article you will know:

  • How many pieces come with the kit.
  • How long it takes an average person to build it.
  • Helpful accessories to use that make building these kits easier.
  • The difficulty level for this kit and recommended age for children.

If you visit Houston, Texas, be sure to go to the Houston Space Center to learn more about the amazing history of the American space program.

Short description

This Nanoblocks Space Center is part of the Sights to See series.

When assembled, this detailed space center kit fits in the palm of your hand. Detailed assembly instructions in English come with the box of pieces. The official manufacturer is the Japanese company named Kawada.

If you prefer a more traditional Japanese-style kit, try the more complex Nanoblock Himeji Castle here, if you are up for the challenge.

The authorized distribution company in the United States is Bluefin. Look for the Bluefin logo on the packaging when you receive it and notice if it shipped from North America. In this way, you know that you received an authentic kit.

Nanoblock Space Center Set Dimensions

The tiniest Nanoblock pieces are 4 mm by 4 mm by 5 mm (0.16 inches square by 0.20 inches in height). This kit stands about 150 mm (5.9 inches) tall on an 80 mm (3.15 inches) square base when assembled.

Accessories that make it easier to build these kits are a magnifier with a light mounted on a flexible arm attached to a stand. With this device, you can direct the light to the area where you are working and get a closer look.

It is also helpful to have tweezers to pick up the small pieces.

There are 510 pieces in this kit. Work on a table using a tray or something to catch any dropped parts, so you will not lose them if they fall to the floor.

The Nanoblock pieces may present a choking hazard to small children. Keep them away from pets as well.

This video, produced by Tom Strong Reviews, shows the completed kit with a nice 360-degree spin around the model, showing it from above it.

There is quite a bit of complexity in this model. The arm above the shuttle is articulated and designed to swing, just like the real version could move. The tower is removable from the shuttle/rocket piece. The English instruction sheet appears briefly in the video. It is a single sheet of paper printed on one side yet gives enough details to complete the kit.

Difficulty level

The Nanoblock Space Center kit has a difficulty level of three out of five, with 510 pieces to assemble. It is suitable for teenagers 15+ years old. It takes an average person at least 30 minutes to complete this kit. It may take up to two hours or longer if you casually do the assembly process.

Nanoblock Sets Difficulty Levels

The kit comes with extra pieces, just in case some get lost and need replacement.

Nanoblock Space Center Instructions

You can view the instruction sheet and download a version in English here.

Perhaps an easier way to understand how to put this kit together is to watch a stop-motion video of how the kit assembly comes together.

In this video, produced by minibrick stopmotion, you can watch the kit being assembled.

The video runs at high speed for a brief 3:48 minutes, though the actual assembly time was 150 minutes.

Buying Options

Ready for blast off?

Go to where no man has ever gone before – in your imagination! If you enjoyed putting together the Nanoblock Space Center, you might also like the Nanoblock Luiga kit for Pokemon fans. See my review here, as it is one of my favorites.

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