With news stories about Elon Musk's SpaceX successes (and teachable failures) as well as President Obama's vision for travelling to Mars, the Space Rocket with Launch Site is timely.

The 115 piece set offers both building and open-ended play. Designed for ages 6 and up, it was a challenging building set which engaged (not frustrated) our seven-year-old. Once the building was complete, the younger kids (five and two) were welcomed to play. The siblings incorporate it as a background to their play and to make up creative stories about astronauts while adding on creatures and props they choose from the toy chest.

We loved the scale. The people are larger than the usual mini figures and the rocket is quite tall. Although some tiny parts have broken-off, it hasn't interrupted the play or appeal.

The mission ready set includes the rocket and launch structure, a satellite, two figures, a repair robot, a movable maintenance platform, mechanical tools, a computer, and working lights and sounds.