Which of the two rocket sets is bigger?

Rocket Assembly & Transport (60229-1) has 1,062 pieces, compared with 837 for Deep Space Rocket and Launch Control (60228-1).

Is Mars Exploration a theme of its own?

No, it is a sub-theme of City with 12 sets released in 2019 and 2020.

Can I rebuild these models from bricks I already own?

Bricoria's What can I build? tool compares your parts with each set's parts list and shows how close you are to a complete model.

Mars Exploration

Sets: 12
Since: 2019
Newest set: 2020

Mars Exploration is the space wave City launched in 2019, grounded in near-future science rather than alien battles. The catalogue lists 12 sets across 2019 and 2020.

Sets per decade

All decades

1 set from the 2020s

2020s

City Space Bundle 66645 2020 0 pieces

About Mars Exploration

Two rockets and a space station

The headline models are all about getting off the ground. Rocket Assembly & Transport (60229-1) is the largest set with 1,062 pieces, and Deep Space Rocket and Launch Control (60228-1) follows with 837. Above them in the story sits the Lunar Space Station (60227-1) with 417 pieces, while the Mars Research Shuttle (60226-1), at 273 pieces, carries the crew further out. Together they cover the build-up, launch and life in orbit.

Rovers, satellites and crew

Smaller sets fill in the details of the mission. Rover Testing Drive (60225-1) has 202 pieces and Satellite Service Mission (60224-1) has 84, both good starting points for younger builders. Two packs focus on people: the People Pack – Space Research and Development (60230-1) with 209 pieces and the Mars Exploration Minifigure Pack (40345-1) with 44. As a City sub-theme, all of these fit alongside ordinary town layouts, so a launch site can sit right next to the fire station. The parts lists on Bricoria break down every model, which is useful if you want to rebuild a rover or satellite from a mixed box of City pieces.

FAQ

Which of the two rocket sets is bigger?: Rocket Assembly & Transport (60229-1) has 1,062 pieces, compared with 837 for Deep Space Rocket and Launch Control (60228-1).
Is Mars Exploration a theme of its own?: No, it is a sub-theme of City with 12 sets released in 2019 and 2020.
Can I rebuild these models from bricks I already own?: Bricoria's What can I build? tool compares your parts with each set's parts list and shows how close you are to a complete model.