NASA Artemis Space Launch System (SLS) 1/144

Build one of the most ambitious launch vehicles ever created and bring NASA’s return-to-the-Moon programme to your modelling desk.

The Revell NASA Artemis Space Launch System (SLS) 1:144 Model Kit recreates NASA’s enormous next-generation launch vehicle in an impressive display scale, complete with the unmistakable orange core stage, twin Solid Rocket Boosters and the Orion spacecraft mounted at the top.

This is a 53-part, Level 4 model kit recommended by Revell for builders aged 12 and over. It’s an officially licensed NASA product designed to be assembled and painted, with authentic waterslide decals completing the finished model.

For space enthusiasts, experienced model builders or anyone fascinated by the Artemis programme, this is a chance to build a piece of modern space exploration rather than looking back exclusively at Apollo, Saturn V and the Space Shuttle.

NASA’s Space Launch System

The Space Launch System, better known simply as SLS, is NASA’s heavy-lift launch vehicle developed for the Artemis programme.

Its unmistakable appearance combines a huge orange-insulated core stage with two Solid Rocket Boosters, while the Orion spacecraft sits at the very top of the launch stack.

Revell has recreated the complete configuration in 1:144 scale, giving the finished model a substantial presence without requiring an entire room to display it.

The Artemis Programme

Artemis represents NASA’s programme to return humans to the Moon and establish the foundations for longer-term exploration beyond Earth.

That makes this kit particularly interesting for space collectors.

Most famous spacecraft model kits represent historic machines whose missions were completed decades ago.

The Artemis SLS represents the current generation of NASA exploration.

You’re effectively building a model of spaceflight history while that history is still being written.

Impressive 1:144 Scale

Revell has chosen 1:144 scale, a popular scale for spacecraft and launch vehicle modelling.

The real SLS stands close to 100 metres tall depending on configuration, so even reduced to 1:144 it creates an impressively tall finished display model.

It also makes the kit an excellent companion to other spacecraft models produced in similar scales.

If you’ve already got a collection of rockets and spacecraft, the SLS is unlikely to disappear quietly into the background.

It’s a very big orange rocket.

Subtle isn’t really part of the design brief.

53-Part Model Kit

The Revell Artemis SLS consists of 53 individual parts.

That provides enough construction to make this a satisfying modelling project while avoiding an unnecessarily enormous parts count.

The focus is on recreating the distinctive shapes and external features of the launch vehicle, from the boosters and core stage through to the spacecraft sitting at the very top.

Detailed Core Stage

One of the defining visual features of SLS is its enormous orange core stage.

The colour comes from the insulating foam covering the real vehicle rather than conventional orange paint, giving SLS a visual connection to the familiar external tank used during the Space Shuttle programme.

Revell reproduces the core stage along with the external detailing and fuel-line structures that help give the enormous rocket its distinctive appearance.

For painters, this is also where careful colour selection, subtle shading and restrained weathering can make a substantial difference to the finished model.

Twin Solid Rocket Boosters

Running alongside the central stage are the enormous Solid Rocket Boosters.

These are essential to the unmistakable SLS silhouette and provide the additional thrust required during the opening phase of launch.

Revell includes surface detailing on the boosters, allowing careful painting and washes to bring out considerably more definition than a simple flat-white finish.

Once attached to either side of that enormous orange core, the model really begins to look like Artemis.

Orion Spacecraft

Sitting at the top of the SLS is one of the most important parts of the entire system: Orion.

Orion is the crewed spacecraft developed for deep-space missions and forms the human-carrying element of NASA’s Artemis architecture.

Revell’s model includes the Orion capsule and associated spacecraft components, giving the finished kit the complete launch-stack appearance rather than ending at the rocket stages themselves.

It’s a relatively small part of the finished model.

Which seems slightly unfair considering it’s the bit carrying the people.

Launch Abort System

Above Orion is the distinctive Launch Abort System, creating the long pointed profile at the very top of the vehicle.

This is another important visual feature of the SLS/Orion launch configuration and helps distinguish the complete launch vehicle from the spacecraft once it is operating away from Earth.

Together, the Orion spacecraft and abort tower give the finished model its instantly recognisable modern NASA appearance.

Authentic NASA Markings

Revell includes waterslide decals for the model, allowing the characteristic NASA insignia, US markings and other external details to be added during finishing.

These markings are particularly important on a subject such as SLS.

The rocket’s colour scheme is relatively clean and functional, so the NASA logos, flags and technical markings provide much of the smaller visual detail.

Take your time with them.

A carefully painted rocket deserves carefully applied decals.

Designed to Be Painted

This is a traditional Revell plastic model kit rather than a pre-coloured snap-together display model.

For the best result, painting is required. Revell specifically recommends colours including bright white, orange-brown and metallic shades to reproduce the appearance of the real launch vehicle.

That gives experienced builders plenty of scope to improve the finish.

You can keep things clean and museum-like.

Add subtle tonal variation to the orange insulation.

Pick out metallic engine details.

Apply washes to selected areas.

Or add very restrained operational weathering.

Spacecraft tend to look better when you resist the temptation to make them look as though they’ve spent six months fighting through a muddy battlefield.

Level 4 – Advanced Model Kit

Revell classifies the NASA Artemis SLS as a Level 4 kit and recommends it for ages 12+.

This means it’s aimed more towards builders comfortable with conventional model-kit construction and finishing rather than someone expecting a simple push-fit model.

Assembly, painting and decal application are all part of the project.

For an experienced aircraft, military, automotive or spacecraft modeller, the techniques will be immediately familiar.

For a Gunpla builder looking to move into traditional scale modelling, it’s also a very interesting project.

Just remember:

This time you’ll probably want the glue.

A Different Challenge for Gunpla Builders

If most of your modelling experience comes from Gunpla, something like the Revell Artemis SLS provides a completely different type of build.

There’s no articulation to worry about.

No elaborate inner frame.

No beam rifles.

No enormous backpack covered in funnels.

Instead, the challenge comes from assembly, seam preparation, painting, masking and achieving a convincing scale finish.

And that’s precisely why traditional scale kits can be such a refreshing change of pace.

You’re still building plastic.

You’re just swapping Mobile Suits for approximately 100 metres of rocket engineering.

An Excellent Painting Project

Despite the apparently straightforward white-and-orange colour scheme, SLS offers plenty of opportunities for careful finishing.

The orange insulation can benefit from subtle tonal variation.

The boosters can be shaded to stop the white surfaces appearing completely flat.

Engine and mechanical areas provide opportunities for metallic finishes.

Small markings and decals then bring everything together.

The result can range from a straightforward clean build to a highly detailed display piece depending on how much time you want to invest.

A Centrepiece for a Space Collection

At 1:144 scale, the SLS makes an excellent centrepiece for a collection of spacecraft and launch vehicles.

Apollo enthusiasts.

Space Shuttle fans.

Modern NASA followers.

Rocket collectors.

Science and engineering enthusiasts.

There’s something particularly impressive about seeing the different generations of human space exploration displayed alongside one another.

And SLS represents the next chapter.

Officially Licensed NASA Model

Revell identifies the kit as an officially licensed NASA product, adding further appeal for serious spaceflight collectors.

The combination of an authentic subject, large display scale and modern spacecraft design makes it particularly attractive to anyone whose model collection extends beyond military vehicles, aircraft and fictional machines.

Product Features

• Manufacturer: Revell
• Subject: NASA Artemis Space Launch System (SLS)
• Scale: 1:144
• Revell article number: 037609090
• Number of parts: 53
• Difficulty: Level 4 – Advanced
• Recommended age: 12+
• Traditional plastic model kit
• Assembly and painting required
• Detailed SLS core stage
• Twin Solid Rocket Boosters
• Orion spacecraft
• Launch-stack configuration
• Authentic NASA waterslide decals
• Officially licensed NASA product
• Ideal for spaceflight and NASA model collections

From the Saturn V to Artemis

For decades, the Saturn V has been the machine most closely associated with human exploration beyond low Earth orbit.

Then came the Space Shuttle era.

Now SLS and Orion represent another generation.

That’s part of what makes this model particularly appealing.

It’s not simply another recreation of a famous spacecraft from the past.

It’s a model representing the continuing story of human space exploration and NASA’s attempt to take astronauts back towards the Moon.

Put a Saturn V, Space Shuttle and SLS together and you’ve effectively got three very different eras of NASA sitting on the same shelf.

Why Add the Revell NASA Artemis Space Launch System (SLS) to Your Collection?

Because there are model kits that recreate history, and there are model kits representing history being made right now.

The Revell NASA Artemis SLS gives space enthusiasts a substantial 1:144 scale model of NASA’s modern heavy-lift launch vehicle, complete with its huge orange core stage, twin boosters, Orion spacecraft and authentic NASA markings.

With 53 parts, Level 4 construction and plenty of opportunity for detailed painting and finishing, it’s substantial enough to provide an enjoyable project without turning into an endless build.

Whether you’re a dedicated spacecraft modeller, NASA enthusiast, traditional scale modeller or a Gunpla builder looking for something completely different, Artemis deserves a place on the workbench.

Add the Revell NASA Artemis Space Launch System (SLS) 1:144 Model Kit to your collection and start your own mission. Build it. Paint it. Display it. The countdown starts at your modelling desk.