How many pieces are in the Exploration Mars?

Exploration Mars contains 155 pieces.

When was the Exploration Mars released?

Exploration Mars was released in 1999.

🏛 RCX

Set #9736

Exploration Mars

Exploration Mars is a fascinating glimpse into LEGO's robotics era.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Intermediate build Ideal for LEGO fans interested in robotics and early programmable models
Build: 155 pieces · about 3 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price: $49.99 list price · 32.3¢ per piece
Availability: Retired at LEGO

★★★☆☆ 3.8 AI-generated review score, not a customer rating

A unique set that blends LEGO with early robotics, praised for its innovative use of the RCX brick. However, some find the building experience simple compared to modern Technic sets.

$49.99

Best Price

$44.99

You Save

10% OFF

📝 Our Take

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

Exploration Mars is a fascinating glimpse into LEGO's robotics era. Released in 1999 under the RCX theme, it combines classic LEGO building with programmable functionality, a forward-thinking concept for its time.

This set is perfect for LEGO enthusiasts interested in early robotics and Technic integration. It offers a unique building experience, blending standard bricks with electronic components to create a functional rover.

Skip this if you're solely focused on display pieces or elaborate builds. While innovative for its time, it lacks the aesthetic appeal of modern sets; consider LEGO Technic sets for more advanced robotics.

✨ New

Ask BlockTalk about this set

AI assistant with full set data

BlockTalk

Hi! I'm BlockTalk, your LEGO expert. Ask me anything about the Exploration Mars - building tips, investment potential, comparisons, or anything else!

Try asking:

How does the RCX system compare to modern LEGO Mindstorms? What are some creative ways to program the Exploration Mars rover? How does this set fit into the broader history of LEGO robotics? What are the key factors influencing the value of vintage LEGO sets like this one?

🧱 Building Experience

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

🧩

155

Pieces

⏱

Estimated Build Time

📊

Intermediate

Difficulty

Build Highlights:

Integrating the RCX brick for programmable movement
Using Technic gears and axles to create a functional drivetrain
Building a robust chassis capable of navigating various terrains
Experimenting with different programs to control the rover's actions

📈 Investment Analysis

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

↑ Trending up since release

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

The Exploration Mars set presents a moderate investment opportunity. Its age and association with the RCX theme, a precursor to LEGO Mindstorms, give it historical significance. The rising price trend suggests growing interest among collectors. However, its relatively small piece count and niche appeal might limit significant appreciation. Maintaining the set in pristine condition with original packaging is crucial for maximizing its investment potential.

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

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Creator 3-in-1 • 569 pcs

Compared to modern LEGO Technic sets, Exploration Mars offers a simpler, more accessible introduction to robotics. While it lacks the complexity and advanced features of newer sets, its historical value and unique RCX system make it a worthwhile addition to any LEGO collection. Consider modern Mindstorms sets for more advanced robotics or vintage Technic sets for similar era building experiences.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count: 155
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 58 unique parts, 158 pieces

LEGO counts 155 pieces. This inventory comes from a separate parts catalog and lists 158; 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.

Wedge Plate 3 x 6...

Part #: 2419 4× Black

Antenna 8H Whip

Part #: 2569 2× Trans-Neon Green

Support 2 x 2 x 5...

Part #: 2580c01 2× Black

Part #: 2983 2× Light Gray

Brick 2 x 4

Part #: 3001 10× Red

Panel, Trapezoid,...

Part #: 30022 1× Yellow

Part #: 30212 4× Dark Gray

Plate 6 x 16

Part #: 3027 4× Black

Tile 1 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3069b 2× Light Gray

Tile 1 x 2 with T...

Part #: 3069bpr0043 1× White

Tile 1 x 2 with B...

Part #: 3069bpr0047 1× White

Tile 1 x 2 with R...

Part #: 3069bpr0048 1× White

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32013 2× Blue

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32034 4× Light Gray

Technic Steering ...

Part #: 32069 2× Black

Brick Sloped 33° ...

Part #: 3298 2× Red

Technic Gear 8 Tooth

Part #: 3647 3× Light Gray

Technic Gear 24 T...

Part #: 3648b 6× Light Gray

Technic Gear 24 T...

Part #: 3650c 2× Light Gray

Turntable 2 x 2 P...

Part #: 3679 2× Light Gray

Part #: 3703 2× Black

Technic Axle 4

Part #: 3705 2× Black

Technic Axle 6

Part #: 3706 2× Black

Technic Axle 8

Part #: 3707 2× Black

Technic Axle 12

Part #: 3708 2× Black

Technic Axle 10

Part #: 3737 2× Black

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3738 2× Red

Technic Gear Rack...

Part #: 3743 2× Light Gray

Wedge Plate 8 x 4...

Part #: 3933 2× Black

Wedge Plate 8 x 4...

Part #: 3934 2× Black

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 3941 4× Red

Technic Gear 16 T...

Part #: 4019 2× Light Gray

Technic Wedge Bel...

Part #: 4185 2× Light Gray

Dish 6 x 6 Invert...

Part #: 4285b 2× Black

Technic Axle 3

Part #: 4519 2× Black

Cone 1 x 1 [No To...

Part #: 4589 2× Trans-Neon Green

Technic Worm Gear

Part #: 4716 2× Black

Wire with Brick 2...

Part #: 5306bc378 2× Black

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 6538b 4× Light Gray

Technic Axle 1.5 ...

Part #: 6553 1× Light Gray

Tyre 43.2 x 28 Ba...

Part #: 6579 6× Black

Wheel 43.2 x 28 B...

Part #: 6580 6× Yellow

Technic Axle 3 wi...

Part #: 6587 2× Dark Gray

Technic Gearbox 2...

Part #: 6588 2× Yellow

Technic Gear 12 T...

Part #: 6589 4× Light Gray

Technic Gear Rack...

Part #: 6630 1× Light Gray

Magnet Cylindrical

Part #: 73092 2× Black

Technic Shock Abs...

Part #: 73129 4× Light Gray

Rubber Belt Small...

Part #: 85543 2× White

Technic Rubber Be...

Part #: 85544 2× Red

Technic Universal...

Part #: 9244 2× Light Gray

CD-Rom, for 9736

Part #: upn0133 1× [No Color/Any Color]

The set contains a good selection of Technic gears and connectors, useful for building functional models. The black 6 x 16 plates provide a solid base for larger MOCs.

🛒 Where to Buy

eBay

✓ In Stock

$44.99 →

Walmart

✓ In Stock

Compare on eBay →

$47.49

Target

✓ In Stock

Compare on eBay →

$49.99

💎 Notable Parts

Black Tyre 43.2 x 28 Balloon Small (6x) $1.50

Light Gray Technic Gear 24 Tooth [New Style with Single Axle Hole] (6x) $1.20

Light Gray Technic Axle and Pin Connector Angled #2 - 180° (4x) $0.80

Light Gray Technic Gear 12 Tooth Bevel (4x) $0.60

Est. BrickLink Part Value

$4.10

💡 MOC Potential

🤖 Advanced robotic arms with enhanced functionality

🚗 Heavier-duty rover with improved suspension

🚀 Mars base command center with integrated rover garage

Community Insights

Real opinions from Reddit and YouTube

What Reddit Says

No Reddit discussions found for this set.

What YouTubers Say

2 videos found

BlockTalk AI

LEGO YouTubers provide neutral reviews of the Exploration Mars set, focusing on building and functionality. Reviews showcase LEGO Technic Mars rovers and other space-themed sets, with detailed building reviews and comparisons of different sets.

LEGO Technic Mars Rover Perseverance Review

Josh Builds Stuff • 55.1K views Review

WATCH: LEGO NASA Mars Rover Unboxed After 17 YEARS!

BriQ Foundation • 12.3K views Unboxing

What the Community Says

2 YouTube reviews

BlockTalk AI Summary

RacingBrick offers a detailed building review of the LEGO Technic 42180 Mars Crew Exploration Rover and 42178 Surface Space Loader. JANG's LEGO Reviews provides independent, unscripted reviews of LEGO City Space Science Lab 60439 and LEGO Icons NASA Artemis SLS rocket & pad 10341.