Space Scout

Orbital Interceptor Concept (1958)

Scale: 1/72
Initial Release: 2025
Medium: Resin
Kit Rarity: 2
Height: 9.5"

About the Design

Conceived in the early 1950s by rocket engineer G. Harry Stine, the Space Scout -- a/k/a the Space Reconnaissance Ship -- was intended as a military defense vehicle that could destroy enemy satellites and space stations via atomic missiles. The three-man craft would be launched atop a multi-stage booster; there's no indication of how the ship, once its mission was completed, would return to earth.

The Space Scout was popularized in the late 1950s by prolific Mechanix Illustrated artist Frank Tinsley,  who included the ship in his book The Answer to the Space Flight Challenge (1958), in the "Steps to the Space Race" campaign he illustrated for defense contractor American Bosch Arma, and in his "U.S. Space Hardware" poster that adorned many a young man's bedroom during the early Space Race.

Tinsley illustrated many of Stine's concepts -- Mars Snooper, ion drive vessels, etc. -- all of which, while not practical, embodied the optimism of the age.

About the Kit

This kit was released by Fantastic Plastic Models in the fall of 2025. Components included a combination of resin-cast and 3D printed pieces.

This model was built from an original issue.