ad Martes per LEGO (“To Mars by…”)

Many familiar with the history of LEGO have pointed out that the name of the toy system actually does have a meaning in Latin. It is commonly mentioned that it means “I collect” or “I assemble”.

But the verb can also mean “I choose”. Almost 60 years ago, then US President Kennedy made the famous “We choose to go to the Moon” speech. We are right now making the choice to go to Mars.

Astraea was the goddess of, among other things, precision. Certainly, getting to Mars will depend on the accuracy of our choices. This spaceship is named for her because – according to legend – she is presently in the stars, will return to the company of humans and bringing a utopia. Nearly all of the fiction involving Mars prior to War of the Worlds dealt with the concept of an idyllic society. A fresh start on a new planet could be the first step.

She is built using 179 parts. The colors were suggested by a specific Follower. The solar panels are built using more than 40 Hero Factory ball/socket parts.