“We’re already sending probes and rovers to Mars, but people will eventually go to there, and it will be the children of today who will, one day, set foot on the Red Planet,” said Emmet Fletcher, head of ESA’s Branding and Partnerships Office.

“Developing ESA-themed toys helps children imagine how they would explore this new world. PLAYMOBIL has been creating toys as long as ESA has been exploring space. Their enthusiasm, experience and knowhow has been critical in designing this practical, ambitious toy for children across Europe.”

The Mars Expedition set will be available from 17 December via various retailers, Amazon, and PLAYMOBIL shops in UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy.