Classic Space Classic Space is an unofficial theme in the strict sense , but rather a term that refers to the " Space " sets that were released before 1987 , and shared some common characteristics that set them apart from the following " Space " sets . Most importantly , all " Classic Space " Minifigures featured the old visorless helmets , which were eventually phased out in favor of newer helmets with movable visors in 1987 . There were also no truly different factions as in the time after 1987 . All astronauts of " Classic Space " were peaceful explorers , and there were no antagonistic groups . The larger flying craft of the Classic Space sets all featured a brick with their set number on it . The initial introduction of the " Space " theme marks also the beginning of " Classic Space " . Overview . The first " LEGO Space " sets were a leap forward in LEGO design . Compared to the LEGO Company ' s previous spaceflight - related sets ( 801 Space Rocket in 1964 , 358 Rocket Base in 1973 , and 565 Moon Landing in 1976 ) , this new theme of sets boasted new parts and building techniques never before seen in LEGO sets . Although the theme used plenty of basic bricks , there were now parts with finer detail used in smoother looking ships and multi - purpose vehicles . Despite curiosities such as steering wheels used to direct spacecraft , and often no inflight pilot protection other than a spacesuit ( with a visorless helmet ! ) , simple new constructs sparked builders ' imaginations . Starting with spaceships and basic wheeled vehicles , the theme developed , occasionally mirroring science fiction designs . As " LEGO Space " expanded , the basic pattern of ground - buggies , walking robots , small and large spaceships , and bases emerged . Early " Space " sets had a simplistically modern yet colourful charm unrivaled by any other mass - produced science - fiction toy of the time . Many of the theme ' s more specialized pieces had yet to be developed , although when " Space " was first introduced , many parts were new , or were older parts made in new colours . Examples of these early simple sets include 462 Rocket Launcher ( 1978 ) , and 442 Space Shuttle , and 452 Mobile Tracking Station ( both 1979 ) . Perfectly suited for utilitarian " LEGO Space " , gray had finally become a major colour for a LEGO theme , especially as more plate - type parts were made in that colour , even before " LEGO Castle " whose first predominantly grey castles were not introduced until 1984 . Most often , gray Space sets were paired with green windows , and the other predominant colour scheme was blue with yellow windows . With the introduction of the 6929 Starfleet Voyager in 1981 , there were also classic spaceships that appeared in white , with blue canopies , albeit this new colour scheme didn ' t really catch on until the introduction of " Futuron " in 1987 . The advent of this new theme sounded the bell for the end of the " Classic Space " era . New parts , most notably the new visored helmets , were introduced as well as a distinct looking adversary faction , but it also reprised several elements of " Classic Space " such as the coloured spacesuits , the logo , and the concept of civilian space explorers , looking more like a visually updated continuation than a mere replacement . New sets in the style of " Classic Space " were still released until 1988 , but those sets sported the " Futuron " colour scheme , although they still included the old minifigures with their visorless helmets . Vehicles and facilities . Popular spaceships and vehicles from the Classic Space era include : 497 Galaxy Explorer ( 1979 ) , 6929 Starfleet Voyager ( 1980 ) , 6950 Mobile Rocket Transport ( 1982 ) , 6980 Galaxy Commander ( 1983 ) , and 6985 Cosmic Fleet Voyager ( 1986 ) . The major surface bases were : 493 Space Command Center ( 1978 ) , 483 Alpha - 1 Rocket Base ( 1979 ) , 6970 Beta - 1 Command Base ( 1980 ) , 6971 Intergalactic Command Base ( 1984 ) , and 6972 Polaris - I Space Lab ( 1987 ) . Baseplates from this era : 306 Landing Plates ( 1979 ) , and 305 2 Crater Plates ( 1979 )