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[[caption-width-right:350:To boldly go where no minifigure has gone before...[[note]]6990 Monorail Transport System from Futuron.[[/note]]]]
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''LEGO Space'' was launched in 1978 (or 1979 in North America) with some vaguely NASA-inspired color schemes and not much of a long-running story or characters. That was the case until 1987, when "themes" were introduced for the first time across ''[[Toys/LEGOCity Town]]'', ''Space'', and ''[[Toys/LEGOCastle Castle]]''. ''Space''[='=]s first themes were ''Blacktron'', which kicked off in '87 worldwide, and ''Futuron'', which launched in Europe in '87 and North America in '88. This began a long, continuous, and loosely-defined story starring a revolving door of factions that would last all the way into 1999.

''Toys/LEGOLifeOnMars'' and anything that ran afterward are generally counted separate from this era, as there was a two-year hiatus between and the end of ''Insectoids'' and the start of ''Life on Mars'', its stylistic technological shift back to a more probable near-future and the inclusion of two separate factions under the umbrella of a single set banner. ''Toys/RockRaiders'', strangely, is never counted as any sort of LEGO Space at all despite being explicitly set on a foreign planet and being released immediately after ''Insectoids''.

The following ''LEGO Space'' subthemes and related sci-fi themes have their own pages:
* ''Toys/ClassicLEGOSpace'' (1978-1987)
* ''Toys/LEGOSpacePolice'' (1989; 1992-1993; 2009-2010)
* ''Toys/LEGOLifeOnMars'' (2001)
* ''Toys/LEGOMarsMission'' (2007-2008)
* ''Toys/LEGOAlienConquest'' (2011)
* ''Toys/LEGOGalaxySquad'' (2013)

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!!This theme as a whole provides examples of:

* AbsentAliens: Up until the release of UFO in 1997, at least.
** In the early '90s, prototype sets were created for an [[UnderTheSea underwater alien faction]] called Seatron. It never saw the light of day, with WordOfGod stating it was too early to introduce aliens. This was probably the inspiration for the ''Toys/{{Aquazone}}'' theme, which includes recolors of several of the new pieces created for Seatron. [[http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110102030042/lego/images/f/f4/Seatron.png The prototypes can be seen here.]]
* TheAestheticsOfTechnology: Even the first sets following Toys/ClassicLEGOSpace are incredibly streamlined compared to the [[ISOStandardHumanSpaceship oblong, boxy designs]] that came before, and between this and the GenreShift they're considered to be far more advanced.
* AllThereInTheManual: The majority of each theme's lore is presented in LEGO magazines and catalogs, rather than in the sets themselves.
* CasualInterstellarTravel: Several factions are explicitly mentioned to be civilian in nature and their levels of technology seem roughly equivalent to those of the more militant factions.
* ColorCodedArmies: Each faction has its own color scheme (as well as its own general design convention), lending some personality to each and making it extremely easy to tell one from another.
* CustomUniform: If a faction has a designated leader his uniform will visibly reflect it, usually ranging from some extra TronLines on his helmet to fancy, formal shoulders.
* DetachmentCombat: The larger the vehicle, the more likely it can divide into multiple vessels or transform its components into another vehicle.
* DropShip: Most large ships function as this on a small scale, transporting one or two small land vehicles that lock into and out of the main chassis.
* EaglelandOsmosis: All the major reference websites use the US names for the sets, and therefore those names are far more widely used in such contexts as online auctions.
* InSpaceEveryoneCanSeeYourFace: With the odd villainous or alien exception, all space helmets feature a transparent (as well as [[ColorCodedForYourConvenience theme-colored]]) visor which clearly displays the minifigure's face.
* MarketBasedTitle: The sets were given different names in the US and the UK. Set 6891, for example, was "Gamma-V Laser Craft" in the US, but "Dark Star" in the UK.
* MotileVehicularComponents: Some ships are equipped with robot arms or swinging wings:
** The Classic LEGO Space ship 6822, the Space Grab, has a robot arm ending with a mechanical claw.
** 6901, the Mobile Lab, has a mechanical arm that can either be fitted with a shovel or a sensor array.
** 6940 is usually a Walking Tank, but its front and rear modules can be detached and linked to form a spaceship with an arm that, like 6822, ends with a claw.
** 6894, the Blacktron Cruiser, has wings and solar panels that can be set at different angles; so does its 2023 remake, 40580.
** 6939, the Saucer Centurion, has a claw-equipped arm.
** 6822 is a model of the Space Shuttle that mirrors the real life prototype with opening cargo bay doors and a robot arm.
* NameTron: Between Blacktron, M:Tron, and Unitron, LEGO loved the "tron" suffix in the eighties/early nineties...
* PlanetOfHats: More like Culture of Hats, since [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin only one faction]] centers around a particular planet.
* SciFiNameBuzzwords: Set names like Celestial Sled and Pulsar Charger are the norm here.
* SpaceBase: Played straight by all criminal factions, but with few exceptions all factions have stationary planetary bases; the rest just aren't terribly villainous. A couple even have [[CoolTrain space monorails]]!
* SpacePlane: Given the art depicting spaceships navigating atmospheres and the absence of specialized sets for planetary launches there's no reason to believe that any of the ships can't break orbit under their own power.
* SpacesuitsAreSCUBAGear: Helmets, hosed oxygen tanks and cool uniforms are the only things between a minifigure and the cold, unforgiving void.
* StandardSciFiFleet: No set builds a craft bigger than a scale corvette or frigate (probably due to the economy of making sets large enough to accommodate larger craft), but everything from there down is represented fairly thoroughly.
* TinCanRobot: Until the introduction of android minifigures in 1994, robots were the same boxy, brick-built designs seen in Toys/ClassicLegoSpace.
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!!Individual factions provide examples of the following:

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Blacktron (1987-1990)]]

Both the first criminal faction and the first truly defined faction. Blacktrons carry an air of mystery and intimidation with them, which comes just as much from their [[AddedAlliterativeAppeal menacing monochromatic motif]] as from the lack of additional materials to flesh their characters out. They antagonize the Futurons for unclear reasons.
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* AerithAndBob: Let's take a look at their sets: Renegade, Invader, Battrax, Alienator, Meteor Mo... ''Battrax?'' Averted in the UK, where the three vehicles were [[ThemeNaming theme named]] as the Strider, the Cruiser and the Prowler.
* BlackAndWhiteMorality: Played very straight against Futuron, both in sensibilities and actual colors.
* BlackKnight: Invoked by color motif and villainous nature.
* CombiningMecha: The [[http://www.peeron.com/scans/6954-1/13 instructions]] for the Renegade show how modules from other ships in the range can be linked to it to create a single large spaceship.
* FacelessGoons: Blacktron was the only faction for several years to conceal its minifigures' faces with opaque visors. This becomes especially unnerving when contrasted against the bright colors of their peers.
* FashionableAsymmetry: Unlike most LEGO spaceships, the Renegade is deliberately asymmetrical, with the pilot's cabin placed off-centre.
* GoodColorsEvilColors: Mostly black with some warm colors, signifying darkness and aggression and directly opposing the white-and-blue motif of Futuron.
* TheRemake: 2023 saw the appearance of set [[https://brickset.com/sets/40580-1/Blacktron-Cruiser 40580]] Blacktron Cruiser, a redesign of [[https://brickset.com/sets/6894-1 6894]] from the original line using modern bricks and building techniques.
* SpacePirates: They're clearly depicted attacking Futuron forces in several places. Motives aren't mentioned (short of Blacktron being labeled generally evil) but theft of resources wouldn't be a farfetched assumption.
* WeaponForIntimidation: Short of a clear yellow window and some sparse yellow appointments, every set is stark black. The designs are meant as much for psychological warfare as conventional.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Futuron (1988-1990)]]
No description of Futuron's motives or agenda exist, except that they are the "Valor squadron", which vaguely implies that they are good guys. Their uniforms and ship designs are an extension of the late Classic Space theme, with their spacesuits now featuring white torsos and new visored helmets. They also have a monorail, which is nice. They often find themselves defending against encroachments by Blacktron and are known to collaborate with M:Tron forces.
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* BlackAndWhiteMorality: Same as Blacktron entry.
* CoolTrain: The monorail in the [[SpaceBase Monorail Transport System]] set.
* EverythingIsAnIpodInTheFuture: Glossy whites and bright appointments on mostly minimalistic ships make the design philosophy of Futuron seem prophetic.
* GoodColorsEvilColors: White and shiny with most of the transparent pieces a deep blue, colors communicating peace and tranquility and opposite the blacks and reds of Blacktron.
* ToylessToylineCharacter: The Futuron comic advertisements feature a character named Major White, whose spacesuit fits the design motif of the Futuron astronauts but has a unique color scheme.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:M:Tron (1990-1991)]]
The M:Tron (presumably short for Magnet-Tron) faction introduced magnets to LEGO Space, utilized in sets as a means to grasp various cargo containers easily. M:Trons are a civilian group of nomadic miners and techs who maintain at least one [[BaseOnWheels mobile base of operations]] and harvest precious materials from remote locations, most visibly in the form of transparent yellow 1x1 round pieces. They've been seen [[http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090826143855/lego/images/c/c9/M-Tron-Futuron-1990.jpg collaborating with Futuron]] and ably defend themselves from attacks by both incarnations of Blacktron.
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* AsteroidMiners: M:Tron's hat (besides magnets, that is). While not specifically mentioned as asteroids, the cratered surfaces and open starfield skylines present in all depictions certainly suggest this.
* BaseOnWheels: The Mega/Multi-Core Magnetizer, a massive 6-wheeled crane/tank. This takes the place of the stationary SpaceBase of most other factions.
* BewareTheNiceOnes: M:Trons are content to mine and explore undisturbed but aren't afraid to stand their ground when threatened. A wing of Blacktron Future Generations ships is attacking an M:Tron mining party! Does M:Tron retreat? Hell no! [[http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/MTronHeroKodiak/catalog/91catalogmtron.jpg They taunt the enemy with a lone scout while radioing for backup and setting up a forward trench.]]
* BroughtToYouByTheLetterS: M:Tron astronauts are marked by the letter "M" on their torsos.
* FutureCopter: The [[https://brickset.com/sets/6923-1/Particle-Ioniser Particle Ionizer]] has a long, sharp body and a 4-pointed assembly on the top that could be seen either as helicopter blades or some kind of sensor platform. Considering that the overseas name for the set is Cosmicopter, though, the former seems more likely.
* {{Gimmick}}: Magnets; This was done on LEGO's part as an effort to emphasize sets more as interactive toys than static models.
* MilitaryMashupMachine: In a more literal sense than usual; A supplemental official instruction book details the process of cannibalizing three separate M:Tron sets (Vector Detector, Celestial Forager and Particle Ionizer) into the [[http://images.wikia.com/lego/images/b/bb/SSV.jpg Secret Space Voyager,]] a bulky craft that attempts to combine the utility and style of its component sets.
* RedIsHeroic: The first space faction with red ships. In regions where they were marketed as a rescue service, this makes them a Space Fire Brigade counterpart to the Space Police.
* SelectiveMagnetism: Why don't the magnets attract to ship hulls and personal equipment, too? It's actually not uncommon for technology used in space travel, both in reality and fiction, to be constructed of reinforced ceramics and plastics along with or in place of metal. This still wouldn't explain the ships' circuitry being immune to the ravages of powerful magnetic fields, though, but given the general softness of the setting the MST3KMantra should be all the explanation that's needed.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Blacktron Future Generation (1991-1992)]]
Possibly the same group with a new tech base and new uniforms, possibly a copycat group, possibly descendants of the original Blacktron. The only thing truly known about the nature or motivation of Blacktron Future Generation is that they share the antagonistic nature of their namesake. They oppose the M:Tron and Ice Planet 2002 factions and are out to steal their technology.
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* AerithAndBob: Giving wheeled land vehicles crazy names seems to be a Blacktron tradition; Just ask the Grid Trekkor [sic] and Tri-Wheeled Tyrax. Ships and mechs are still named with actual words. This doesn't extend to the Spectral Starguider for some reason.
* BroughtToYouByTheLetterS: In the same vein as M:Tron and unlike the previous iteration of Blacktron, the torsos of Future Generation astronauts are decorated with a large "B".
* EarlyBirdCameo: The [[https://brickset.com/sets/1875-1/Meteor-Monitor Meteor Monitor,]] a Blacktron set released in 1990 (as a two-year outlier to the faction's other releases), has a design that incorporates small amounts of white; This could be seen as a sort of missing link between the iterations of Blacktron.
* GenerationXerox: Averted. While the vehicle variety matches its predecessor's fairly closely, Blacktron Future Generation is its own animal in most other senses.
* MilitaryMashupMachine: In the same vein as M:Tron's; instructions for the less-than-creatively named [[https://brickset.com/sets/6861-2/Super-Model-Building-Instruction Blacktron Super Vehicle]] detail the combination of three sets (Allied Avenger, Sub-Orbital Guardian and Tri-Wheeled Tyrax) into a larger vehicle.
* OddlyNamedSequel2ElectricBoogaloo: Listed on the box as Blacktron: Future Generation. Only oddly named in that no other faction has a name in this format.
* SpacePirates: Same as the original Blacktron, with it being more explicit this time as Blacktron Future Generation are referred to as stealing technology and reselling it to the highest bidders.
* SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute: A few Blacktron Future Generation designs bear a striking resemblance to Futuron ships. Compare [[https://brickset.com/sets/6981-1/Aerial-Intruder Aerial Intruder]] / [[https://brickset.com/sets/6932-1/Stardefender-200 Stardefender 200]] and [[https://brickset.com/sets/6832-1/Super-Nova-II Super Nova II]] / [[https://brickset.com/sets/6830-1/Space-Patroller Space Patroller]].
* ToylessToylineCharacter: The ''Magazine/DisneyAdventures'' comics feature a named Blacktron Future Generation character named Commander Beltar. Beltar has a mustache, unlike all the clean-shaven astronauts in the actual sets.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Ice Planet 2002 (1993-1994)]]
Ice Planet 2002's sets focus on a group of scientists stationed on the remote [[SingleBiomePlanet ice planet]] Krysto who research new rocket and satellite technologies while carving out a livable colony from the harsh environment. They fend off incursions by Blacktron Future Generation and Spyrius (who show special interest in their satellite tech for espionage) and [[http://images.wikia.com/lego/images/4/4d/Ice-SpacePoliceII-1995.jpg maintain at least a working relationship with Space Police II.]]
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* AdvancedTech2000: By way of a change from all the {{NameTron}}s.
* ChainsawGood: The tool of choice on Krysto for pushing back the ice is the now-infamous orange transparent chainsaw.
* CoolOldGuy: Commander Cold, the aging {{Leader}} of the faction, who has no problem doing his share of the grunt work or leading his men in the defense of their colony.
* CripplingOverspecialization: The colonists have some space-capable craft in their fleet, but the majority of their vehicles are land-based and rely on skis for locomotion.
* DubNameChange: In the UK, Commander Cold is instead named "Commander Bear".
* EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep: The faction's name is not Ice Planet. It's actually "Ice Planet 2002".
* GoodColorsEvilColors: It's not as blindingly obvious as with Futuron and Blacktron, but the dominance of blue and white in Ice Planet 2002 sets marks them clearly as the good half versus Spyrius's black and red.
* HumanPopsicle: Literally in this case! On the far left of [[http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110629061222/lego/images/thumb/7/78/Ice_planet_2002_poster.png/800px-Ice_planet_2002_poster.png this official poster]] you'll see a Blacktron Future Generation agent encased in a block of ice and being carted away. No indication as to whether the science teams on Krysto have devised a working FreezeRay or if he was frozen in a more natural manner by happenstance.
* OrangeBlueContrast: In the sets themselves as opposed to the art. Pair the blue and neon orange coupling with splashes of black and white and the sets gain a very striking color motif based around balancing opposites.
* SingleBiomePlanet: Krysto; Basically [[Franchise/StarWars Hoth]] but with none of the native wildlife.
* TheSmurfettePrinciple: This was the first Space set to include an explicitly female minifigure Doctor Kelvin, complete with [[TertiarySexualCharacteristics lipstick and earrings]].
* SnowMeansCold: Krysto is covered in snow and ice and is (you guessed it!) cold enough to support them.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Spyrius (1994-1996)]]
Thieves and spies hailing from planet Spyrius. The Spyrians grab information and technology from other factions to further their own ends. They show a particular affinity for rocket/missile tech, likely to facilitate a [[SpySatellite covert intelligence network]], and as such show great interest in the research happening on Krysto. Unitron opposes Spyrius openly, [[http://media.peeron.com/catalogs/id/46/5/ having suffered at least one direct attack by them.]]
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* FlyingSaucer: Spyrius favors generally saucer-shaped designs for their spacecraft, notably [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin the Saucer Scout and Saucer Centurion]]. Looking at the space series as a whole, FridgeBrilliance may imply that they may have reverse-engineered their ships from stolen UFO technology, a faction that would appear a few years later.
* GoodColorsEvilColors: Their sets are dominated by blacks and reds opposite the prevalence of white and blue in Ice Planet 2002. Faction alignments are played straight here.
* HumongousMecha: The Robo-Guardian, in place of the usual flagship set. They also had a slightly less humongous mecha.
* NamedAfterTheirPlanet: The Spyrians comprising the faction are settlers of planet Spyrius.
* PermaStubble: One Spyrian astronaut sports some in addition to a classy mustache.
* RedAndBlackAndEvilAllOver: Their ships are red and black, and they're a villainous faction.
* RobotBuddy: The Spyrius droid Major Kartofski is a sort of inversion, since he is shown to be commanding Spyrian forces on the field rather than being the astronauts' sidekick.
* SpacePirate: In the same general vein as the Blacktrons, but with more of a focus on espionage.
* SpySatellite: Employed by Spyrius and deployed via remote rockets. The Spyrius base set is a launch facility for one such rocket.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Unitron (1994-1995)]]
Unitron is located at the "crossroads of the universe", where astronauts and aliens from all across the galaxy converge. Notable only for having a monorail that was sometimes attacked by giant Spyrius robots. A disorganized release schedule, short set list and shortage of fluff left this faction woefully underdeveloped despite recalling elements of old fan favorite sets and creating one of their own. Unitron is primarily seen combating Spyrius on their home turf.
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* CoolShades: [[TheLeader Unitron Chief's]] got some nifty space-mirrorshades.
* CoolTrain: The Monorail Transport Base features a space monorail, evocative of Futuron's Monorail Transport System.
* EarlyBirdCameo: The Monorail Transport Base set was released early in 1994 along with the bulk of the Spyrius sets, a good several months before the rest of Unitron and before the faction's name was even published!
* LegacyVesselNaming: Their flagship is named Star Hawk II. [[NoodleIncident What happened to the Star Hawk I is anyone's guess.]]
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Exploriens (1996)]]
Civilian scientists (with a specific bend towards xenoarchaeology this time). Exploriens sets made use of colored transparent pieces in a new way for LEGO: Multicolored pieces (alien fossils in the setting) were prevalent in this faction's sets, and when viewed by the naked eye or under red or blue filters they would reveal one of three different images. Their main enemy is initially Spyrius, until UFO shows up.
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* ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin: The Explorien's flagship, Explorien Starship.
* FamilyFriendlyFirearms: Shop at Home catalogs of the time persistently tried to pass off the larger sets' prominent cannons as "telescopic lasers" similar in purpose to ordinary telescopes.
* {{Gimmick}}: The red and blue color filter scanners.
* HumanoidAliens: Surprisingly averted; The fossils (an embryo in an egg and a lizard-like head with sharp teeth) seem to indicate that the race in question is saurian in nature.
* InsufficientlyAdvancedAlien: One of the fossils depicts a creature [[ExtremeOmnivore eating a bone]]. Assuming that all fossils depict the same species it doesn't seem likely that they got very far.
* PaletteSwap: The robot present in the Exploriens sets is nearly identical to those in Spyrius, save swapping red for white. Confirmed singular thanks to fluff naming her...
* PunnyName: Ann Droid, the resident robot helper and second confirmed female in LEGO Space (female personality, anyway).
* RobotBuddy: Ann Droid is the Exploriens' droid.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Roboforce (1997)]]
Roboforce was unique in their sets' focus on terrestrial vehicles, specifically [[HumongousMecha giant robots]]. Not explicitly listed as military or civilian, Roboforce fills an almost municipal role on the interstellar stage, with separate teams acting as a search-and-rescue force and a sort of space HomeGuard. Likely at least a partial inspiration for the [[Toys/LegoExoForce Exo-Force]] theme. Their enemy is UFO, as well as the occasional run-in with [[Toys/LEGOTimeCruisers Time Twisters]].
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* AnimalMecha: Both Green Class [[https://brickset.com/sets/2152-1/Robo-Raptor unit]] [[https://brickset.com/sets/2154-1/Robo-Master types]] have animal-inspired designs.
* CoolShades: Mirrorshades seem to be standard issue for Green Class Roboforce pilots.
* HumongousMecha: The general theme of the Roboforce faction.
* OddlySmallOrganization: It consists of literally four people.
* PhlebotinumBattery: All Roboforce mecha are fueled by "robo disks."
* ShoutOut: The Robo Master set contains a small escape vehicle with a sweep wing design very similar to the Unitrons' Star Hawk II. Popular opinion is that this was done as a nod by LEGO to the surprising reception of the previous set.
* ThemeNaming: Robo Raptor, Robo Stalker, Robo Master...
[[/folder]]

[[folder:UFO (1997-1999)]]
The first aliens to actually see release in LEGO Space. Their backstory and motivations change with each telling: ''LEGO Mania Magazine'' depicts them as invaders from planet Humorless, ''Bricks 'n Pieces'' casts them as freedom fighters from planet Xivos, and German adverts describe them as explorers from Zotax. The aliens of UFO are painted as an aggressive, militant society through their mechanical designs, vessel names, and if that wasn't enough, one catalog even shows them engaging in combat with the Exploriens the moment they see them, targeting their main starship and blasting it into pieces. They are also stated and shown to be enemies of Roboforce.
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* AdaptationalHeroism: In the United Kingdom, Commander X leads the UFO forces against the oppressive Black Droid Empire. In Germany, the UFO fleet are depicted as interdimensional explorers, with the Officer's profile mentioning that he fights for justice, and the ''World Club Magazine'' comics show the Star People helping Tim and Count Bat defeat the evil WickedWitch Izralda.
* AdaptationalVillainy: On the North American side of the story, the Humorless aliens are clearly antagonistic alien invaders.
* AlienAbduction: Confirmed with Andy Droid, who was stolen from the Exploriens.
* AmazingTechnicolorPopulation: Skin colors include transparent orange and green; Whether this is due to BizarreAlienBiology or cybernetic enhancements is never made clear.
* {{Cyborg}}: Their entire race appears to be mechanically modified to the point where (when combined again with possible BizarreAlienBiology) it's hard to tell where cybernetics end and natural features begin.
* DubNameChange: Andy Droid is known as Techdroid II in the United Kingdom.
* EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep: They likely don't refer to themselves as UFO, but for as mysterious as they are it may be their placeholder name for other factions.
* FlyingSaucer: Played completely straight with the [[https://brickset.com/sets/6900-1/Cyber-Saucer Cyber Saucer]] and invoked with the [[https://brickset.com/sets/6979-1/Interstellar-Starfighter Interstellar Starfighter's]] forward hull. The [[https://brickset.com/sets/6975-1/Alien-Avenger Alien Avenger]] also screams flying saucer.
* HumanoidAliens: Although they are the first LEGO aliens, they share the same basic build as human minifigures.
* LongLostRelative: [[PunnyName Andy Droid]], the brother/companion unit to the Exploriens' RobotBuddy Ann, was modified into the red droid present in UFO sets.
* NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast: Alpha Dragonis, the faction {{Leader}}.
* ShouldersOfDoom: Armor with generous, imposing shoulders (resembling [[Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers the original Green Ranger's chest shield/armor]]) is standard issue.
* ThemeNaming: In the UK, all the sets were named with a [[XtremeKoolLetterz leading X]]: Xcyber, Xabductor, Xalienator xetc.
[[/folder]]

[[folder:Insectoids (1998-1999)]]
The last set in the traditional LEGO Space theme. Insectoids features a race of alien nomads, the Zotaxians, displaced from their home planet after losing a CivilWar against their unjust ruler. They escape to {{Hol|lowWorld}}ox, a planet full of hostile [[BigCreepyCrawlies giant]] {{insect|oidAliens}}s called Bilgen Bugs and adapt their technology to [[AnimalMecha camouflage]] themselves with their new environment and to assist in the process of digging to the "inner sun" of the planet to tap its energy. Surprisingly, they were never shown interacting with UFO, Exploriens, or any other factions, but they DO appear in a crossover with ''Franchise/ScoobyDoo'' in ''LEGO Mania Magazine''.
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* AdaptationalHeroism: In European countries, the Insectoids are sympathetic heroes fleeing from an oppressive alien empire.
* AdaptationalVillainy: In North America, the Insectoids are mischievous alien invaders.
* AmazingTechnicolorPopulation: Three of the Zotaxian minifigures have bright blue skin, while three have dark grey skin.
* BaseOnWheels: The [[http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20090526122054/lego/images/f/fb/6977_Arachnoid_Star_Base.jpg Arachnoid Star Base]] is a base on ''legs''.
* BigCreepyCrawlies: The Bilgen Bugs; given the size of some of the Zotoxians' converted ships and tanks, they've got to be massive.
* {{Cyborg}}: Similar to the UFO aliens, the Zotoxians' entire race seems to have cybernetic qualities. It's a bit easier to tell which parts are which this time, however.
* DubNameChange:
** Every character has a different name in different markets: Gypsy Moth is known as Navigator Sharp in Germany and Insector 2 in the UK; Danny Longlegs is called Corporal Steel in Germany and Insector 1 in the UK; Captain Zec is called Captain Wizer in Germany; Insector Leon is called Techno Leon in Germany.
** In some countries' catalogs, the Zotaxians are instead called Otopians.
** Planet Holox is called Planet Armeron in ''World Club Magazine'' and ''Adventures! Magazine''.
* GoingNative: The Zotaxians are not InsectoidAliens themselves, nor were their vessels originally modeled after insects; They converted their ships to mimic the Bilgen Bugs' appearances to blend in and avoid attacks.
* HollowWorld: Holox contains varied environments beneath its surface. The planetary crust surrounds the “inner sun” core and the radiated energy is absorbed by crystalline Voltstones facing inward on the inside of the crust.
* HornetHole: The planet Holox, with its hole-covered surface, giant insects, and internal energy stockpile, is probably meant to suggest a beehive.
* HumanoidAliens: The Zotaxians, much like the Zotaxians from UFO.
* InsectoidAliens: Played straight by the Bilgen Bugs native to Holox, but averted by the Zotaxians as described above.
* IntercontinuityCrossover: The "Adventures of the LEGO Maniac" comic from the Insectoids issue of the Mania Magazine includes a crossover with ''Franchise/ScoobyDoo'', of all things, in order to promote a ''Scooby-Doo''-themed sweepstakes that LEGO was holding.
* LightningCanDoAnything: In the British story treatment, it is how the Voltstones are created.
* MeaningfulName: Gypsy Moth, the splinter Zotaxians' leader. Not only is her name somewhat prophetic of her faction's fate ([[UsefulNotes/{{Romani}} gypsies]] being known as wanderers and moths foreshadowing the Bilgen Bugs and the impending technological conversion), but the gypsy moth is known for flying through both day and night, a tenacious and industrious trait the Zotaxians must match in order to survive on their new home planet.
* MechanicalInsects: Many sets, specifically the larger ones, are modeled after insects. This was a choice of necessity, not style.
* NamedAfterTheirPlanet: Zotaxians originate from the planet Zotax.
* PhlebotinumBattery / PowerCrystal: The Zotaxians seek to convert the planet's Voltstones into a power source.
* SomeKindOfForceField: The Zotaxians build these around the holes in the planet Holox to keep the Bilgen Bugs inside.
* SpiderTank: The Arachnoid Star Base, which doubles as the Zotaxians' SpaceBase.
[[/folder]]
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