How many pieces are in the Space Shuttle?

Space Shuttle contains 1,368 pieces.

When was the Space Shuttle released?

Space Shuttle was released in 1996.

🏛 Technic

Set #8480

Space Shuttle

The Technic Space Shuttle is a nostalgic masterpiece of late 90s LEGO engineering.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Advanced build Experienced Technic builders and adult LEGO fans passionate about space and engineering.
Build: 1,368 pieces · about 8 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price: $158.00 list price · 11.5¢ per piece
Availability: Retired at LEGO

★★★★☆ 4.5 community rating from 154 ratings

The Space Shuttle 8480 is highly regarded for its detailed Technic design and functional features, though some find the build process complex and the final model less sturdy than modern sets. Collectors appreciate its rarity and nostalgic value.

$158.00

Best Price

$89.99

You Save

43% OFF

📝 Our Take

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

The Technic Space Shuttle is a nostalgic masterpiece of late 90s LEGO engineering. Its intricate design, featuring functional landing gear and a deployable satellite, captures the spirit of space exploration and the ingenuity of Technic building.

This set is perfect for Technic enthusiasts and space aficionados seeking a challenging and rewarding building experience. The intricate mechanisms and realistic details make it a captivating display piece that showcases the beauty of early Technic sets.

Skip this if you prefer modern building techniques or are looking for extreme stability. While impressive for its time, newer Technic sets offer superior structural integrity and more advanced features. Consider the LEGO Ideas Saturn V for a more contemporary space-themed build.

✨ New

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How does the building experience of the 8480 Space Shuttle compare to modern Technic sets? What are the key features that make this set a valuable collectible? How does the price of this set compare to its original MSRP, and what factors contribute to its current value? What are some creative ways to display the 8480 Space Shuttle to highlight its unique features?

🧱 Building Experience

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

🧩

1,368

Pieces

⏱

Estimated Build Time

📊

Advanced

Difficulty

Build Highlights:

Functional landing gear with realistic retraction and deployment mechanisms.
Deployable satellite with solar panels that add to the playability and display value.
Intricate gear systems that demonstrate fundamental Technic principles.
Detailed cockpit and cargo bay for added realism.

📈 Investment Analysis

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

Not enough price history for a trend

B+

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

The 8480 Space Shuttle, being a vintage Technic set from 1996, holds significant investment potential. Its rarity, coupled with the enduring appeal of space-themed LEGO sets, makes it a desirable item for collectors. The set's age means finding it in good condition is increasingly difficult, further driving up its value. While the initial MSRP was relatively low, its current market price reflects its collectibility and scarcity. However, potential investors should be wary of incomplete sets or those with damaged parts, as these will significantly impact the set's value. Additionally, fluctuations in the LEGO market can affect prices, so careful monitoring is advised.

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

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

The 8480 Space Shuttle stands out as a classic Technic set with unique features like the fiber optic lighting (if present), that many modern sets lack. While newer LEGO space sets like the LEGO Ideas Saturn V (21309-1) offer more advanced building techniques and greater scale, the 8480 provides a nostalgic glimpse into the history of LEGO Technic. Collectors interested in vintage Technic sets may prefer the 8480 for its rarity and historical significance, while those seeking a more contemporary building experience might opt for the Saturn V.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count: 1,368
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 124 unique parts, 1,366 pieces

LEGO counts 1,368 pieces. This inventory comes from a separate parts catalog and lists 1,366; the two do not always count the same elements, so their totals differ. 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 Wedged 3 x ...

Part #: 2399 1× Black

Wedge Plate 3 x 6...

Part #: 2419 3× Black

Wedge Plate 3 x 6...

Part #: 2419 2× White

Plate 2 x 2 Corner

Part #: 2420 6× Black

Plate 2 x 2 Corner

Part #: 2420 8× White

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 2× Light Gray

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 7× White

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 4× Black

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 2444 2× Light Gray

Wedge Plate 3 x 3...

Part #: 2450 2× White

Wedge Plate 3 x 3...

Part #: 2450 4× Black

Brick 1 x 2 x 5 w...

Part #: 2454a 2× White

Technic Plate 1 x...

Part #: 2711 2× White

Technic Plate 1 x...

Part #: 2711 2× Light Gray

Technic Plate 1 x...

Part #: 2711 6× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 2730 1× Light Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 2730 4× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 2730 7× White

Technic Axle Towball

Part #: 2736 2× Light Gray

Technic Slope Lon...

Part #: 2744 2× Black

Technic Slope Lon...

Part #: 2744 8× White

Technic Pin with ...

Part #: 2780 45× Black

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 2817 2× White

Plate Special 2 x...

Part #: 2817 3× Black

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 2825 8× White

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 2825 6× Light Gray

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 2825 14× Black

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 2825 8× Yellow

Motor, 9V 5 x 4 x...

Part #: 2838c01 1× Light Gray

Battery Box, 9V 4...

Part #: 2847c01 1× White

Technic Engine Cr...

Part #: 2853 4× Light Gray

Technic Turntable...

Part #: 2856c01 1× Black

Technic Beam Tria...

Part #: 2905 2× Light Gray

Technic Beam Tria...

Part #: 2905 2× White

Technic Beam Tria...

Part #: 2905 2× Black

Technic Beam Tria...

Part #: 2905 2× Yellow

Motor Pulley, 9V ...

Part #: 2983 1× Light Gray

Part #: 3008 2× Black

Plate 2 x 3

Part #: 3021 6× White

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 9× Black

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 5× White

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 33× White

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 27× Black

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 4× White

Plate 1 x 1

Part #: 3024 6× Black

Plate 4 x 10

Part #: 3030 1× Black

Plate 4 x 4

Part #: 3031 2× White

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3038 4× White

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3039 1× Black

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3039 6× White

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3040b 2× Black

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3040b 4× White

Tile 2 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3068b 4× Black

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 4× Black

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 6× White

Tile 1 x 1 with G...

Part #: 3070b 2× White

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 32000 12× White

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 32001 10× Black

Technic Pin 3/4

Part #: 32002 8× Dark Gray

Brick Sloped 33° ...

Part #: 3298 1× Black

Plate 1 x 8

Part #: 3460 4× Black

Plate 1 x 8

Part #: 3460 5× White

Plate 1 x 8

Part #: 3460 2× Light Gray

Wheel with Split ...

Part #: 3482 6× White

Tyre Offset Tread...

Part #: 3483 6× Black

Plate 1 x 3

Part #: 3623 20× White

Plate 1 x 3

Part #: 3623 20× Black

Technic Gear 8 Tooth

Part #: 3647 8× Light Gray

Technic Gear 24 T...

Part #: 3648a 2× Light Gray

Technic Gear 24 T...

Part #: 3650c 3× Light Gray

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 3651 4× Light Gray

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 3660 1× Black

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 3665 2× Black

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 3665 2× White

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 14× Black

Plate 1 x 6

Part #: 3666 9× White

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3700 12× White

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3700 6× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3700 1× Light Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3701 2× White

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3701 14× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3701 4× Light Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3702 1× Light Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3702 7× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3702 17× White

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3703 4× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3703 9× White

Technic Axle 2

Part #: 3704 40× Black

Technic Axle 4

Part #: 3705 19× Black

Technic Axle 4

Part #: 3705 4× White

Technic Axle 6

Part #: 3706 18× Black

Technic Axle 8

Part #: 3707 12× White

Technic Axle 8

Part #: 3707 17× Black

Technic Axle 12

Part #: 3708 5× Black

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3709 4× Yellow

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3709 8× White

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3709 2× Black

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 4× Yellow

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 13× White

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 28× Black

Technic Bush

Part #: 3713 64× Light Gray

Technic Axle 10

Part #: 3737 10× Black

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3738 1× Black

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 3747a 1× Black

Technic Axle Pin ...

Part #: 3749 28× Light Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 3794a 2× White

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 3794a 12× Black

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 3× White

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3894 14× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3894 6× White

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3895 5× White

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3895 4× Black

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 3941 2× White

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 3941 1× Light Gray

Technic Gear 16 T...

Part #: 4019 24× Light Gray

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 4032a 1× Light Gray

Seat / Chair 2 x 2

Part #: 4079 2× Yellow

Tile Round 2 x 2 ...

Part #: 4150 1× Light Gray

Tile Round 2 x 2 ...

Part #: 4150 2× White

Tile 1 x 8 with G...

Part #: 4162 2× Black

Technic Wedge Bel...

Part #: 4185 2× Yellow

Technic Wedge Bel...

Part #: 4185 5× Light Gray

Arm Grab Jaw Hold...

Part #: 4220 1× Black

Arm Grab Jaw

Part #: 4221 2× Black

Technic Plate 1 x...

Part #: 4262 6× Light Gray

Technic Plate 1 x...

Part #: 4262 2× Black

Technic Bush 1/2 ...

Part #: 4265b 90× Light Gray

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 4273b 18× Light Gray

Technic Pin 1/2 w...

Part #: 4274 12× Light Gray

Plate 1 x 10

Part #: 4477 14× White

Plate 1 x 10

Part #: 4477 15× Black

Technic Axle 3

Part #: 4519 41× Black

Technic Worm Gear

Part #: 4716 4× Black

Plate 2 x 4 with ...

Part #: 4757 1× Black

Wedge Plate 3 x 4...

Part #: 4859 2× White

Panel 1 x 2 x 2 [...

Part #: 4864a 2× White

Panel 1 x 2 x 1 [...

Part #: 4865a 2× Black

Wire with Brick 2...

Part #: 5306bc015 1× Black

Wire with Brick 2...

Part #: 5306bc020 1× Black

Wire with Brick 2...

Part #: 5306bc069 2× Black

Propeller Housing

Part #: 6040 3× Black

Arm Piece with Pi...

Part #: 6048a 6× Black

Brick Wedged, Slo...

Part #: 6069 2× White

Plant, Palm Tree ...

Part #: 6135 2× Black

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 4× Black

Arm Piece with Pi...

Part #: 6217b 6× Black

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 6536 6× White

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 6536 20× Light Gray

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 6536 2× Black

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 6538b 20× Light Gray

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 6538b 18× White

Technic Driving R...

Part #: 6539 2× Light Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 6541 4× Light Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 6541 8× Black

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 6541 14× White

Technic Gear 16 T...

Part #: 6542a 7× Dark Gray

Pole Reverser / P...

Part #: 6551c01 2× Light Gray

Technic Axle 1.5 ...

Part #: 6553 5× Yellow

Technic Pin Long ...

Part #: 6558 8× Black

Brick Wedged, Ang...

Part #: 6564 3× White

Brick Wedged, Ang...

Part #: 6564 1× Black

Brick Wedged, Ang...

Part #: 6565 3× White

Brick Wedged, Ang...

Part #: 6565 1× Black

Technic Cam

Part #: 6575 4× Light Gray

Technic Axle 3 wi...

Part #: 6587 4× Dark Gray

Technic Gear 12 T...

Part #: 6589 15× Light Gray

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 6629 10× White

Technic Changeove...

Part #: 6631 2× Light Gray

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 6632 16× Light Gray

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 6632 4× Black

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 6632 4× White

Hub, Fiber Optics...

Part #: 6637 1× Light Gray

Cable, Fiber Optics

Part #: 6640 8× Trans-Clear

Technic Changeove...

Part #: 6641 2× Light Gray

Sticker Sheet for...

Part #: 71320 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Technic Shock Abs...

Part #: 73129 1× Light Gray

Hinge Plate 1 x 4...

Part #: 73983 24× Black

Hinge Plate 1 x 4...

Part #: 73983 4× White

Technic Pin Conne...

Part #: 75535 2× White

Rubber Belt Small...

Part #: 85543 2× White

Technic Rubber Be...

Part #: 85544 7× Red

The set features a variety of Technic axles, pins, and connectors, making it a valuable source for builders looking to create complex mechanisms. The abundance of black and light gray elements also provides a solid base for MOC projects.