Lego Launches 'Moments in Space' Design Contest, Seeks Small Space Set Ideas

Lego is seeking ideas on how to give away some space.

The Denmark-based toy company has launched its "Lego Moments in Space" design contest to find a small space exploration-themed set to become a promotional "gift with purchase" giveaway for its stores and Legoland in 2019.

"So put on your space helmets, remember your creative juices and buckle up... we're going for a ride as we look for your best Lego Moments in Space," Lego announced on Monday (Jan. 15). [Watch Us Build the Epic Lego UCS Millennium Falcon (Time-Lapse Video)]

Fans of the toy brick building sets who are 13 years of age and older are invited to "create the ultimate space model." The designs can be "as sci-fi or realistic as you wish."

Lego released its first space-themed toy set, a 112-piece "Space Rocket," in 1964. In 1978, the company introduced the first sets in its Space line, now referred to as "Classic Space" by collectors. Over the years since, Lego space-themed sets have spanned from the fantastical to detailed replicas of actual NASA spacecraft.

Among Lego's past "free with purchase" promotional sets was a June 2010 spaceman minifigure magnet set with the inscription, "in space since 1978."

The small to mid-size "Moments in Space" models need to fit within the confines of a 16 by 16 stud Lego baseplate. There is no height requirement for entries but Lego notes that "your model should fit in a smaller Lego box, and be around 300 pieces."

Entries can only be built from only basic elements, such as those found in Lego City and Collectible Minifigures sets, and if stickers are to be used, only decals from past Lego sets are allowed. Submissions can be photos of builds or digital models (using Lego Digital Designer).

"Moments in Space" entries will be accepted on the Lego Ideas website through Feb. 9, when voting will open on all the submissions. The top 25 models with the most votes will move on to the judging phase. ['Women of NASA' Lego Set: Q&A with Creator Maia Weinstock]

A panel of Lego designers and members of the Lego Extended Line team will choose a grand prize winner and ten runner-up winners based on the "overall coolness" and originality, most inspired details, relevance to the contest's theme (space) and the best use of Lego elements.

The grand prize winner, to be announced on March 2, will have the opportunity to have his or her model adapted into a "Gift with Purchase" set for distribution in 2019, will receive a $250 shopping spree on Lego's online shop and will get a collection of past "Gift with Purchase" sets.

Runner ups in the "Moments in Space" contest will receive a $125 online Lego shopping spree and three of Lego's past "Gift with Purchase" sets.

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