Alpha Probe Space Shuttle
Fisher-Price • Adventure Series (Adventure People)
Toy Category
Vehicle / Playset
Year Released
1980
Condition
Fair to Good. Visible yellowing (plastic aging) of the white hull. Missing several decals and potentially missing the smaller Recon Craft mission module and tether normally housed in the bay. Some scuffs and surface dirt visible.
Estimated Market Value
40.00 - 75.00 USD (Complete versions fetch significantly more; loose damaged versions around 25.00 USD)
Description
A white NASA-style space shuttle featuring 'ALPHA PROBE' embossed on the side. Key features include an opening cockpit for figures, a cargo bay with a movable lunar-style exploration module (Recon Craft) on a tether, and an electronic sound module triggered by buttons on the wing. It features three blue engines at the rear and a vertical stabilizer fin.
Market Value
Estimated Market Value
40.00 - 75.00 USD (Complete versions fetch significantly more; loose damaged versions around 25.00 USD)
Auction Estimate
30.00 - 50.00 USD
Toy Identity
Edition Details
Original retail edition; Made in USA
Model Number
358
Toy Type
Plastic space shuttle playset with electronic sound
Toy Condition
Fair to Good. Visible yellowing (plastic aging) of the white hull. Missing several decals and potentially missing the smaller Recon Craft mission module and tether normally housed in the bay. Some scuffs and surface dirt visible.
Packaging Condition
No Packaging
Rarity & Significance
Highly significant in toy history as one of the first mass-produced toys to feature sophisticated electronic sound effects without a record player. It is a cornerstone piece of the Fisher-Price Adventure People line, which influenced the 3.75-inch action figure scale later popularized by Star Wars.
Special Features
Features a 'solid state' electronic sensor with three distinct space-themed sounds. Includes a retractable cord/tether system for 'spacewalks' and a secondary small scout ship (often missing) stored inside the fuselage.
Notable Variations
While the mold remained consistent, earlier units often have better-preserved white plastic compared to later production runs which used a different fire-retardant mix prone to heavy yellowing/browning over time.