The Lego

Lego

Lego is a line of construction toys manufactured by the Lego Group, a privately held company based in Billund, Denmark. The company's flagship product, Lego, consists of colorful interlocking plastic bricks and an accompanying array of gears, minifigures and various other parts...

 Space theme features astronaut

Astronaut

An astronaut or cosmonaut is a person trained by a human spaceflight program to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft....

s and spaceships

Spacecraft

A spacecraft or spaceship is a craft or machine designed for spaceflight. Spacecraft are used for a variety of purposes, including communications, earth observation, meteorology, navigation, planetary exploration and transportation of humans and cargo....

. It was introduced in 1978. Space was one of the most expansive themes in Lego

Lego

Lego is a line of construction toys manufactured by the Lego Group, a privately held company based in Billund, Denmark. The company's flagship product, Lego, consists of colorful interlocking plastic bricks and an accompanying array of gears, minifigures and various other parts...

 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

Lego Star Wars

Lego Star Wars is a Lego theme that incorporates the Star Wars saga. The first Lego Star Wars, released in 1999, included model 7140, the first Lego X-Wing. Star Wars was the first intellectual property to be licensed in Lego Group history . The first few sets based on the original trilogy were...

 in 1999, but it made a brief appearance in 2001 with Life on Mars, before returning as a staple in 2007 with Mars Mission. The most recent sub-theme is Alien Conquest, released in 2011.

Classic Space (1978-1987)

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)

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Notes
Early Space sets
358	Rocket Base	1973
367/565	Moon Landing	1975	3 White Astronauts
801	Space Rocket	1964
Classic Space sets (U.S./European #)
453/305	2 Crater Plates	1979
454/306	Landing Plates	1979
442/891	Space Shuttle	1979	White White White is a color, the perception of which is evoked by light that stimulates all three types of color sensitive cone cells in the human eye in nearly equal amounts and with high brightness compared to the surroundings. A white visual stimulation will be void of hue and grayness.White light can be...  Astronaut Astronaut An astronaut or cosmonaut is a person trained by a human spaceflight program to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft....
452/894	Mobile Tracking Station	1979	White Astronaut
462/897	Rocket Launcher	1978	Red Red Red is any of a number of similar colors evoked by light consisting predominantly of the longest wavelengths of light discernible by the human eye, in the wavelength range of roughly 630–740 nm. Longer wavelengths than this are called infrared , and cannot be seen by the naked eye...  Astronaut, White Astronaut
483/920	Alpha-1 Rocket Base	1979	2 White Astronauts, Red Astronaut
487/924	Space Cruiser		White Astronaut, Red Astronaut
493/926	Space Command Center	1978	2 White Astronauts, 2 Red Astronauts
497/928	Galaxy Explorer	1979	2 White Astronauts, 2 Red Astronauts
885	Space Scooter	1978	Red Astronaut
886	Space Buggy	1979	White Astronaut
889	Radar Truck	1979	Red Astronaut
918	Space Transport	1978	Red Astronaut
1498	Spy-Bot	1987		U.S. only, may have only been available with 1510 Bonus pack
1499	Twin Starfire	1987	2 Yellow Astronauts
1557	Space Scooter	1986	Red Astronaut
1558	Mobile Command Trailer	1986	Black Astronaut, Yellow Astronaut
1580	Lunar Scout	1986	Blue Blue Blue is a colour, the perception of which is evoked by light having a spectrum dominated by energy with a wavelength of roughly 440–490 nm. It is considered one of the additive primary colours. On the HSV Colour Wheel, the complement of blue is yellow; that is, a colour corresponding to an equal...  Astronaut	Canada/U.S. only
1593	Lever Bros Space Set	1983	Yellow Yellow Yellow is the color evoked by light that stimulates both the L and M cone cells of the retina about equally, with no significant stimulation of the S cone cells. Light with a wavelength of 570–590 nm is yellow, as is light with a suitable mixture of red and green...  Astronaut, Red Astronaut	Europe only
1968	Space Express	1985	Red Red Red is any of a number of similar colors evoked by light consisting predominantly of the longest wavelengths of light discernible by the human eye, in the wavelength range of roughly 630–740 nm. Longer wavelengths than this are called infrared , and cannot be seen by the naked eye...  Astronaut	Canada/U.S. only though may have been on limited release in Europe
6701	Space Mini-Figures	1983	2 Yellow, 2 Red, 2 White Astronauts
6702	Space Mini-Figures	1986	1 Yellow, 1 Red, 1 Blue, 1 Black Astronauts
6750	Light & Sound Sonic Robot	1987	Blue Blue Blue is a colour, the perception of which is evoked by light having a spectrum dominated by energy with a wavelength of roughly 440–490 nm. It is considered one of the additive primary colours. On the HSV Colour Wheel, the complement of blue is yellow; that is, a colour corresponding to an equal...  Astronaut, Red Astronaut
6780	Light & Sound XT - Starship	1987	Yellow Astronaut
6783	Sonar Transmitting Cruiser	1986	Red Astronaut, Yellow Astronaut
6801	Rocket Sled	1981	White Astronaut
6802	Space Probe	1986	Yellow Astronaut	U.S. only
6803	Space Patrol	1983	White Astronaut
6804	Surface Rover	1984	White Astronaut
6805	Astro Dasher	1985	Blue Astronaut
6806	Surface Hopper	1985	Red Astronaut
6807	Space Explorator	1985	Yellow Yellow Yellow is the color evoked by light that stimulates both the L and M cone cells of the retina about equally, with no significant stimulation of the S cone cells. Light with a wavelength of 570–590 nm is yellow, as is light with a suitable mixture of red and green...  Astronaut	Europe only, may have only been available with 1999 value pack
6808	Galaxy Trekkor	1987	Blue Astronaut
6809	XT-5 And Droid	1988	Blue Astronaut
6820	Starfire I	1986	Blue Astronaut
6821	Shovel Buggy	1980	White Astronaut
6822	Space Shuttle	1981	Red Astronaut
6823	Surface Transport	1983	Yellow Astronaut
6824	Space Dart-I	1984	Blue Astronaut
6825	Cosmic Comet	1985	White White White is a color, the perception of which is evoked by light that stimulates all three types of color sensitive cone cells in the human eye in nearly equal amounts and with high brightness compared to the surroundings. A white visual stimulation will be void of hue and grayness.White light can be...  Astronaut
6826	Crater Crawler	1985	Yellow Astronaut
6827	Strata Scooter	1987	Blue Astronaut
6841	Mineral Detector	1980	Red Astronaut
6842	Shuttle Craft	1981	Red Astronaut
6844	Seismologic Vehicle	1983	White Astronaut
6845	Cosmic Charger	1986	White Astronaut
6846	Tri-Star Voyager	1984	Red Astronaut
6847	Space Dozer	1985	Yellow Astronaut
6848	Interplanetary Shuttle	1985	Red Astronaut	U.S. only, may have only been available with 1969 value pack
6849	Satellite Patroller	1987	Yellow Astronaut
6861	X-1 Patrol Craft	1980	Red Astronaut
6870	Space Probe Launcher	1981	Red Astronaut
6871	Star-Patrol Launcher	1984	White Astronaut, Red Astronaut
6872	Lunar Patrol Craft	1985	White Astronaut
6874	Moonrover	1986	Red Red Red is any of a number of similar colors evoked by light consisting predominantly of the longest wavelengths of light discernible by the human eye, in the wavelength range of roughly 630–740 nm. Longer wavelengths than this are called infrared , and cannot be seen by the naked eye...  Astronaut, Yellow Yellow Yellow is the color evoked by light that stimulates both the L and M cone cells of the retina about equally, with no significant stimulation of the S cone cells. Light with a wavelength of 570–590 nm is yellow, as is light with a suitable mixture of red and green...  Astronaut
6880	Surface Explorer	1982	Yellow Astronaut
6881	Lunar Rocket Launcher	1984	White Astronaut
6882	Walking Astro Grappler	1985	Black Black Black is the color of objects that do not emit or reflect light in any part of the visible spectrum; they absorb all such frequencies of light...  Astronaut
6883	Terrestrial Rover	1987	White Astronaut
6890	Cosmic Cruiser	1982	Red Astronaut
6891	Gamma-V Laser Craft	1985	Black Astronaut
6892	Modular Space Transport	1986	2 Yellow Astronauts
6901	Mobile Lab	1980	Red Astronaut, White Astronaut	Canada/U.S. only
6926	Mobile Recovery Vehicle	1986	White Astronaut, Yellow Astronaut
6927	All-Terrain Vehicle	1981	White Astronaut, Red Astronaut
6928	Uranium Search Vehicle	1984	White Astronaut, Black Black Black is the color of objects that do not emit or reflect light in any part of the visible spectrum; they absorb all such frequencies of light...  Astronaut
6929	Starfleet Voyager	1981	Red Astronaut
6930	Space Supply Station	1983	2 Yellow Astronauts, 2 Red Astronauts
6931	FX-Star Patroller	1985	Yellow Astronaut
6940	Alien Moon Stalker	1986	Red Red Red is any of a number of similar colors evoked by light consisting predominantly of the longest wavelengths of light discernible by the human eye, in the wavelength range of roughly 630–740 nm. Longer wavelengths than this are called infrared , and cannot be seen by the naked eye...  Astronaut, Blue Blue Blue is a colour, the perception of which is evoked by light having a spectrum dominated by energy with a wavelength of roughly 440–490 nm. It is considered one of the additive primary colours. On the HSV Colour Wheel, the complement of blue is yellow; that is, a colour corresponding to an equal...  Astronaut
6950	Mobile Rocket Transport	1982	Yellow Astronaut Astronaut An astronaut or cosmonaut is a person trained by a human spaceflight program to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft.... s
6951	Robot Command Center	1984	Black Astronaut, Yellow Astronaut, Red Astronaut
6952	Solar Power Transporter	1985	2 Red Astronauts, White Astronaut, Black Astronaut
6970	Beta-1 Command Base	1980	2 White Astronauts, 2 Red Astronauts
6971	Intergalactic Command Base	1984	Blue Astronaut, Black Astronaut, Yellow Astronaut
6972	Polaris-I Space Lab	1987	3 Blue Astronauts
6980	Galaxy Commander	1983	2 White White White is a color, the perception of which is evoked by light that stimulates all three types of color sensitive cone cells in the human eye in nearly equal amounts and with high brightness compared to the surroundings. A white visual stimulation will be void of hue and grayness.White light can be...  Astronauts, 2 Yellow Yellow Yellow is the color evoked by light that stimulates both the L and M cone cells of the retina about equally, with no significant stimulation of the S cone cells. Light with a wavelength of 570–590 nm is yellow, as is light with a suitable mixture of red and green...  Astronauts, 1 Red Red Red is any of a number of similar colors evoked by light consisting predominantly of the longest wavelengths of light discernible by the human eye, in the wavelength range of roughly 630–740 nm. Longer wavelengths than this are called infrared , and cannot be seen by the naked eye...  Astronaut
6985	Cosmic Fleet Voyager	1986	Yellow Yellow Yellow is the color evoked by light that stimulates both the L and M cone cells of the retina about equally, with no significant stimulation of the S cone cells. Light with a wavelength of 570–590 nm is yellow, as is light with a suitable mixture of red and green...  Astronaut, Black Black Black is the color of objects that do not emit or reflect light in any part of the visible spectrum; they absorb all such frequencies of light...  Astronaut, Red Red Red is any of a number of similar colors evoked by light consisting predominantly of the longest wavelengths of light discernible by the human eye, in the wavelength range of roughly 630–740 nm. Longer wavelengths than this are called infrared , and cannot be seen by the naked eye...  Astronaut, White White White is a color, the perception of which is evoked by light that stimulates all three types of color sensitive cone cells in the human eye in nearly equal amounts and with high brightness compared to the surroundings. A white visual stimulation will be void of hue and grayness.White light can be...  Astronaut

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

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Notes
1507	Space Value Pack		1 Red, 1 black, 1 yellow astronaut	Includes 1557, 1558
1510	Unnamed Bonus Pack		2 Yellow Astronaut	Includes 1498, 1499
1969	3 Set Special		1 Yellow, 1 Red, 1 White Astronauts	Includes 6825, 6847, 6848
1977	Legoland Space System Value Pack		1 Yellow, 1 Red, 1 White Astronauts	Includes 6801, 6822, 6823
1983	Value Pack		1 Blue, 1 Red, 1 White Astronauts	Includes 889, 886, 6824
1999	Space Value Pack		2 Yellow, 1 Red Astronauts	Includes 6822, 6823, 6807

Other more obscure miscellaneous Classic Space sets include-

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Notes
0012	Space Mini-Figures		2 Red Astronauts
0013	Space Mini-Figures		2 White Astronauts
0014	Space Mini-Figures		2 Yellow Astronauts
0015	Space Mini-Figures		1 Red, 1 Yellow, 1 White Astronauts
12	Blue Space Elements
14	Space Minifigs		2 Red, 2 White Astronauts
6711	Lego Minifigures		1 Yellow, 1 Red, 2 White Astronauts

Blacktron (1987-1988)

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 an 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.

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Notes
1875	Meteor Monitor	1990	Astronaut
6876	Alienator	1988	Astronaut
6894	Invader	1987	Astronaut
6941	Battrax	1987	Astronaut
6954	Renegade	1987	2 Astronauts
6987	Message-Intercept Base*	1988	5 Astronauts

* There are two versions of this set.

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 planetary body, probably Earth's moon

Moon

The Moon is Earth's only known natural satellite,There are a number of near-Earth asteroids including 3753 Cruithne that are co-orbital with Earth: their orbits bring them close to Earth for periods of time but then alter in the long term . These are quasi-satellites and not true moons. For more...

. 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

Battery (electricity)

An electrical battery is one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Since the invention of the first battery in 1800 by Alessandro Volta and especially since the technically improved Daniell cell in 1836, batteries have become a common power...

-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.)

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Notes
1616	Space Combi-Pack	1990	Yellow astronaut, Blue astronaut
1620	Astro Dart	1990	Yellow astronaut
1621	Lunar MPV Vehicle	1990	Blue astronaut
1974	Star Quest	1989	White astronaut
6770	Light & Sound Magma Carrier	1988	Yellow astronaut
6810	Laser Ranger	1989	Black astronaut
6828	Twin-Winged Spoiler	1988	Blue astronaut
6830	Space Patroller	1989	Yellow astronaut
6848	Strategic Pursuer	1988	Yellow astronaut
6850	Auxiliary Patroller	1989	Yellow astronaut
6875	Hovercraft	1988	Yellow astronaut
6884	Aero-Module	1988	Blue astronaut
6885	Crater Crawler	1988	Black astronaut
6893	Galactic Starship	1987	Blue astronaut, Yellow astronaut
6921	Monorail Accessory Track	1988
6925	Interplanetary Rover	1988	2 Yellow astronauts
6932	Stardefender "200"	1987	2 Yellow astronauts
6953	Cosmic Laser Launcher	1987	Yellow astronaut, 2 Red astronauts
6990	Monorail Transport System	1987	3 Yellow astronauts, 2 Blue astronauts

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, 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.

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Notes
6781	SP-Striker	1989	Space policeman, Space criminal
6831	Message Decoder	1989	Space policeman
6886	Galactic Peace Keeper	1989	Space policeman, Space criminal
6895	Spy-Trak I	1989	Space policeman, Space criminal
6955	Space Lock-Up Isolation Base	1989	2 Space policemen, Space criminal
6986	Mission Commander	1989	2 Space policemen, Space criminal
9402	Space Police Team

M:Tron (1990–1991)

In an effort to increase interactivity, Lego introduced magnet

Magnet

A magnet is a material or object that produces a magnetic field. This magnetic field is invisible but is responsible for the most notable property of a magnet: a force that pulls on other ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, and attracts or repels other magnets.A permanent magnet is an object...

s 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

Crane (machine)

A crane is a type of machine, generally equipped with a hoist, wire ropes or chains, and sheaves, that can be used both to lift and lower materials and to move them horizontally. It uses one or more simple machines to create mechanical advantage and thus move loads beyond the normal capability of...

-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. Note also that the British names for sets, while not as flashy and extreme sounding as their American equivalents, give a clear picture of vehicles meant for rescue and research.

Main sets

Reference	American name	UK name	Released	Minifigures	Elements	Notes
6811	Pulsar Charger	Micro Bike	1990	Space-Civilian	25
6833	Beacon Tracer	Inspection Buggy	1990	Space-Civilian	38
6877	Vector Detector	Search Craft	1990	Space-Civilian	59	2 magnets
6896	Celestial Forager	Astro Wrecker	1990	Space-Civilian	87	4 magnets
6923	Particle Ionizer *	Cosmicopter	1990	Space-Civilian	187	2 magnets
6956	Stellar Recon Voyager	Rescue Star Cruiser	1990	2 Space-Civilians	221	8 magnets
6989	Mega Core Magnetizer	Mobile Recovery Centre	1990	3 Space-Civilians	486	7 magnets

 * 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.

Bonus sets, value packs and others

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Elements	Notes
1478	Mobile Satellite Up-Link	1991	Space-Civilian	26	US only, part of value pack 1476.
6862	Secret Space Voyager	1991	3 Space-Civilians	(no parts included)	Building instructions only. Uses parts from sets 6877, 6896 and 6923 to build a Super Model. Released in US only.
6704	Space Mini-Figures	1991	2 "M:Tron" figs, 1 "Space Police I" fig, 1 "Blacktron I" fig, 2 "Blacktron II" figs		Contains some tools and weapons too.
9401	M:Tron Team	1993	2 Space-Civilians	25+38	Contains Pulsar Charger and Beacon Tracer.

Blacktron Future Generation (1991–1992)

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.

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Notes
1462/1694	Galactic Scout	1992	Pilot
1479	Double Scout	1991	2 Pilots
1887	Rocket Detector	1992	Pilot
6710	Space Landing Pads	1991
6741/6861	Super Vehicle	1991	3 Pilots
6812	Grid Trekkor	1991	Pilot
6832	Super Nova II	1991	Pilot
6851	Tri-Wheeled Tyrax	1991	Pilot
6878	Sub Orbital Guardian	1991	Pilot
6887	Allied Avenger	1991	Pilot
6933	Spectral Starguider	1991	2 Pilots
6981	Aerial Intruder	1991	2 Pilots
6988	Alpha Centauri Outpost	1991	5 Crewmen

Space Police II (1992–1993)

Space Police was the next theme to receive a makeover, 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 bullhorn), 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.

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

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Notes
1916/3015	Starion Patrol/Space Police Car	1993	Space policeman
1969	Bot Assistant	1993	Space policeman
6813	Galactic Chief	1993	Space Police Chief
6852	Sonar Security	1993	Space policeman
6897	Rebel Hunter	1992	Space policeman, Space criminal
6957	Solar Snooper	1992	2 Space policemen, Space criminal
6984	Galactic Mediator	1992	Space policemen, Space Police Chief, Space Criminal

Ice Planet 2002 (1993–1994)

Ice Planet took over the civilian race slot from Classic Space race, 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), ski

Ski

A ski is a long, flat device worn on the foot, usually attached through a boot, designed to help the wearer slide smoothly over snow. Originally intended as an aid to travel in snowy regions, they are now mainly used for recreational and sporting purposes...

s (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 dish

Satellite dish

A satellite dish is a dish-shaped type of parabolic antenna designed to receive microwaves from communications satellites, which transmit data transmissions or broadcasts, such as satellite television.-Principle of operation:...

es.

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. 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.

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Notes
1704	Ice Enlarger	1994	Astronaut
1711/1731/3014	Snow Scooter/Space Diver	1994	Astronaut
6814	Ice Tunnelator	1993	Astronaut
6834	Celestial Sled	1993	Astronaut
6879	Blizzard Baron	1993	Astronaut
6898	Ice-Sat V	1993	Astronaut
6973	Deep Freeze Defender	1993	3 Astronauts
6983	Ice Station Odyssey	1993	3 Astronauts

Unitron (1994–1995)

Taking over the "good guy" space race 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

PP3 battery

A nine-volt battery, the most common of which is designated a PP3 battery, is shaped as a rounded rectangular prism. 9-volt batteries are commonly used in pocket transistor radios, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, guitar effect units, and radio-controlled vehicle controllers...

 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.

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 races' largest starships). 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.

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Notes
1787	Crater Cruiser	1995	2 Space Soldiers
1789	Star Hawk II	1995	2 Space Soldiers
1793	Space Station Zenon	1995	3 Space Soldiers
6991	Monorail Transport Base	1994	4 Space Soldiers

Spyrius (1994–1995)

Red and black, with transparent blue canopies, Spyrius homeworld appeared to be a craggy, desolate moon. The Spyrius took over the "bad guy" race space 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 (found on Peeron). Commercial clips also featured a high scale attack of Spyrius against the monorail.

This nine-set theme was the first to feature robot

Robot

A robot is a mechanical or virtual intelligent agent that can perform tasks automatically or with guidance, typically by remote control. In practice a robot is usually an electro-mechanical machine that is guided by computer and electronic programming. Robots can be autonomous, semi-autonomous or...

 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 races). 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.

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Notes
1714/1754/1954/3013	Surveillance Scooter/Space Jet	1995	Space Spy
1843	Spyrius Attacker	1996	Space Spy
6835	Saucer Scout	1994	Space Spy
6889	Recon Robot	1994	Space Spy
6939	Saucer Centurion	1994	Space Spy, Droid
6949	Robo-Guardian	1994	2 Space Spies, Droid
6959	Lunar Launch Site	1994	2 Space Spies, Droid

Exploriens (1996)

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 fossil

Fossil

Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of animals , plants, and other organisms from the remote past...

s, 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).

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Notes
1737/6938	Scorpion Detector	1996	2 Space Explorers
1858	Cloud Cruiser	1996	Droid
6815	Hovertron	1996	Space Explorer
6854	Alien Fossilizer	1996	Space Explorer
6856	Planetary Decoder	1996	Space Explorer
6899	Nebula Outpost	1996	2 Space Explorers
6958	Android Base	1996	2 Space Explorers, Droid
6982	Explorien Starship	1996	3 Space Explorers, Droid

Roboforce (1997)

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

Humanoid

A humanoid is something that has an appearance resembling a human being. The term first appeared in 1912 to refer to fossils which were morphologically similar to, but not identical with, those of the human skeleton. Although this usage was common in the sciences for much of the 20th century, it...

 robos, equipped with buzz saws

SAWS

SAWS may refer to:*Peace be upon him , abbreviated as SAWS, phrase that Muslims often say after saying the name of a prophet of Islam*State Administration of Work Safety, government agency of the People's Republic of China...

 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

Animal

Animals are a major group of multicellular, eukaryotic organisms of the kingdom Animalia or Metazoa. Their body plan eventually becomes fixed as they develop, although some undergo a process of metamorphosis later on in their life. Most animals are motile, meaning they can move spontaneously and...

 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)

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Notes
2151	Robo Raider	1997	Robot Operator
2152	Robo Raptor	1997	Space Soldier
2153	Robo Stalker	1997	2 Robot Operators
2154	Robo Master	1997	2 Space Soldiers

UFO (1997–1998)

UFO was the first Lego space line to look alien

Extraterrestrial life in popular culture

In popular cultures, "extraterrestrials" are life forms — especially intelligent life forms— that are of extraterrestrial origin .-Historical ideas:-Pre-modern:...

 instead of human. All of UFO's minifigures were cybernetic in nature, and the race featured two wholly robot figures (the red one was said to be "Andy Droid" Ann Droid's brother stolen from the Explorians), 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.

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Notes
2847	UFO Flyer	1997	Red Alien
3012/6800/6816	Space Hover	1997	Droid
4305/6818	Cyborg Scout	1997	Blue Droid
6829	Radon Rover	1997	Blue Droid
6836	V-Wing Fighter	1997	Red Droid	not to be confused with 6205 V-wing Fighter of Star Wars
6900/6999	Cyber Saucer	1997	Blue Alien
6901/6902	Space Plane	1998	Red Droid
6915	Warp Wing-Fighter	1997	Red Alien, Red Droid
6975	Alien Avenger	1997	Red, Black, and Blue Aliens, Blue Droid
6979	Interstellar Starfighter	1997	Black and Red Aliens, Red Droid

Insectoids (1998–1999)

The second alien appearing race, 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

Insect

Insects are a class of living creatures within the arthropods that have a chitinous exoskeleton, a three-part body , three pairs of jointed legs, compound eyes, and two antennae...

 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. It also featured droids, even 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).

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Notes
2964	Space Spider	1998	Insectoid
2965	Hornet Scout	1998	Insectoid, Droid
3070	Mosquito	1999	Insectoid
3071	Light Flyer	1999	Insectoid
3072	Mega Tack	1999	Insectoid
3073	Booster	1999	Insectoid
6817	Beta Buzzer	1998	Insectoid
6837	Cosmic Creeper	1998	Insectoid
6903	Bug Blaster	1998	Insectoid
6905	Bi-Wing Blaster	1998	Insectoid, Droid
6907/6909	Sonic Stinger	1998	Insectoid
6919	Planetary Prowler	1998	Insectoid, Droid
6942/6943	Space Sled	1999	Insectoid
6969	Celestial Stinger	1998	2 Insectoids, Droid
6977	Arachnoid Star Base	1998	2 Insectoids, 2 Droids

Space Port (1999)

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)

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. Although set in the future, Life on Mars 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, Life on Mars sets were not as colorfully bold as sets from other Space themes. Transparent brown (or trans-black/"smoke," as it is popularly known) made its debut as a primary window and canopy color for Space with this theme.

Life On Mars 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 game Lego Racers 2

Lego Racers 2

Lego Racers 2 is the sequel to Lego Racers, released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2 and Game Boy Advance in 2001.There are five large worlds, starting with the hometown, Sandy Bay. The player then moves along to Dino Island, Mars, Arctic, and finally Xalax...

 had five racecourses centred around this theme, and several of the sets could be seen, such as the space shuttle and all three Martian mechs.

The Martian base was 7317 Aero Tube Hangar, and the Human base was 7315 Solar Explorer, although it isn't actually much of a ground base, just a shuttle and a small ground pod. The Aero tube hangar was particularilly popular among fans as all the other Martain sets connected to it.

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

Lego Star Wars

Lego Star Wars is a Lego theme that incorporates the Star Wars saga. The first Lego Star Wars, released in 1999, included model 7140, the first Lego X-Wing. Star Wars was the first intellectual property to be licensed in Lego Group history . The first few sets based on the original trilogy were...

 line of toys.

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Notes
1195	Life on Mars Welcome	2001	Martian, Astronaut
3750	Life on Mars Accessories	2001
7302	Worker Robot	2001	Martian
7303	Jet Scooter	2001	Martian
7308/7300	Double Hover	2001	Martian
7309/7301	Rover	2001	Astronaut
7310	Mono Jet	2001	Astronaut
7311	Red Planet Cruiser	2001	Martian
7312	T3-Trike	2001	Astronaut
7313	Red Planet Protector	2001	Martian
7314	Recon-Mech RP	2001	Martian
7315	Solar Explorer	2001	3 Astronauts
7316	Excavation Searcher	2001	3 Martians
7317	Aero Tube Hangar	2001	5 Martians
7320	Vega	2001
7321	Mizar	2001
7322	Altair	2001
7323	Guard	2001

Mars Mission (2007-2008)

Mars Mission

Lego Mars Mission

Mars Mission is a Lego theme that was released in mid-2007. It is set on Mars and features astronauts, aliens, and high-tech machinery. It has been cited as "delivering results on par with some of the strongest classic play themes in Lego history." Since 2009, it has been discontinued.- Plot :In...

 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. The logo used by the human explorers is very similar to the one in Classic Space, Futuron, Space Police I and Ice Planet, suggesting they are all the same space agency. The sets typically have more aliens than humans, although many aliens in the sets are captured ones. The alien ships also have more weapons than the humans, with some having more than 15 laser weapons. The largest human ship is the 7644 MX-81 Hypersonic Operations Aircraft, also called the MX-81 Hypersonic Spacecraft, and the largest alien ship without a doubt is the mothership. Popular human vehicles include 7692 MX-71 Recon Dropship and 7697 MT-51 Claw Tank Ambush. The human base is 7690 MB-01 Eagle Command Base (which uses a similar pump system to 7317 Aero Tube Hangar)The humans have a small "defense base"(also using the tube system) included in the alien mothership set. The aliens have no normal base, but they do have a main starcraft, their mothership. The line was released in May 2007. In 2008, new sets were released, which included new "Alien Commander" minifigures with movable(and removable) arms and legs.

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Notes
7690	MB-01 Eagle Command Base	2007	Astronauts (4), Aliens (4)
7691	ETX Alien Mothership Assault		Astronauts (2), Aliens (5)
7692	MX-71 Recon Dropship		Astronauts (2), Aliens (4)
7693	ETX Alien Strike		Astronaut, Aliens (2)
7694	MT-31 Trike		Astronaut, Alien
7695	MX-11 Astro Fighter		Astronaut, Alien
7697	MT-51 Claw Tank Ambush		Astronaut, Aliens (2)
7699	MT-101 Armoured Drilling Unit		Astronauts (3), Aliens (2)
7644	MX-81 Hypersonic Operations Aircraft	2008	Astronauts (3), Alien Commander, Alien
7645	MT-61 Crystal Reaper		Astronauts (3), Alien Commander, Aliens (2)
7646	ETX Alien Infiltrator		Astronauts (2), Alien Commander, Alien
7647	MX-41 Switch Fighter		Astronaut, Alien
7648	MT-21 Mobile Mining Unit		Astronaut, Alien
7649	MT-201 Ultra-Drill Walker		Astronauts (2), Alien Commander
5616	Mini Robot		Astronaut
5617	Alien Jet		Alien
5619	Crystal Hawk		Astronaut

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 aliens instead of a space criminal faction, 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 the Blacktrons may return in the coming years, 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 this could be after a crisis on earth that forced everyone to live in a futuristic setting in space. 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.

Reference	Name	Released	Minifigures	Notes
5969	Squidman Escape	2009	Squidman, Space Police Officer
5970	Freeze Ray Frenzy	2009	Kranxx, Space Police Officer
5971	Gold Heist	2009	Frenzy, Space Police Officer
5972	Space Truck Getaway	2009	Snake, Space Police Officer
5973	Hyperspeed Pursuit	2009	Skull Twin (2), Space Police Officer
5974	Galactic Enforcer	2009	Kranxx, Slizer, Space Police Officer (3)
5979	Max Security Transport	2009	Slizer, Snake, Space Police Officer	Special Edition
5980	Squidman's Pitstop	2009	Squidman, Skull Twin, Snake, Space Police Officer	Limited Edition
8399	K-9 Bot	2009	Space Police Officer
8400	Space Speeder	2009	Snake
5981	Raid VPR	2010	Rench, Space Police Commando
5982	Smash'n'Grab	2010	Squidtron, Space Police Commando
5983	Undercover Cruiser	2010	Jawson , Space Police Commando
5984	Lunar Limo	2010	Jawson , Brick Daddy , Space Police Commando
5985	Space Police Central	2010	Jawson , Craniac , Space Police Commando (2)

Alien Conquest (2011-Present)

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

Storyline

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.

Sets

Set #	Name	Date Released	Minifigures Included
7049	Alien Striker	2011	Alien Defense Unit trooper , Alien trooper
7050	Alien Defender	2011	Alien Defense Unit trooper , Alien pilot
7051	Tripod Invader	2011	Alien Defense Unit trooper , Alien Trooper , Civilian
7052	UFO Abduction	2011	Alien defense trooper , Alien pilot , Farmer
7065	Alien Mothership	2011	Alien Commander , News Reporter, "Alien Clinger"
7066	Earth Defense HQ	2011	Alien Defense Unit trooper (x2) ,Maintenance Worker, Alien Trooper ,Alien Android, Alien Clinger
7067	Jet-Copter Encounter	2011	Astronaut , Alien Pilot (x2)

Timeline of Lego Space themes

Year	Villains	Civilians	Heroes
1978–1987	Classic Space
1987–1988	Blacktron (I)	Futuron
1989			Space Police (I)
1990	Blacktron (II)	Futuron / M:Tron
1991		M:Tron
1992			Space Police (II)
1993		Ice Planet 2002
1994–1995	Spyrius		Unitron
1996		Exploriens
1997	UFO		Roboforce
1998		Insectoids
1999–2000			Rock Raiders Lego Rock Raiders Lego Rock Raiders was a Lego theme started 1999, and discontinued in 2000. Rock Raiders was the only theme in the Lego Underground series before Power Miners. The theme, while short-lived, featured sixteen sets and was backed-up by numerous story-related media, including several comic books and...  (Unofficial)
2001	Life on Mars
2002–2006	Series on hold for Lego Star Wars Lego Star Wars Lego Star Wars is a Lego theme that incorporates the Star Wars saga. The first Lego Star Wars, released in 1999, included model 7140, the first Lego X-Wing. Star Wars was the first intellectual property to be licensed in Lego Group history . The first few sets based on the original trilogy were...
2007–2008	Mars Mission
2009–2010	Space Police (III)
2011	Alien Conquest