The Best Space Metal Model Kits (2026)

Metal Earth’s space metal model kits cover the Apollo program, the Space Shuttle, modern rockets and deep-space probes. This roundup compares the kits people search for most, using the sheets, pieces, scale, difficulty and assembled size published on each Amazon listing. We have not assembled these kits, so treat build notes as estimates and check the current listing before buying.

For aircraft, see our best military aircraft metal model kits and the wider aircraft and space roundup.

How we chose

• The missions and vehicles people search for: Saturn V, Space Shuttle, Artemis, James Webb, Falcon 9 and Voyager.
• Rockets, spacecraft and a figure: a mix of tall launch vehicles and small desk pieces.
• Published specs only: where a listing is incomplete or inconsistent, we say so.

Space kits compared

Kit	Series	Sheets	Pieces	Scale	Listed difficulty	Size (approx.)
Artemis Moon Rocket	Premium	3.5	115	1:522	Challenging	3.3 × 2.9 × 7.4 in
SpaceX Falcon 9	Standard	3	84	not listed	Moderate	3.0 × 1.5 × 7.0 in
Space Shuttle Launch Kit	Premium	3	92†	1:342	Moderate	4.1 × 3.5 × 6.7 in
Voyager Spacecraft	Standard	1.5	57†	not listed	Moderate	about 6.7 in (longest side)
Apollo Saturn V with Gantry	Standard	2	21†	not listed	Moderate	2.0 × 1.3 × 5.9 in
Apollo 11 Astronaut	Premium	2.5	75	not listed	Challenging	3.0 × 3.0 × 5.3 in
James Webb Space Telescope	Standard	2.75	62	1:221	Moderate	4.1 × 2.8 × 2.8 in
Apollo Lunar Module	Standard	2	61†	not listed	Moderate	2.3 × 2.3 × 2.2 in

† Piece count from a structured listing field; not repeated in the bullet points.

The rockets are the tall pieces: Artemis, Falcon 9, the Shuttle Launch Kit and the Saturn V all finish between about 5.9 and 7.4 inches high. The James Webb telescope and Lunar Module are compact desk models. Only the Artemis rocket and the Apollo 11 Astronaut carry a challenging rating; everything else is listed as moderate.

How to choose

• A first space kit: the Lunar Module or James Webb telescope are small and rated moderate.
• A tall rocket for a shelf: Artemis is the tallest listed; Falcon 9 and the Shuttle Launch Kit are moderate-rated alternatives.
• Apollo fans: pair the Saturn V with the Lunar Module and the Apollo 11 Astronaut.
• Something different: Voyager uses the fewest sheets here.

New to metal kits? Start with our beginner’s building guide. Tall, round rocket bodies need careful, even shaping, which our common mistakes guide covers.

What we could not verify

The Saturn V’s 21-piece figure appears only in one structured field and looks low for a rocket plus gantry, and a secondary field describes a “higher difficulty level” while the bullet points say moderate. Piece counts for the Space Shuttle, Voyager and Lunar Module also come from a single structured field. Five of the eight listings do not state a scale, and none publishes a build time.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best space metal model kit?

For most builders, the Premium Series Space Shuttle Launch Kit: three sheets, moderate difficulty and about 6.7 inches tall. For the tallest rocket, the Artemis Moon Rocket, though it is rated challenging.

Does Metal Earth make an International Space Station kit?

Yes, a Premium Series International Space Station. At the time of writing we only found it listed as a bundle with tweezers or in a set with the Space Shuttle Launch Kit, so we have not included it in this roundup of individually sold kits.

Which space kit is easiest?

Most kits here are listed as moderate. The smallest of those are the Apollo Lunar Module and the James Webb Space Telescope.

Is the Saturn V the same scale as the Space Shuttle?

The Saturn V listing does not state a scale, and the Shuttle Launch Kit is 1:342, so a display of the two will not show their real relative sizes. Among kits that state a scale, they range from 1:221 (James Webb) to 1:522 (Artemis).

What age are space metal model kits for?

The listings state ages 14 and up. Parts are small and sheet edges can be sharp, so younger builders need supervision. See our guide to metal model kits for kids.