Lego Space

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Space is a science fiction Lego theme featuring astronauts and spaceships. It was introduced in 1978 and discontinued in 2001, after the last notable Space Theme, Life on Mars, finished its run at the end of that year. 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, when the name was changed to Lego System.


Contents

[edit] Classic Space (1978-1987)

Two Classic Space minifigs
Enlarge
Two Classic Space minifigs

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 (year unknown, probably 1950's) 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).

Complete Classic Space sets can fetch handsome sums in online auctions. Baseplates from this era are also highly sought after: Space Landing Plates (1979), and Crater Plates (1979)


Early Space sets

  • 358 Rocket Base
  • 367/565 Moon Landing

Miniland Figures: 3 White astronauts

  • 801 Space Rocket


Classic Space sets (U.S./European #)

  • 453/305 2 Crater Plates
  • 454/306 Landing Plates
  • 442/891 Space Shuttle

Minifigs: White astronaut

  • 452/894 Mobile Tracking Station

Minifigs: White astronaut

  • 462/897 Rocket Launcher

Minifigs: Red astronaut, White astronaut

  • 483/920 Alpha-1 Rocket Base

Minifigs: 2 White astronauts, Red astronaut

  • 487/924 Space Cruiser

Minifigs: White astronaut, Red astronaut

  • 493/926 Space Command Center

Minifigs: 2 White astronauts, 2 Red astronauts

  • 497/928 Galaxy Explorer

Minifigs: 2 White astronauts, 2 Red astronauts

  • 885 Space Scooter

Minifigs: Red astronaut

  • 886 Space Buggy

Minifigs: White astronaut

  • 889 Radar Truck

Minifigs: Red astronaut

  • 918 Space Transport

Minifigs: Red astronaut

  • 1498 Spy-Bot (U.S. only, may have only been available with 1510 Bonus pack)
  • 1499 Twin Starfire

Minifigs: 2 Yellow

  • 1526 Space Radar Buggy (Unreleased)

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut

  • 1557 Space Scooter

Minifigs: Red astronaut

  • 1558 Mobile Command Trailer

Minifigs: Black astronaut, Yellow astronaut

  • 1580 Lunar Scout (Canada/U.S. only)

Minifigs: Blue astronaut

  • 1593 Lever Bros Space Set (Europe only)

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut, Red astronaut

  • 1968 Space Express (Canada/U.S. only though may have been on limited release in Europe)

Minifigs: Black astronaut

  • 6701 Space Mini-Figures

Minifigs: 2 Yellow, 2 Red, 2 White astronaut

  • 6702 Space Mini-Figures

Minifigs: 1 Yellow, 1 Red, 1 Blue, 1 Black astronaut

  • 6750 Light & Sound Sonic Robot

Minifigs: Blue astronaut, Red astronaut

  • 6780 Light & Sound XT - Starship

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut

  • 6783 Sonar Transmitting Cruiser

Minifigs: Red astronaut, Yellow astronaut

  • 6801 Rocket Sled

Minifigs: White astronaut

  • 6802 Space Probe (U.S. only)

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut

  • 6803 Space Patrol

Minifigs: White astronaut

  • 6804 Surface Rover

Minifigs: White astronaut

  • 6805 Astro Dasher

Minifigs: Blue astronaut

  • 6806 Surface Hopper

Minifigs: Red astronaut

  • 6807 Space Explorator (Europe only, may have only been available with 1999 value pack)

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut

  • 6808 Galaxy Trekkor

Minifigs: Blue astronaut

  • 6809 XT-5 And Droid

Minifigs: Blue astronaut

  • 6820 Starfire I

Minifigs: Blue astronaut

  • 6821 Shovel Buggy

Minifigs: White astronaut

  • 6822 Space Shuttle

Minifigs: Red astronaut

  • 6823 Surface Transport

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut

  • 6824 Space Dart-I

Minifigs: Blue astronaut

  • 6825 Cosmic Comet

Minifigs: White astronaut

  • 6826 Crater Crawler

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut

  • 6827 Strata Scooter

Minifigs: Blue astronaut

  • 6841 Mineral Detector

Minifigs: Red astronaut

  • 6842 Shuttle Craft

Minifigs: Red astronaut

  • 6844 Seismologic Vehicle

Minifigs: White astronaut

  • 6845 Cosmic Charger

Minifigs: White astronaut

  • 6846 Tri-Star Voyager

Minifigs: Red astronaut

  • 6847 Space Dozer

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut

  • 6848 Interplanetary Shuttle (U.S. only, may have only been available with 1969 value pack)

Minifigs: Red astronaut

  • 6849 Satellite Patroller

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut

  • 6861 X-1 Patrol Craft

Minifigs: Red astronaut

  • 6870 Space Probe Launcher

Minifigs: Red astronaut

  • 6871 Star-Patrol Launcher

Minifigs: White astronaut, Red astronaut

  • 6872 Lunar Patrol Craft

Minifigs: White astronaut

  • 6874 Moonrover

Minifigs: Red astronaut, Yellow astronaut

  • 6880 Surface Explorer

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut

  • 6881 Lunar Rocket Launcher

Minifigs: White astronaut

  • 6882 Walking Astro Grappler

Minifigs: Black astronaut

  • 6883 Terrestrial Rover

Minifigs: White astronaut

  • 6890 Cosmic Cruiser

Minifigs: Red astronaut

  • 6891 Gamma-V Laser Craft

Minifigs: Black astronaut

  • 6892 Modular Space Transport

Minifigs: 2 Yellow astronauts

  • 6901 Mobile Lab (Canada/U.S. only)

Minifigs: Red astronaut, White astronaut

  • 6926 Mobile Recovery Vehicle

Minifigs: White astronaut, Yellow astronaut

  • 6927 All-Terrain Vehicle

Minifigs: White astronaut, Red astronaut

  • 6928 Uranium Search Vehicle

Minifigs: White astronaut, Black astronaut

  • 6929 Starfleet Voyager

Minifigs: Black astronaut

  • 6930 Space Supply Station

Minifigs: 2 Yellow astronauts, 2 Red astronauts

  • 6931 FX-Star Patroller

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut

  • 6940 Alien Moon Stalker

Minifigs: Red astronaut, Blue astronaut

  • 6950 Mobile Rocket Transport

Minifigs: 2 Yellow astronauts

  • 6951 Robot Command Center

Minifigs: Black astronaut, Yellow astronaut, Red astronaut

  • 6952 Solar Power Transporter

Minifigs: 2 Red astronauts, White astronaut, Black astronaut

  • 6970 Beta-1 Command Base

Minifigs: 2 White astronauts, 2 Red astronauts

  • 6971 Intergalactic Command Base

Minifigs: Blue astronaut, Black astronaut, Yellow astronaut

  • 6972 Polaris-I Space Lab

Minifigs: 3 Blue astronauts

  • 6980 Galaxy Commander

Minifigs: 5 White astronaut

  • 6985 Cosmic Fleet Voyager

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut, Black astronaut, Red astronaut, White astronaut


Value packs were released between 1983 and 1987 comprising of 3 separate sets and prove popular with classic space collectors.

  • 1507 Space Value Pack Includes 1557, 1558

Minifigs: 1 Red, 1 black, 1 yellow astronaut

  • 1510 Unnamed Bonus Pack Includes 1498, 1499

Minifigs: 2 yellow astronaut

  • 1969 3 Set Special Includes 6825, 6847, 6848

Minifigs: 1 Yellow, 1 Red, 1 White astronaut

  • 1977 Legoland Space System Value Pack Includes 6801, 6822, 6823

Minifigs: 1 Yellow, 1 Red, 1 White astronaut

  • 1983 Value Pack Includes 889, 886, 6824

Minifigs: 1 Blue, 1 Red, 1 White astronaut

  • 1999 Space Value Pack Includes 6822, 6823, 6807

Minifigs: 2 Yellow, 1 Red astronaut


Other more obscure miscellaneous Classic Space sets include-

  • 0012 Space Mini-Figures

Minifigs: 2 Red astronaut

  • 0013 Space Mini-Figures

Minifigs: 2 White astronaut

  • 0014 Space Mini-Figures

Minifigs: 2 Yellow astronaut

  • 0015 Space Mini-Figures

Minifigs: 1 Red, 1 Yellow, 1 White astronaut

  • 12 Blue Space Elements
  • 14 Space Minifigs

Minifigs: 2 Red, 2 White astronaut

  • 6711 Lego Minifigures

Minifigs: 1 Yellow, 1 Red, 2 White astronaut

[edit] Blacktron (1987-1988)

The first unified and truly themed Space theme, 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 (1990) was released. Considering Blacktron II's slightly altered color scheme it could be viewed as being from between the "upgrade" era of Blacktron to Blacktron II.

  • 1875 Meteor Monitor

Minifigs: Astronaut

  • 6876 Alienator

Minifigs: Astronaut

  • 6894 Invader

Minifigs: Astronaut

  • 6941 Battrax

Minifigs: Astronaut

  • 6954 Renegade

Minifigs: 2 Astronauts

  • 6987 Message-Intercept Base

Minifigs: 5 Astronauts

[edit] Futuron (1987–1990)

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 planet reminiscent of Earth's moon. Its minifigs 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 (1988). 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.

  • 1616 Space Combi-Pack

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut, Blue astronaut

  • 1620 Astro Dart

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut

  • 1621 Lunar MPV Vehicle

Minifigs: Blue astronaut

  • 1974 Star Quest

Minifigs: White astronaut

  • 6770 Light & Sound Magma Carrier

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut

  • 6810 Laser Ranger

Minifigs: Black astronaut

  • 6828 Twin-Winged Spoiler

Minifigs: Blue astronaut

  • 6830 Space Patroller

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut

  • 6848 Strategic Pursuer

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut

  • 6850 Auxiliary Patroller

Minifigs: White astronaut

  • 6875 Hovercraft

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut

  • 6884 Aero-Module

Minifigs: Blue astronaut

  • 6885 Crater Crawler

Minifigs: Black astronaut

  • 6893 Galactic Starship

Minifigs: Blue astronaut

  • 6921 Monorail Accessory Track
  • 6925 Interplanetary Rover

Minifigs: 2 Yellow astronauts

  • 6932 Stardefender "200"

Minifigs: Blue astronaut, Yellow astronaut

  • 6953 Cosmic Laser Launcher

Minifigs: Yellow astronaut, 2 Red astronauts

  • 6990 Monorail Transport System

Minifigs: 3 Yellow astronauts, 2 Red astronauts

[edit] Space Police (1989)

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 and blue with red transparent elements. (This would be a continuing theme of space, having "bad guy" space agencies, "good guy" space agencies and "civilian" space agencies between them.) 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 (which was often supplied with a Blacktron occupant). These jail cells were identical from set to set and could be traded around between vehicles with no hassle whatsoever. This theme marks 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, have been known to sell for USD $90 via online vendors.

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 1991.

  • 6781 SP-Striker

Minifigs: Space policeman, Space crook

  • 6831 Message Decoder

Minifigs: Space policeman

  • 6886 Galactic Peace Keeper

Minifigs: Space policeman, Space crook

  • 6895 Spy-Trak I

Minifigs: Space policeman, Space crook

  • 6955 Space Lock-Up Isolation Base

Minifigs: 2 Space policemans, Space crook

  • 6986 Mission Commander

Minifigs: 2 Space policemans, Space crook

  • 9402 Space Police Team

[edit] M:Tron (1990–1991)

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 space agency. 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.

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 1991.

  • 1478 Stellar Buggy

Minifigs: Space-Civilan

  • 6811 Pulsar Charger

Minifigs: Space-Civilan

  • 6833 Beacon Tracer

Minifigs: Space-Civilan

  • 6862 Secret Space Voyager

Minifigs: 3 Space-Civilans

  • 6877 Vector Detector

Minifigs: Space-Civilan

  • 6896 Celestial Forager

Minifigs: Space-Civilan

  • 6923 Particle Ionizer

Minifigs: Space-Civilan

  • 6956 Stellar Recon Voyager

Minifigs: 2 Space-Civilans

  • 6989 Mega Core Magnetizer

Minifigs: 3 Space-Civilan

  • 9401 M:Tron Team

[edit] Blacktron Future Generation (1991–1993)

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 switch unimpeded between any model that featured one. In a theme containing a total of eleven vehicles, this was not seen as a marked improvement (in Blacktron I, three of five sets featured interchangeable parts). 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 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).

  • 1462/1694 Galactic Scout

Minifigs: Space driver

  • 1479 Double Scout

Minifigs: 2 Space drivers

  • 1887 Rocket Detector

Minifigs: Space driver

  • 6710 Space Landing Pads
  • 6741/6861 Super Vehicle

Minifigs: 3 Space drivers

  • 6812 Grid Trekkor

Minifigs: Space driver

  • 6832 Super Nova II

Minifigs: Space driver

  • 6851 Tri-Wheeled Tyrax

Minifigs: Space driver

  • 6878 Sub Orbital Guardian

Minifigs: Space driver

  • 6887 Allied Avenger

Minifigs: Space driver

  • 6933 Spectral Starguider

Minifigs: 2 Space drivers

  • 6981 Aerial Intruder

Minifigs: 2 Space drivers

  • 6988 Alpha Centauri Outpost

Minifigs: 5 Space drivers

[edit] Space Police II (1992–1993)

Space Police was the next theme to receive a makeover, remodeled into its more widely recognized 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). 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 (thought to be the "Chief") appears to be armed with only a bullhorn, although many used this as a sort of large blaster, and the others having only two small 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.

Though Space Police II officially ended in 1993, Starion Patrol (1993) was re-released as Space Police Car in 1999.

  • 1916/3015 Starion Patrol/Space Police Car

Minifigs: Space policeman

  • 1969 Bot Assistent

Minifigs: Space policeman

  • 6813 Galactic Chief

Minifigs: Space policeman

  • 6852 Sonar Security

Minifigs: Space policeman

  • 6897 Rebel Hunter

Minifigs: Space policeman, Space crook

  • 6957 Solar Snooper

Minifigs: 3 Space policemans

  • 6984 Galactic Mediator

Minifigs: 3 Space policemans

[edit] Ice Planet 2002 (1993–1994)

Two Ice Planet minifigs
Enlarge
Two Ice Planet minifigs

Taking place in a time and location that should be fairly obvious, Ice Planet can be considered M:Tron's replacement as the "civilian" space agency. It featured new elements such as a distinct setting (an ice planet), (skis, both on vehicles and personnel), and bright neon cockpits (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 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.

  • 1704 Ice Enlarger

Minifigs: Space civilan

  • 1711/1731/3014 Snow Scooter/Space Diver

Minifigs: Space civilan

  • 6814 Ice Tunnelator

Minifigs: Space civilan

  • 6834 Celestial Sled

Minifigs: Space civilan

  • 6879 Blizzard Baron

Minifigs: Space civilan

  • 6898 Ice-Sat V

Minifigs: Space civilan

  • 6973 Deep Freeze Defender

Minifigs: 3 Space civilans

  • 6983 Ice Station Odyssey

Minifigs: 3 Space civilans

[edit] Unitron (1994–1995)

Unitron minifigures
Enlarge
Unitron minifigures

Taking over the "good guy" space agency 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 fact that is still lamented today.

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 space agencies' largest starships). The base was Space Station Zenon (1995). The monorail system was Monorail Transport Base (1994).

Dark gray quietly made an appearance as a new Lego Space color in Unitron minifigure torsos. The color appears in no other parts in the theme.

  • 1787 Crater Cruiser

Minifigs: 2 Space explorers

  • 1789 Star Hawk II

Minifigs: 2 Space explorers

  • 1793 Space Station Zenon

Minifigs: 3 Space explorers

  • 6991 Monorail Transport Base

Minifigs: 4 Space explorers

[edit] Spyrius (1994–1996)

Spyrius minifigures
Enlarge
Spyrius minifigures

Red and black, with blue cockpits, Spyrius homeworld appeared to be a craggy, desolate moon. The Spyrius took over the "bad guy" space agency theme 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.

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

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 then the largest starships of other space agencies). 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.

  • 1714/1754/1954/3013 Surveillance Scooter/Space Jet

Minifigs: Space spy

  • 1843 Spy Outpost

Minifigs: Space spy

  • 6835 Saucer Scout

Minifigs: Space spy

  • 6889 Recon Robot

Minifigs: Space spy

  • 6939 Saucer Centurion

Minifigs: 2 Space spies

  • 6949 Robo-Guardian

Minifigs: 3 Space spies

  • 6959 Lunar Launch Site

Minifigs: 3 Space spies

[edit] Exploriens (1996)

Three Exploriens minifigs, including robot
Enlarge
Three Exploriens minifigs, including robot

Returning to the clean white and blue cockpits 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).

  • 1737/6938 Scorpion Detector

Minifigs: 2 Space exploriens

  • 1858 Cloud Cruiser

Minifigs: Space explorier

  • 6815 Hovertron

Minifigs: Space explorier

  • 6854 Alien Fossilizer

Minifigs: Space explorier

  • 6856 Planetary Decoder

Minifigs: Space explorer

  • 6899 Nebula Outpost

Minifigs: 2 Space exploriens

  • 6958 Android Base

Minifigs: 3 Space exploriens

  • 6982 Explorien Starship

Minifigs: 4 Space exploriens

[edit] Roboforce (1997)

Taking the "good guy" role was another four-set theme, Roboforce featured various large robots (arguably mecha) in varying color schemes. Orange Class features a police-like patrol function in humanoid robos, equipped with buzz saws for extracting criminals or rescuing civilians. The "head" of each robo 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 robos. 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 disk" which were oddly enough rectangle-shaped power sources. By this time, Roboforce was well and truly exhausted, and the remaining sets were a slow march to the theme's obscurity.

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)

  • 2151 Robo Raider

Minifigs: Space driver

  • 2152 Robo Raptor

Minifigs: Space driver

  • 2153 Robo Stalker

Minifigs: 2 Space drivers

  • 2154 Robo Master

Minifigs: 2 Space drivers

[edit] UFO (1997–1999)

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. Consequently, these can be difficult to use on other creations. All of UFO's minifigures were cybernetic in nature, and the race featured two wholly robot figures, 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.

Popular UFO ships inculde Warp Wing Fighterand 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.

  • 2847 UFO Flyer

Minifigs: Alien

  • 3012/6800/6816 Space Hover

Minifigs: Alien cyborg

  • 4305/6818 Cyborg Scout

Minifigs: Alien cyborg

  • 6829 Radon Rover

Minifigs: Alien cyborg

  • 6836 V-Wing Fighter

Minifigs: Alien cyborg

  • 6900/6999 Cyber Saucer

Minifigs: Alien

  • 6901/6902 Space Plane

Minifigs: Alien cyborg

  • 6915 Warp Wing-Fighter

Minifigs: 2 Alien

  • 6975 Alien Avenger

Minifigs: 3 Alien, Alien cyborg

  • 6979 Interstellar Starfighter

Minifigs: 2 Alien, Alien cyborg

[edit] Insectoids (1998–1999)

Insectoids were 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.

The Insectoids were going to be enemies for the Rock Raiders at first, but the concept was dropped in the prototype stage. [1]

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

  • 2964 Space Spider

Minifigs: Insectoid

  • 2965 Hornet Scout

Minifigs: Insectoid, Alien cyborg

  • 3070 Mosquito

Minifigs: Insectoid

  • 3071 Light Flyer

Minifigs: Insectoid

  • 3072 Mega Tack

Minifigs: Insectoid

  • 3073 Booster

Minifigs: Insectoid

  • 6817 Beta Buzzer

Minifigs: Insectoid

  • 6837 Cosmic Creeper

Minifigs: Insectoid

  • 6903 Bug Blaster

Minifigs: Insectoid

  • 6905 Bi-Wing Blaster

Minifigs: Insectoid, Alien cyborg

  • 6907/6909 Sonic Stinger

Minifigs: Insectoid

  • 6919 Planetary Prowler

Minifigs: Insectoid, Alien cyborg

  • 6942/6943 Space Sled

Minifigs: Insectoid

  • 6969 Celestial Stinger

Minifigs: 2 Insectoids, Alien cyborg

  • 6977 Arachnoid Star Base

Minifigs: 2 Insectoids, 2 Alien cyborgs

[edit] Life on Mars (2001)

Life On Mars (LOM) is the most recent LEGO Space theme, and is the only one 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. Although set in the future, LOM is unique among the Space themes, as its conception was more inspired by and coincided with real space exploration activity than any other Space theme yet introduced.

Incorporating the new "sand" colors, red, green, and purple, LOM sets were not as colorfully bold as sets from other Space themes. Transparent brown (or trans-black, as it is popularly known) made its debut as a primary window and canopy color for Space with this theme.

LOM introduced organic-style printed parts into Space. Print patterns on parts such as tiles, slopes, and dishes had a characteristic non-mechanical design, atypical of Lego Space.

The Martian base was 7317 Aero Tube Hangar, and the Human base was 7315 Solar Explorer.

  • 1195 Life on Mars Welcome

Minifigs: Martian, Explorer

  • 3750 Life on Mars Accessories
  • 7302 Worker Robot

Minifigs: Martian

  • 7303 Jet Scooter

Minifigs: Martian

  • 7308/7300 Double Hover

Minifigs: Martian

  • 7309/7301 Rover

Minifigs: Explorer

  • 7310 Mono Jet

Minifigs: Explorer

  • 7311 Red Planet Cruiser

Minifigs: Martian

  • 7312 T3-Trike

Minifigs: Explorer

  • 7313 Red Planet Protector

Minifigs: Martian

  • 7314 Recon-Mech RP

Minifigs: Martian

  • 7315 Solar Explorer

Minifigs: 3 Explorers

  • 7316 Excavation Searcher

Minifigs: 3 Martians

  • 7317 Aero Tube Hangar

Minifigs: 5 Martians

  • 7320 Vega
  • 7321 Mizar
  • 7322 Altair
  • 7323 Guard