How many pieces are in the Shuttle Expedition?

Shuttle Expedition contains 1,230 pieces.

When was the Shuttle Expedition released?

Shuttle Expedition was released in 2011.

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🏛 Creator Expert

Set #10231

Shuttle Expedition

The Shuttle Expedition is a classic LEGO Creator Expert set that captures the majesty of space exploration.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Ages 16+ · Intermediate build Ideal for teens and adults interested in space exploration and detailed LEGO models
Build: 1,230 pieces · about 6 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price: $99.99 list price · 8.1¢ per piece
Availability: Retired at LEGO

★★★★☆ 4.3 community rating

Fans appreciate the Shuttle Expedition for its realistic design and satisfying build experience. Criticisms often focus on the lack of interior detail and the relatively simple minifigure selection compared to more modern sets.

$99.99

Best Price

$89.99

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📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

The Shuttle Expedition is a classic LEGO Creator Expert set that captures the majesty of space exploration. Released in 2011, this set features a detailed space shuttle with functional landing gear, opening cargo bay doors, and a satellite payload. The realistic design and impressive scale make it a standout display piece for any space enthusiast.

This set is perfect for older LEGO fans and space aficionados seeking a rewarding building experience. With over 1200 pieces, the build offers a satisfying level of complexity and detail. The completed model is substantial and impressive, making it a great addition to any collection.

Skip this if you prefer sets with more play features or are on a tight budget. While visually stunning, the Shuttle Expedition is primarily designed for display. Consider the LEGO City Space sets for more play-oriented options at a lower price point.

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🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

🧩

1,230

Pieces

⏱

Estimated Build Time

📊

Intermediate

Difficulty

Build Highlights:

Building the intricate landing gear mechanism
Constructing the opening cargo bay doors with satellite payload
Creating the realistic shaping of the shuttle's fuselage
Adding the finishing touches with tiles and smooth surfaces for a sleek look

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

↑ Trending up since release

A-

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

The Shuttle Expedition (10231-1) presents a solid investment opportunity due to its retired status, the enduring popularity of space-themed LEGO sets, and its high piece count. As a Creator Expert set, it appeals to adult collectors and space enthusiasts, driving up demand in the secondary market. The set's condition, completeness, and original packaging significantly impact its value. While the current price is significantly higher than the MSRP, continued appreciation is expected, particularly for well-preserved sets. However, economic downturns could temporarily affect the market value of LEGO investments.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

📖 About This Set

Blast off on an outer space mission!

Standing 17.5" (44cm) tall and 10" (25.5cm) from wing tip to wing tip, this detailed and realistic space shuttle is ready to count down and blast off on its next exciting mission into space! You can take off from the launch pad, separate the detachable fuel tank and booster rockets, and deploy the satellite with unfolding antenna and solar cell panels. Shuttle model features realistic engines, retractable landing gear, an opening cockpit with seats for 2 astronauts, opening cargo compartment with a crane that can hold the satellite and a ground maintenance vehicle. Includes 3 minifigures: 1 male and 1 female astronaut, as well as 1 service crew member.

Includes 3 minifigures: 1 male and 1 female astronaut as well as 1 service crew member
Shuttle Adventure is ideal for building and display!
Shuttle stands 17.5" (44cm) tall and measures 10" (25.5cm) from wing tip to wing tip
Take off from the launch pad
Separate the detachable fuel tank and booster rockets
Deploy the satellite with unfolding antenna and solar cell panels
Features realistic engines, retractable landing gear, opening cockpit with seats for 2 astronauts and even a ground maintenance vehicle
Open the cargo compartment to reveal the crane that can hold the satellite

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

NASA Space Shuttle Discovery

Creator Expert • 2,354 pcs

$199.99

Compared to other LEGO space sets, the Shuttle Expedition offers a more realistic and detailed building experience than many LEGO City space offerings. While the Saturn V (21309-1) is another popular LEGO space set, the Shuttle Expedition provides a different aesthetic and building style. Collectors might choose the Shuttle Expedition for its classic space shuttle design and display appeal, while the Saturn V appeals to those interested in historical accuracy and rocket engineering.

3 Minifigures Included

Crew Member - Blue Torso, Blue Legs, Blue Cap

4 parts

Astronaut - White Torso and Legs, Gold Visor, Female, Smile

5 parts

B+

Astronaut - White Torso and Legs, Gold Visor, Male, Smile

5 parts

The set includes three minifigures: two astronauts (male and female) with gold visors and a crew member. These figures add to the play and display value of the set, although they are not particularly rare or exclusive.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count: 1,230
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 178 unique parts, 1,216 pieces
Minifigures: 3

The official piece count includes the 14 parts inside the set's minifigures, which this inventory lists separately. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Missing a piece? Check this set piece by piece, with look-alike colors flagged and element IDs for replacements.

Brick 2 x 2 Corner

Part #: 2357 16× Dark Bluish Gray

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2412b 18× Black

Plate 2 x 2 Corner

Part #: 2420 13× White

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2432 7× Light Bluish Gray

Bracket 1 x 2 - 1...

Part #: 2436 3× White

Vehicle Base 4 x ...

Part #: 2441 1× Black

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 2444 2× White

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 2449 2× White

Brick 2 x 6

Part #: 2456 4× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 2540 3× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Round Corne...

Part #: 2577 24× Dark Orange

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 2654 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 2730 2× White

Technic Slope Sho...

Part #: 2743 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Pin with ...

Part #: 2780 9× Black

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 2921 2× Yellow

Lever Small Base ...

Part #: 298c02 1× Light Bluish Gray

Brick 2 x 4

Part #: 3001 10× Light Bluish Gray

Brick 2 x 3

Part #: 3002 2× Black

Brick 2 x 2

Part #: 3003 4× Light Bluish Gray

Brick 2 x 2

Part #: 3003 7× Reddish Brown

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 5× White

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 6× Light Bluish Gray

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 2× Black

Brick 1 x 1

Part #: 3005 6× White

Brick 1 x 1

Part #: 3005 2× Black

Brick 1 x 8

Part #: 3008 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick 1 x 6

Part #: 3009 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick 1 x 4

Part #: 3010 3× White

Brick 2 x 2 x 3

Part #: 30145 3× Black

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 3× Light Bluish Gray

Plate 2 x 3

Part #: 3021 10× Black

Plate 2 x 3

Part #: 3021 9× White

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 4× Black

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 11× White

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 24× Black

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 20× White

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 7× Trans-Dark Blue

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 2× Black

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 12× White

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 24× Reddish Brown

Tile Special 2 x ...

Part #: 30256 4× White

Flag 7 x 3 with Rod

Part #: 30292 2× Trans-Light Blue

Plate 4 x 4

Part #: 3031 3× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate 4 x 6

Part #: 3032 1× Black

Plate 6 x 8

Part #: 3036 1× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 30361c 1× White

Brick Sloped 18° ...

Part #: 30363 1× Black

Brick Sloped 18° ...

Part #: 30363 1× White

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3038 2× White

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3040b 6× Black

Wedge Plate 8 x 8...

Part #: 30504 4× Black

Wedge Plate 8 x 8...

Part #: 30504 2× White

Panel 4 x 4 x 6 Q...

Part #: 30562 12× Dark Orange

Plate Round Corne...

Part #: 30565 16× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062b 3× Trans-Red

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062b 10× Reddish Brown

Tile 2 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3068b 4× White

Tile 2 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3068b 4× Reddish Brown

Tile 2 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3068b 5× Black

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 1× Trans-Brown

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 4× Reddish Brown

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 13× White

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 2× Black

Tile 1 x 2 with V...

Part #: 3069bpr0020 1× Light Bluish Gray

Tile 1 x 2 with C...

Part #: 3069bpr0030 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Tile 1 x 2 with S...

Part #: 3069bpr0086 2× Light Bluish Gray

Tile 1 x 1 with G...

Part #: 3070b 4× Reddish Brown

Tile 1 x 1 with G...

Part #: 3070b 2× White

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 32000 3× White

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 32001 2× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32013 1× White

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32013 2× Black

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32014 1× White

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32016 3× Reddish Brown

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 32028 3× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32034 2× Black

Technic Beam 3 x ...

Part #: 32056 4× Yellow

Technic Axle 2 No...

Part #: 32062 21× Red

Technic Axle 5

Part #: 32073 2× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Bush 1/2 ...

Part #: 32123b 4× Yellow

Technic Pin Long ...

Part #: 32556 6× Tan

Brick Sloped 33° ...

Part #: 3298 2× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Curved 1 x ...

Part #: 33243 8× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate 1 x 8

Part #: 3460 8× Light Bluish Gray

Plate 1 x 3

Part #: 3623 4× White

Plate 1 x 3

Part #: 3623 2× Black

Brick Arch 1 x 4

Part #: 3659 3× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 3665 2× White

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 7× Black

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 9× White

Technic Pin witho...

Part #: 3673 4× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Sloped 75° ...

Part #: 3684 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3700 16× Reddish Brown

Technic Axle 6

Part #: 3706 2× Black

Technic Axle 8

Part #: 3707 1× Black

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3709 4× Blue

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 16× White

Technic Bush

Part #: 3713 8× Red

Technic Axle 10

Part #: 3737 1× Black

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3738 1× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 3794b 17× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 3794b 7× White

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 7× Black

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 8× White

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Steering Stand 1 ...

Part #: 3829c01 1× Light Bluish Gray

Plate 2 x 10

Part #: 3832 2× Black

Baseplate 16 x 32

Part #: 3857 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3894 5× White

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3895 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 3941 3× White

Cone 2 x 2 x 2, O...

Part #: 3942c 2× White

Cone 2 x 2 x 2, O...

Part #: 3942c 2× Black

Cone 4 x 4 x 2, A...

Part #: 3943b 2× White

Antenna 1 x 4 wit...

Part #: 3957a 1× Light Bluish Gray

Plate 6 x 6

Part #: 3958 1× Black

Dish 8 x 8 Invert...

Part #: 3961 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Support 1 x 1 x 5...

Part #: 40244 2× Black

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 4032a 7× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 4032a 2× Red

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 4070 10× Black

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 4070 24× Reddish Brown

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4081b 2× Black

Hinge Brick 2 x 2...

Part #: 40902 1× Black

Tile Round 2 x 2 ...

Part #: 4150pr0022 1× Light Bluish Gray

Hinge Cylinder 1 ...

Part #: 41532 1× Black

Tile 1 x 8 with G...

Part #: 4162 6× White

Tile 1 x 8 with G...

Part #: 4162 2× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 41677 4× White

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 41677 6× Blue

Brick Wedged, Cur...

Part #: 41747 2× Dark Orange

Brick Wedged, Cur...

Part #: 41748 2× Dark Orange

Wedge Plate 4 x 2...

Part #: 41769 1× Black

Wedge Plate 4 x 2...

Part #: 41769 1× White

Wedge Plate 4 x 2...

Part #: 41770 1× White

Wedge Plate 4 x 2...

Part #: 41770 1× Black

Technic Pin 1/2 w...

Part #: 4274 12× Blue

Plate 2 x 16

Part #: 4282 2× White

Plate 2 x 16

Part #: 4282 2× Black

Brick Sloped 33° ...

Part #: 4286 2× White

Brick Sloped 33° ...

Part #: 4286 2× Black

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 4287b 6× Black

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 4287b 1× White

Technic Axle Pin ...

Part #: 43093 9× Blue

Equipment Camera ...

Part #: 4360 1× Black

Wedge Plate 3 x 2...

Part #: 43722 1× White

Wedge Plate 3 x 2...

Part #: 43723 1× White

Dish 3 x 3 Invert...

Part #: 43898 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Hinge Plate 1 x 4...

Part #: 44568 2× Light Bluish Gray

Bracket 1 x 2 - 2...

Part #: 44728 2× White

Bracket 1 x 2 - 2...

Part #: 44728 6× Red

Plate 1 x 10

Part #: 4477 8× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate 1 x 10

Part #: 4477 6× White

Technic Axle 3

Part #: 4519 7× Light Bluish Gray

Windscreen 10 x 6...

Part #: 45705 2× Dark Orange

Tap 1 x 1 without...

Part #: 4599b 4× Yellow

Wheel 8 x 6

Part #: 4624 10× White

Wedge Plate 12 x ...

Part #: 47397 2× Black

Wedge Plate 12 x ...

Part #: 47397 2× White

Wedge Plate 12 x ...

Part #: 47398 2× Black

Wedge Plate 12 x ...

Part #: 47398 2× White

Dish 2 x 2 Invert...

Part #: 4740 3× White

Dish 2 x 2 Invert...

Part #: 4740 8× Light Bluish Gray

Cone 4 x 4 x 2 Ho...

Part #: 4742 2× Black

Technic Rotation ...

Part #: 47455 1× Black

Brick Round Corne...

Part #: 48092 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Brick Spe...

Part #: 48171 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 48336 4× White

Panel 1 x 2 x 1 [...

Part #: 4865b 2× Black

Wedge Plate 7 x 6...

Part #: 50303 2× Black

Technic Axle 32

Part #: 50450 2× Black

Brick Sloped 30° ...

Part #: 54200 2× Trans-Red

Brick Sloped 30° ...

Part #: 54200 6× Trans-Brown

Brick Sloped 30° ...

Part #: 54200 6× White

Brick Sloped 30° ...

Part #: 54200 8× Black

Brick Sloped 30° ...

Part #: 54200 24× Reddish Brown

Wedge Plate 6 x 3...

Part #: 54383 1× Black

Wedge Plate 6 x 3...

Part #: 54384 1× Black

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 59443 9× Black

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 59443 4× Red

Tyre 14 x 4 Smoot...

Part #: 59895 6× Black

Cone 1 x 1 [Top G...

Part #: 59900 2× White

Brick Arch 1 x 3 ...

Part #: 6005 50× White

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 6019 12× White

Wheel Arch, Mudgu...

Part #: 60212 2× Dark Blue

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 60470b 2× White

Hinge Plate 1 x 2...

Part #: 60471 4× Black

Plate Round 4 x 4...

Part #: 60474 4× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Round 4 x 4...

Part #: 60474 8× Black

Plate Round 4 x 4...

Part #: 60474 7× White

Brick Sloped 18° ...

Part #: 60477 2× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 60478 4× Red

Plate 1 x 12

Part #: 60479 2× Black

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 60483 3× Black

Brick Curved 1 x ...

Part #: 6091 6× White

Technic Pin 1/2 w...

Part #: 61184 1× Light Bluish Gray

Bar 1 x 6 [Closed...

Part #: 6140 2× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 22× Trans-Neon Orange

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 8× Trans-Clear

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 2× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Pin with ...

Part #: 61483 3× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Curved 4 x ...

Part #: 61678 2× White

Brick Curved 4 x ...

Part #: 61678 8× Dark Orange

Brick Round 4 x 4...

Part #: 6222 4× Black

Brick 2 x 2 witho...

Part #: 6223 4× Trans-Dark Blue

Panel 1 x 1 x 1 C...

Part #: 6231 2× Black

Cone 3 x 3 x 2

Part #: 6233 3× Black

Technic Pin Conne...

Part #: 62462 2× White

Cylinder Half 2 x...

Part #: 6259 20× White

Hair Ponytail Lon...

Part #: 62696 1× Dark Orange

Hair Short, Tousl...

Part #: 62810 1× Dark Brown

Bar 6L with Stop ...

Part #: 63965 1× Black

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 6536 2× White

Technic Pin Long ...

Part #: 6558 2× Blue

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 6632 10× White

Tile 1 x 6 with G...

Part #: 6636 10× Dark Bluish Gray

Tile 1 x 6 with G...

Part #: 6636 4× Black

Tile 1 x 6 with G...

Part #: 6636 6× White

Sticker Sheet for...

Part #: 70346 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Technic Shock Abs...

Part #: 76537 2× Yellow

Brick Round Corne...

Part #: 85080 48× White

Brick Sloped 30° ...

Part #: 85984 4× White

Brick Sloped 30° ...

Part #: 85984 7× Black

Tile 2 x 4 with G...

Part #: 87079 10× White

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 87087 4× Blue

Tyre 15 x 6 Offse...

Part #: 87414 4× Black

Panel 1 x 2 x 3 [...

Part #: 87544 4× White

Windscreen 7 x 4 ...

Part #: 89762 2× White

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 92280 8× White

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 92907 3× Black

The set contains a significant number of white and black pieces, useful for building space-themed MOCs. The inclusion of reddish-brown elements provides opportunities for adding texture and detail to alternate builds.

🛒 Where to Buy

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💎 Notable Parts

White Brick Arch 1 x 3 x 2 Curved Top (50x) $2.50

White Brick Round Corner 2 x 2 Macaroni with Stud Notch and Reinforced Underside [New Style] (48x) $3.84

Reddish Brown Slope 30° 1 x 1 x 2/3 (Cheese Slope) (24x) $1.20

Dark Orange Brick Round Corner 4 x 4 Full Brick (24x) $3.60

Black Plate 1 x 2 (24x) $0.72

Est. BrickLink Part Value

$11.86

💡 MOC Potential

🚀 Larger, more detailed space shuttle with interior

🚢 A futuristic space cruiser or explorer vessel

🏛 A space station or lunar base diorama

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📖 Building Instructions 4

BI 3006/76+4*-10231 V46/39 1/2

Download PDF

BI 3006/76+4 10231 V46/39 1/2

Download PDF

BI 3006/76+4 10231 V46/39 2/2

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BI 3006/76+4*-10231 V46/39 2/2

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Inventory Statistics

179

Unique Parts

1,230

Official Piece Count

1,216

Cataloged Inventory Pieces

Minifigures

Spare Parts

The official piece count includes the 14 parts inside the set's minifigures, which this inventory lists separately. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Inventory Version: 1

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