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Classic Lego Space sets

The Lego Space theme features astronauts and spaceships. It was introduced in 1978. Space was one of the most expansive themes in Lego history, and contained over 200 individual sets. It was marketed under the Legoland banner until 1991. The banner's name was changed to Lego System in 1992.

The Lego Space theme was dropped to make way for Lego Star Wars in 1999^{[citation needed]}, but it made a brief appearance in 2001 with Life on Mars, before returning as a staple in 2007 with Mars Mission. A more recent sub-theme is Alien Conquest, released in 2011. The newest Lego Space theme is Lego City Space, also released in 2011.

Classic Space (1978-1987)[link]

The first Lego Space sets were a leap forward in Lego design. Compared to the Lego Company's previous releases of spacecraft sets Space Rocket (1964) Rocket Base (1973) and Moon Landing(1975) this new theme of sets boasted new parts and building techniques previously unseen. Although plenty of basic bricks were used, there were now parts with finer detail used in smoother-looking ships and multi-purpose vehicles.

Despite curiosities and oddities such as steering wheels used to direct spacecraft, and often no inflight pilot protection other than a spacesuit, simple new constructs sparked builders' imaginations. Starting with spaceships and basic wheeled vehicles, the theme developed, occasionally mirroring science fiction designs. As Lego Space expanded, the basic pattern of ground-buggies, walking robots, small and large spaceships, and bases emerged.

Early Space sets had a simplistically modern yet colorful charm unrivaled by any other mass-produced science-fiction toy of the time. Many of the theme's more specialized pieces had yet to be developed, although when Space was first introduced, many parts were new, or were older parts made in new colors. Examples of these early simple sets include: Rocket Launcher (1978), Space Shuttle, and Mobile Tracking Station (both 1979).

Perfectly suited for utilitarian Lego Space, gray had finally become a major color for a Lego theme, especially as more plate-type parts were made in that color. Most often, gray Space sets were paired with green windows. The other predominant colors were blue with yellow windows. With the introduction of the Starfleet Voyager in 1981, classic spaceships began to appear in white, with blue canopies.

Popular spaceships and vehicles from the Classic Space era include: Galaxy Explorer (1979), Starfleet Voyager (1980), Mobile Rocket Transport (1982), Galaxy Commander (1983), and Cosmic Fleet Voyager (1986).

The major surface bases were: Space Command Center (1978), Alpha-1 Rocket Base (1979), Beta-1 Command Base (1980), Intergalactic Command Base (1984), and Polaris-I Space Lab (1987).

Baseplates from this era: Space Landing Plates (1979), and Crater Plates (1979)

Value packs were released between 1983 and 1987 consisting of three separate sets and proved popular with classic space collectors.

Other more obscure miscellaneous Classic Space sets include-

Futuron (1987–1990)[link]

Taking over from Classic Space and inheriting its white-and-blue color scheme, "Futuron" depicted an austere yet bustling settlement on the surface of a planetary body, probably Earth's moon. Its minifigures came in many colors (red, blue, yellow and black), but all shared the same uniform - a zipper crossing from hip to shoulder, with color on top and white below - as well as light-blue-tinted helmet visors. Instead of a big ship, the theme centered around the Monorail Transport System, which featured a battery-powered train system and some twenty linear feet of track.

Popular Futuron vehicles include Stardefender 200 (1987) and Monorail Transport System (1987). The base was Cosmic Laser Launcher (1987). (Although not officially a Futuron set, the aforementioned Polaris-I Space Lab is often considered a Futuron base as it was released at the same time, and shares Futuron colors and design, perhaps hinting that the Classic and Futuron factions are one and the same.)

Blacktron (1987-1988)[link]

The first unified and truly themed Space sets, Blacktron took to the stars in black with yellow trim, and red and yellow transparent pieces. (The odd man out was the Meteor Monitor, which was white and black with red transparents.) Blacktron minifigures (or "minifigs" for short) wore black jumpsuits akin to today's military pilots, with white trim and opaque black visors. Stylish, sleek and intimidating, Blacktron was a major step up from the rather clunky design values of Classic Space. It featured a large spacecraft, the "Renegade," which set the tone for all future big ships by splitting into a number of smaller modules, including a storage bin for a small wheeled vehicle; these modules could be recombined not just with each other, but with modules from other vehicles in the set as well, specifically the "Invader" and "Battrax." This modular interchangeability has been a staple of Lego Space ever since.

Popular Blacktron vehicles include Renegade, Invader, Battrax (all 1987) and Alienator (1988). The base was Message Intercept Base (1988).

For clarification, Blacktron is often referred to as Blacktron I, as Lego released Blacktron II in 1991. Though Blacktron officially ended in 1988, the Meteor Monitor was released in 1990. Considering Blacktron II's slightly altered color scheme, Meteor Monitor could be viewed as being from between the "upgrade" era of Blacktron to Blacktron II.

In 2010 LEGO made the new alien minifig in a set 5981 Raid VPR from the Space Police III theme (year 2010). The alien minifig were called Rench which was a tribute to both old Blacktron themes (I and II). The Rench minifig has the Blacktron II logo on his torso and an upgraded Blacktron I uniform. In 2011 the LEGO Group made another updated Blacktron minifigure, which comes with the Series 3 of "Collectable Minifigures" (8803) called Cyborg/Space Villain, with the Blacktron II logo on his chest and the Blacktron I colour scheme.

* There are two versions of this set.

Space Police (1989)[link]

In 1989, Lego made a storyline decision. Blacktron, previously operating in a moral void, were now declared the "bad guys" of Lego Space; opposing them and defending Futuron from them were the Space Police, a series of brave individuals whose spacecraft were black, blue, with red transparent elements. This would be a continuing theme of space, having "bad guy", "good guy" and "civilian" factions. Space Police re-introduced the idea of modular systems on a smaller but also grander scale. The Space Police theme features three spaceships, two wheeled vehicles and a ground-based space station; all but the smallest buggy comes with a Space Police jail cell, supplied with a Blacktron occupant. These jail cells were identical from set to set and could be freely switched between vehicles. This theme marked the beginning of Lego Space's greatest period of success, and is one of the most well-loved themes of the collection; complete models of the largest ship, the Mission Commander.

Popular Space Police vehicles include Spy-Trak I and Mission Commander (both 1989). The base was Space Lock-Up Isolation Base (1989).

Space Police is often referred to as Space Police I as Space Police II was released by Lego in 1992.

M:Tron (1990–1991)[link]

In an effort to increase interactivity, Lego introduced magnets in the next Space theme, M:Tron, who took over the "civilian" role of the Futuron faction. Vehicles in this set, distinctive for their red hulls, gray trim and neon-green canopies, are devoted primarily to mining out precious ores. They often featured crane-like attachments with magnets for picking up small cargo and storage boxes. These boxes, unfortunately, were generally not interchangeable. The figures wore white trousers, a red shirt with an "M" logo in the middle, and a black helmet with glowing green visor.

Popular M:Tron vehicles include Stellar Recon Voyager and Mega Core Magnetizer (both 1990).

M:Tron was the first major Space theme that did not include a base of any kind; all sets were vehicles. M:Tron was also the last space theme to carry the Legoland banner. Lego System was the name used starting in 1992.

Unlike previous themed Space series, the M:Tron sets did not look like they were made for fighting, either for good or evil. While the theme was meant to represent a mining/cargo transporting race, note that the British names for sets, while not as flashy and extreme sounding as their American equivalents, give an erroneous impression of vehicles meant for rescue and research. This theme of a nomadic race (without any permanent bases) minning or looking for ore/energy would be revisted with the Insectoids (1998–1999) theme.

 * There are two versions of this set. The earlier one is on all boxes and the cover of the building instructions. There's a little difference with the rotor assembly, slightly different parts needed to build.

Blacktron Future Generation (1991–1992)[link]

In 1991, Blacktron received a makeover: black with white trim, M:Tron's neon green canopies, as well as new uniforms. It also replaced the creative but haphazard interchangeability of Blacktron I with refined and mostly-uniform cockpit globes (best seen here), which could be switched unimpeded between those ships. To the dismay of fans, however, only four sets of eleven featured them (the Alpha Centauri Outpost, Spectral Starguider, Aerial Intruder, and the Allied Avenger). Some fans were also disappointed that, aside from a proliferation of small (50-element-or-less) vehicles, Blacktron II seemed to be mostly a rehash of Blacktron I on a set-by-set basis.

Popular Blacktron II vehicles include Spectral Starguider and Aerial Intruder (both 1991). The base was Alpha Centauri Outpost (1991).

According to the official story, Blacktron are thieves, always stealing technology from M:Tron. The space police was unable to stop them until 1993. In the 1993 story, the Blacktron try to steal technology from Ice Planet, and are easily captured because their equipment is not efficient enough in extreme cold environments.

Classic Space Police (1992–1993)[link]

Space Police was the next theme to receive a makeover, becoming Space Police II, remodeled into black and grey with green canopies and red trim. The standardized jail cells were retained, though only three vehicles could accept them; the theme also lacked a permanent installation like Space Police I's Space Lock-Up Isolation Base (1989). It was the first Space set to replace the Lego standard smiley face minifig head with a more complex graphic (in this case, the face augmented by a fringe of hair and an ear-mounted microphone). Finally, Space Police II ships were known for being under-armed; several vehicles sported no overt weapons (such as the Galactic Chief, whose epaulet-wearing pilot is armed with only a hand-held blaster that might actually be a megaphone), and the others featured only two small cockpit-mounted weapons (including the theme's heavyweight multi-module spaceship, the Galactic Mediator).

Popular Space Police II vehicles include Rebel Hunter and Galactic Mediator (both 1992). Space Police II did not include any bases.

This was the most popular Space Police series and is the one most thought of as THE Space Police. Though Space Police II officially ended in 1993, Starion Patrol (1993) was re-released as Space Police Car in 1999.

Ice Planet 2002 (1993–1994)[link]

Ice Planet took over the civilian role from Futuron, as evidenced by the similar emblems on their uniforms and ships. It featured new elements such as a distinct setting (an ice planet, dubbed "Krysto" on one of the boxes^[which?]), skis (both on vehicles and personnel), bright neon canopies (orange), and bright neon chainsaws (orange). As befitting an icebound theme, most of its vehicles were ground-based; many of its smaller vehicles also showcased satellite dishes.

Popular Ice Planet vehicles include Ice-Sat V and their largest and only starship the Deep Freeze Defender (both 1993). The latter is often regarded as one of the best all-time Lego starships^{[citation needed]}. The base was Ice Station Odyssey (1993). All three sets included Apollo type rockets.

Though Ice Planet officially ended in 1994, Snow Scooter (1994) was re-released as Space Diver in 1999.

Unitron (1994–1995)[link]

Taking over the "good guy" role from the Space Police II was the Unitron, a more military themed group. Unitron also features elements from the classic Futuron line, as it revolved around a large monorail system powered by a 9V battery; it retained Lego interchangeability in the form of small, sleek cockpits which could dock on the front or top of its vehicles. Unfortunately, aside from a ground installation, a large buggy, an advanced looking spaceship, and aforementioned monorail, the theme was underdeveloped. A unique robot was released in the company of a Spyrius robot in the Crater Critters which oddly featured no minifigures. A single Unitron Soldier also appeared in the minifigure only set: Space Explorers.

The two Unitron vehicles were Crater Cruiser and their largest starcraft Star Hawk II (both 1995) (which was only half the size for most of the other factions largest starships). The Star Hawk II's name is another oddity, as there is no Star Hawk I in any pervious Lego Space themes. The base was Space Station Zenon (1995). The monorail system was Monorail Transport Base (1994). This set was the last Lego monorail set released.

Dark gray quietly made an appearance as a new Lego Space color in Unitron minifigure torsos. The color appears in no other parts in this theme but for a rock feature in the Space Station Zenon set.

Spyrius (1994–1995)[link]

Red and black, with transparent blue canopies, Spyrius homeworld appeared to be a craggy, desolate moon. The Spyrius took over the "bad guy" role as a group of spies out to steal technology and valuable data. Official evidence of a Spyrius attack against Unitron is documented in this 1994 catalog picture (found on Peeron). Commercial clips also featured a high scale attack of Spyrius against the monorail.^[1]

This nine-set theme was the first to feature robot minifigures.

Popular Spyrius vehicles include Saucer Scout and their largest starcraft the Saucer Centurion (both 1994) (which, like the Unitron's Star Hawk II, is smaller than the largest starships of other space factions). The base was Lunar Launch Site (1994). The theme also included two robot vehicles, Recon Robot and Robo-Guardian (both 1994).

Though Spyrius officially ended in 1996, Surveillance Scooter (1995) was re-released as Space Jet in 1999.

Exploriens (1996)[link]

Returning to the clean white and transparent blue canopies of Futuron (as well as their civilian role), Exploriens sets are known for their use of large, open (sometimes rickety) structures and special image elements (e.g., as foil-holograph stickers for viewscreens). The Exploriens were searching, evidently, for fossils, certain flat plates contained triple images: one in white, for the naked eye; one in blue, for viewing under transparent red scanners; and one in red, for viewing under transparent blue scanners. It was the second space theme to include a robot minifigure, and was also the second Space theme to include a female minifigure, a robot named Ann Droid.

Popular Exploriens vehicles include Scorpion Detector and their largest starcraft the Explorien Starship (both 1996). The base was Android Base (1996). A mini-base was also included, Nebula Outpost (1996).

Roboforce (1997)[link]

Taking the "good guy" role was another four-set theme, Roboforce featured various large robots in varying color schemes. Orange Class features a police-like patrol/rescue function in humanoid robos, equipped with buzz saws for extracting criminals or rescuing civilians. The "head" of each robot was also a small space ship that could be used as an escape pod or secondary vehicle. Green Class featured a more military theme with animal shaped robots. The Robo Raptor was the only set not to feature a space craft, while the Robo Master's small starcraft strongly resembled the Unitron Star Hawk II as a tribute to the fan favorite set. Roboforce "Robos" were powered by "secret" "robo disks" which were oddly enough rectangle-shaped power sources.

Orange Class: Small Variant Robo Raider (1997) Orange Class: Large Variant Robo Stalker (1997) Green Class: Small Variant Robo Raptor (1997) Green Class: Large Variant Robo Master (1997)

UFO (1997–1998)[link]

UFO was the first Lego space race line to look alien instead of human. All of UFO's minifigures were cybernetic in nature, and featured two wholly robot figures (the red one was said^{[by whom?]} to be "Andy Droid", Ann Droid's brother stolen from the Exploriens), and as befitting its name, many of its spaceships used saucers or half-saucers as elements. It has the smallest proportion of wheeled ground vehicles to ships (two to nine) of any Lego Space theme before or since. UFO was the first theme to introduce what has since become a staple of Lego System sets in general: large pieces meant to provide effects (such as curvature) that would be difficult to achieve with traditional Lego pieces.

Popular UFO Ships include Warp Wing Fighter and their largest starship the Interstellar Starfighter (both 1997). The UFO had no primary base however when the smaller saucer detached from the main hull of the Alien Avenger (1997) the bottom half was converted into a command center.

Insectoids (1998–1999)[link]

The second alien appearing faction, the Insectoids were insectial humanoid cyborgs especially interested in "energy orbs" which included magnetic stickers so that magnets attached to cranes could lift them. Predictably the Insectoids utilized a number of pieces designed to look like insect components, particularly legs and wings. Its minifigures were primarily cybernetic, and the third Lego Space theme to have a female minifigure, Gypsy Moth, also known as Queen^{[citation needed]}. It also featured droids, utilizing the old Spyrius droid helmet.

Popular Insectoids vehicles include Bi-Wing Blaster and Celestial Stinger (both 1998). The base was the mobile and insect-like Arachnoid Star Base (1998).

After the theme ended, Lego Space would not be seen again for eight years, being replaced by the much more popular and profitable Lego Star Wars line of toys.

Space Port (1999)[link]

Further information: Space Port (1999)

This line focused on the Space Port trying to defend earth from an incoming meteor. It was actually a sub-line of Lego Town and also made a special appearance in Lego Island 2.

Life on Mars (2001)[link]

Life On Mars is one of three Space themes with both Humans and Aliens. The sets denote peaceful coexistence between the two species on the planet Mars, and were timed for release to the public around a time of much curiosity about the planet, and the life that could possibly exist there. It was actually a sub-line of Lego Town

Mars Mission (2007-2008)[link]

Mars Mission is the second Space theme to feature both Humans and Aliens and is a reboot of Life On Mars. Unlike Life on Mars, the aliens and humans were pitted against each other as children had been fond of doing with the original line. It was actually a sub-line of Lego City.

[edit] Space Police III (2009-2010)

As "crime is crime" for Space Police III, they are pitted against criminals, sometimes petty but always non-human, continuing the Lego Space trend of humans versus aliens. This is the first time the Space Police have been pitted against monstrous looking aliens instead of a human looking aliens, like Blacktron or Spyrius. It is also the first Space Police theme to include enemy ships instead of just prisoners and is the first Space Police theme in 16 years. A gang including, Kranxx, Snake, the Skull Twins, Slizer and Squidman, are the main troublemakers for Space Police III with independent, Frenzy, keeping them busy as well. However, Rench bears the old Blacktron II logo on his uniform (which is an updated Blacktron I uniform), hinting that he may have a connection with the old Blacktrons race, as well as hinting that the Space Police are in the same continuity as their older versions. In the boxart for the sets, it shows a large future-like city trapped in an airtight, glass bubble, hinting that this takes place in the future of the current LEGO timeline. Also, in the stopmotion series on the website, it shows spacesuits of former Space Police themes I and II, indicating these are the Space Police of the future. In another stopmotion, a Spyrius droid is seen showing a slideshow.

Alien Conquest (2011-Present)[link]

Alien Conquest is one of the newest series to be released under the Lego Space theme. It was released in July 2011, and is the first Lego Space series to be set entirely on Earth.

A new wave of aliens begins attacking Earth. Multiple cities around the globe report massive abductions. The aliens come in with round UFO's and abduct humans, turning them into slaves to use against other humans. Panic breaks out worldwide, and the Alien Defense Unit takes up the cause. Using their ubiquitous blue vehicles, they fight back against the aliens, stopping abductions in their tracks.^[2][3]

A short film based on the sets was made in 2012, and won an award.

Sets[link]

Lego City Space (2011-Present)[link]

Lego City Space is the newest Lego Space series. It includes Spacecrafts made on earth such as a rocket, moon buggy, space shuttle, and satellite.

Sets[link]

Timeline of Lego Space themes[link]

References[link]