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Thames & Kosmos

Thames & Kosmos Orbiting Solar System STEM Kit | Build a Rotating Solar System Model | Planets Revolve Using a Windup Motor | Explore Gear Ratios | Science Fairs | Difficulty Level: Intermediate Small

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Availability: In Stock.
Fulfilled by Amazon
Arrives Tuesday, Jun 30
Order within 9 hours and 27 minutes
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Features

  • Build a colorful, mechanical, rotating model of our solar system!
  • The model uses a windup motor to set the planets in motion--no batteries required.
  • Explore fundamental gear mechanics and discover a special type of gear called a planetary gear.
  • Great for science fair projects, you'll learn about the planets' celestial orbits and tons of cool planetary facts.
  • Includes a built-in expansion slot should the mysterious Planet Nine be discovered!
  • Assembly time: 1-2 hours, Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Description

Set the planets in motion with a flick of your wrist! Build a mechanical model of the solar system including the sun and eight planets (also known as an orrery), wind it up, and watch the planets revolve around the sun. Assemble this complex machine using snap-together plastic parts to learn how the gears and wind-up mechanism work to spin the model. Detail each planet with colorful, realistic-looking printed planet graphics. Discover how a special type of gear called a planetary gear is used to simulate the mesmerizing motion of the solar system. Learn about the order of the planets, their relative sizes, their rates of revolution around the sun, their appearance, and other planetary facts. Bonus: There’s a built-in expansion slot in case the mysterious Planet Nine is discovered! This kit includes full-color step- by-step illustrated assembly instructions.

Brand Name: Thames & Kosmos


Age Range Description: 6 - 14+


Educational Objective: STEM


Sub Brand: thames


Set Name: Orbiting Solar System


Manufacturer Maximum Age (MONTHS): 168.0


UPC: 814743015685


Manufacturer Minimum Age (MONTHS): 72.0


Global Trade Identification Number: 85


Model Number: 550037


Manufacturer Part Number: 550037


Manufacturer: Thames & Kosmos


Item Type Name: Solar System Modeling Kit


Unit Count: 1.0 Count


Included Components: Plastic building pieces, planet sticker sheet, suction cup, manual


Theme: Solar system


Battery Description: Wind-up


Is Assembly Required: Yes


Material Type: Plastic


Size: Small


Item Dimensions: 10 x 2.5 x 11 inches


Item Weight: 2.08 ounces


Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Tuesday, Jun 30

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

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View our full returns policy here.

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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Great for a young learner!
Assembled well, and functions correctly. Wasn't difficult to assemble at all. My 3yo who is enjoying science and space currently loves it. Just has the planets themselves, no moons. Some of the planets are on the same ring as eachother, so the planets don't orbit exactly how they actually do, but it is enough to give a young child an idea of what is happening outside of our skies. The arms are plastic that hold the planets, but feel sturdy enough. When wound up the planets don't orbit nearly as long as I had hoped, only about 5 maybe 10 seconds. For the price, I have nothing to complain about though. I would buy again for a young learner, I would get something else for someone older though. Due to installing the gears yourself this also definitely needs adult assistance to build for younger kids also. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2025 by Kailen Fitzgerald
    • Satisfying model, requires some assembly skill Satisfying model, requires some assembly skill
Review Image by SteveTech
Probably the most affordable orrery model on the market and it offers a good degree of educational value. It takes some careful attention to detail (read instructions thoroughly) to assemble the model properly, and some average model making experience is required to work with the many small parts. That said, it works well enough and should last if you're careful not to overwind it. Agree with other reviewers--this is not a rugged play thing and needs to be handled delicately. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2022 Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2022 by SteveTech
    • Probably wouldn’t purchase this item again
This was fun to put together but it was a bad design keeps falling apart and I have to keep putting it back together. My grandson loved it though.
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2025 by Tiffany
    • Great for any child who loves the solar system.
My 7 year old nephew loved this. It worked perfectly!
Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2026 by Patti Ochs-Housum
    • Outstanding once it's built
I am a science teacher and bought this to have as a model in my classroom... It takes time and patience to assemble it... It is not easily put together. Once it is put together it is BEAUTIFUL! You can watch the planet's orbit and it is an excellent model for teaching or just enjoying what the solar system looks like and how it orbits. It is not very durable! A student went to point to a planet and touched it ever so gently and it broke in half... When I say broken half it was two pieces originally that you put together and the seems let go very easily. I did not anticipate how easy it would come apart... After one month of being in my classroom I lost half of several of the planets and had to order a second one. The second one has lasted for quite some time and is still beautiful... But I have it out of reach of all the students and when I take it down to use it they are not allowed to get close to it because it is so fragile. It would be excellent if they could make it more durable. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2022 by M.T.
    • Gift
My grandson loved it
Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2025 by Connie Mashburn
    • Not worth it, very poor quality material
I purchased this for a homeschool class I am teaching and it is extremely delicate so forget about any type of hands on with the class. You wind it more than it rotates and it is loud. Disappointed that I didnt have utilized money spent on this on something the entire class could have utilized instead of just looked at. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2023 by Brian Trant
    • If you like DIY buy it
My son who is into space absolutely loves it! Alittle tedious to put together but it’s beautiful if you have the patience!
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2022 by Gayatri

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