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{{factions|minicon}}
{{factions|minicon|decepticon|autobot}}
{{picsneeded|fiction and repaints}}
{{picsneeded|fiction and repaints}}
:''Astroscope is a [[Mini-Con]] from the [[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy]] [[continuity family]].''
:''Astroscope is a [[Mini-Con]] from the [[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]] portion of the [[Unicron Trilogy continuity family]].''


[[File:Armada Astroscope cardart.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|At no point in the fiction has he been shown to emote by having all three eyes bug out comically. This is a crime.]]
[[File:Armada Astroscope cardart.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|At no point in the fiction has he been shown to emote by having all three eyes bug out comically. This is a crime.]]
'''Astroscope''' is a certified Mini-Con genius. He possesses great intelligence and scientific knowledge of unparalleled scope. He's more at home in the mental realm of pure theory and equation than [[Powerlinx]]ed to anyone. If he had his way, and there were no war, scientific study would be his life. Astroscope has made his peace with his fate, however, and the adventurous side of his personality loves the opportunities the war gives him to take his theories beyond the theoretical and help his friends.
'''Astroscope''' is a certified Mini-Con genius. He possesses great intelligence and scientific knowledge of unparalleled scope. He's more at home in the mental realm of pure theory and equation than [[Powerlinx]]ed to anyone. If he had his way, and there were no war, scientific study would be his life. Astroscope has made his peace with his fate, however, and the adventurous side of his personality loves the opportunities the war gives him to take his theories beyond the theoretical and help his friends.
{{TOCclear}}
 
{{bigquote|It's only a hypothesis... until I prove it, that is.|Astroscope's [[bio]] quote.}}


==Fiction==
==Fiction==
===''Armada'' cartoon===
===''Armada'' cartoon===
[[File:Desperate – Astroscope heeds the call.jpg|left|thumb]]
Astroscope's [[Mini-Con storage panel|Mini-Con panel]] was lost in a ravine somewhere on the [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. He was activated when his Space Mini-Con Team partner [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]] sent out a signal to combine with him and [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]]. They came together on Earth and joined as the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] for [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] of the Autobots, as he was falling from a great height. Using the power of the blaster, Optimus created a safe landing zone for himself and touched down harmlessly. {{storylink|Desperate}}
Astroscope's [[Mini-Con storage panel|Mini-Con panel]] was lost in a ravine somewhere on the [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. He was activated when his Space Mini-Con Team partner [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]] sent out a signal to combine with him and [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]]. They came together on Earth and joined as the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] for [[Optimus Prime (Armada)/Cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] of the Autobots, as he was falling from a great height. Using the power of the blaster, Optimus created a safe landing zone for himself and touched down harmlessly. {{storylink|Desperate}}


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Over-Run offered to use his null-reality pods to retrieve him, but unfortunately, they had been stolen and taken to the Decepticon base at [[Silver Ridge]]. To get them back, Astroscope took a hovercraft there along with Over-Run, Sparkplug, Mirage, [[Comettor (Armada)|Comettor]] and [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]]. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 2 of 4}} Luckily, the Decepticon troops were away at the time. Less luckily, several [[Herald of Unicron|Heralds of Unicron]] were there instead. Astroscope and the others managed to stay hidden until they left. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 3 of 4}} They located the null-reality pods, and Over-Run, Sparkplug, and Comettor successfully used them to bring back Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}}
Over-Run offered to use his null-reality pods to retrieve him, but unfortunately, they had been stolen and taken to the Decepticon base at [[Silver Ridge]]. To get them back, Astroscope took a hovercraft there along with Over-Run, Sparkplug, Mirage, [[Comettor (Armada)|Comettor]] and [[High Wire (Armada)|High Wire]]. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 2 of 4}} Luckily, the Decepticon troops were away at the time. Less luckily, several [[Herald of Unicron|Heralds of Unicron]] were there instead. Astroscope and the others managed to stay hidden until they left. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 3 of 4}} They located the null-reality pods, and Over-Run, Sparkplug, and Comettor successfully used them to bring back Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}}


Shortly afterwards, Astroscope joined the rest of the Earthbound Mini-Cons in traveling to Cybertron, which was soon to come under attack by [[Unicron]]. Upon arrival, they gathered at the [[Loop]] to combine their energies with the [[Mini-Con Matrix]], allowing for a mighty blast of energy which crippled the Chaos Bringer. {{storylink|The End}}
Shortly afterwards, Astroscope joined the rest of the Earthbound Mini-Cons in traveling to Cybertron, which was soon to come under attack by [[Unicron]]. Upon arrival, they gathered at the [[Loop]] to combine their energies with the [[Mini-Con Matrix]], allowing for a mighty blast of energy which crippled the Chaos Bringer. {{storylink|The End (Armada)|The End}}
{{--}}
{{--}}


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===''Armada''===
===''Armada''===
[[File:Armada-toy Astroscope.JPG|thumb|upright=1.66| You have no idea how hard it is to stand this thing up!]]
[[File:Armada-toy Astroscope.JPG|thumb|upright=1.66| You have no idea how hard it is to stand this thing up!]]
*'''Space Mini-Con Team''' (Basic, 2003)
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-mc|'''Space Mini-Con Team''' (Mini-Con 3-pack, [[2003]])}}</ul>
**''Japanese ID number'': '''MM-13'''
:*''Takara ID number'': '''MM-13'''
**''Accessories'': Missile
:*''Takara release date'': [[July 17]], 2003
:*''Accessories'': Missile
{{toydesigner|[[Hironori Kobayashi]] (Takara)}}


: Astroscope transforms into a space station with a spring-loaded missile launcher. Nifty! The male [[Powerlinx]] connection point on his teammate, [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]] can be used [[:File:Armada-toy Space Mini-Con Team.JPG|to dock onto Astroscope's space station form]]. He also forms the barrel of the combined [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] weapon. He was only available in the Space Team set with [[Sky Blast (Armada)|Sky Blast]] and [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]].
: ''[[Transformers: Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Astroscope transforms into a space station with a spring-loaded missile launcher. As a Mini-Con, he has a "[[Powerlinx]]" socket on the underside of his vehicle mode that allows him to attach to larger toys with compatible Powerlinx plugs, activating special [[gimmick]]s on the larger toys when attached to a "live" plug.


: The Space Team was put in "clamshell" packaging with other Mini-Con teams as "bonus buy" packs in several different store chains, including the [[Adventure Mini-Con Team]], [[Night Attack Mini-Con Team]], and [[Race Mini-Con Team|Road Assault Mini-Con Team]].
: He also has a rather fair amount of interactivity with his pack-in teammates [[Payload (Armada)#Toys|Payload]] and [[Sky Blast (Armada)#Toys|Sky Blast]]. The most obvious is that he can combine with the two of them to form the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)#Toys|Requiem Blaster]] cannon. In an undocumented feature, his station mode can also [[:File:Armada-toy Space Mini-Con Team.JPG|dock with Sky Blast in rocket mode]] thanks to the latter's Powerlinx-style plug near the control cabin, which seemingly exists for no other purpose. Nifty!
 
: In the [[Hasbro]] line, the Space Team were released in the third assortment of Mini-Con teams; the complete Team was also included "bonus buy" packs in several different store chains, clamshelled together with the [[Adventure Mini-Con Team#Toys|Adventure Team]], [[Night Attack Mini-Con Team#Toys|Night Attack Team]], and [[Race Mini-Con Team#RoadAssault|Road Assault Team]]. In Japan, it was part of the fifth wave of ''Legend of the Microns'' product, released in [[Calendar|July]] 2003. Aside from packaging, there are no noteworthy differences between the two companies' releases.  


: This mold was used to make [[Scrap Iron (Cybertron)|Scrap Iron]]. It was slated for a few other [[redeco]]es that were ultimately not released (see below).
: This mold was used to make [[Scrap Iron (Cybertron)|Scrap Iron]]. It was slated for a few other [[redeco]]es that were ultimately not released (see below).
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{{-}}{{anchor|Exdimensions}}
{{-}}{{anchor|Exdimensions}}
[[File:2003-spacemicron-xdimension-toys.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Space travel is going green!]]
[[File:Arm-toy Astroscope XD.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66|Space travel is going green!]]
*'''Space Micron Exdimensions''' (Basic, 2003)
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-mc|'''Space Micron Exdimensions''' (Mini-Con 3-pack, 2003)}}</ul>
**''Japanese ID number'': '''MM-14'''
:*''ID number'': '''MM-14'''
**''Accessories'': Missile
:*''Release date'': [[August 14]], 2003
:*''Accessories'': Missile


: For their Japanese [[Exdimensions]] release, the entire Space Team was redecoed in shades of green and brown... an oddly terrestrial color scheme for a space-based group.
: A limited-edition (but still regular-retail) [[redeco]] of the Space Team was made available in Japan as part of the [[Exdimensions]] series, in the sixth wave of ''Legends of the Microns'' product. The entire Team was redecoed in shades of green and brown... an oddly terrestrial color scheme for a space-based group.


: This toy also doubles as the separate character [[Mir]].
: This toy also doubles as the separate character [[Mir]].
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{{-}}{{anchor|Kabaya}}
{{-}}{{anchor|Kabaya}}
*'''Mir''' (Candy toy, 2003)
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-mc|'''Mir''' (Candy toy, 2003)}}</ul>
**''Change Micron ID number'': ?
:*''Change Micron ID number'': '''4'''
**''Accessories'': Missile
:*''Release date'': August ?? 2003
:*''Accessories'': Missile
 
: Astroscope was sold as an individual in the second series of [[Kabaya]] ''[[Change Micron]]'' [[candy toy]]s in Japan, packed with a baggie of fizzy ramune candy, sold primarily in grocery and convenience stores.


: Astroscope was sold as an individual in the second series of [[Kabaya]] "[[Change Micron]]" [[candy toy]]s in Japan. This mold is based on the original, but is in fact an entirely new mold with numerous minor sculpting differences. It's likely this toy is also not [[Gang-molding|gang-molded]] with his teammates like the original. The most notable differences between the [[Hasbro]]/[[TakaraTomy|Takara]] Astroscope and the Kabaya version is the latter has darker-blue plastic for the head, plus lacks the "solar panel" [[Paint operation|paint applications]] on the interior of his legs.
: This mold is based on the original, but is in fact an entirely new mold with numerous minor sculpting differences. It's likely this toy is also not [[Gang-molding|gang-molded]] with his teammates like the original. The most notable differences between the [[Hasbro]]/[[TakaraTomy|Takara]] Astroscope and the Kabaya version is the latter has darker-blue plastic for the head, plus lacks the "solar panel" [[Paint operation|paint applications]] on the interior of his legs.


::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Micron/CMMir/mir.htm More information on Change Micron Mir at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2003/Micron/CMMir/mir.htm More information on Change Micron Mir at TFU.info]''


{{-}}{{anchor|JetfirePackIn}}
{{-}}{{anchor|JetfirePackIn}}
*'''Jetfire w/ Comettor''' (Ultracon, 2003)
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Jetfire w/ Comettor''' (Giga-Con Class, 2003)}}</ul>
**''Accessories'': Missile
:*''Accessories'': Missile
 
: The Space Team was placed in a bubble attached to the top of normal ''Armada'' [[Jetfire (Armada)#Toys|Jetfire]] packages as a bonus-buy in [[Target]] stores for a limited time in the US.


: The Space Team was placed in a bubble attached to the top of normal ''Armada'' [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] packages as a bonus-buy in Target stores for a limited time in the US.
{{-}}{{anchor|TUB}}{{anchor|UnreleasedArmada}}
[[File:Unreleased Space Team.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-mc|'''Space Mini-Con Team''' (Mini-Con 3-pack, <strike>2004</strike>)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Missile


{{-}}{{anchor|UnreleasedArmada}}
: Test-shots of a slightly-altered Space Team have popped up from various sources. It's possible this was intended to be a mid-series deco-change for the team, though it looks unfinished at best. The team has ''exactly'' the same [[Paint operation|paint application]] layouts in exactly the same ''colors'' as the original.
*'''Space Mini-Con Team''' (Basic, 2004 unreleased)
**''Accessories'': Missile


: Test-shots of a slightly-altered Space Team have popped up from various sources. It's possible this was intended to be a mid-series deco-change for the team, though it looks unfinished at best. The team has ''exactly'' the same [[Paint operation|paint application]] layouts in exactly the same ''colors'' as the original. Astroscope's main body changed to off-white, while his lighter-blue legs and head turned black.
: Astroscope's main body changed to off-white, while his lighter-blue legs and head turned black.


::*''[https://web.archive.org/web/20130113020333/http://tfkenkon.com/collection/act281/ Gallery of the unreleased Armada Space Team at TFkenkon]''
{{Canceledtoy}}
{{Canceledtoy}}
{{-}}
{{--}}
 
===''Universe'' (2003)===
[[File:TFU03-toy Astroscope.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Now in Commie Red!]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-d1|'''Spacewarp''' (Ultra Class, <strike>[[2004]]</strike>?)}}</ul>
 
: ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Spacewarp#Toys|Spacewarp]] was an unproduced redeco of ''Armada'' Ultra-sized [[Jetfire (Armada)#Toys|Jetfire]], slated to come with a redeco of [[Comettor (Armada)#Universe (2003)|Comettor]] and the [[Space Mini-Con Team]]. Judging from ''Universe'' [[Ramjet (Universe)#Toys|Ramjet]] and [[Sunstorm (Universe)#Toys|Sunstorm]] each being packaged with four redecoed Mini-Cons whose names were unchanged, Astroscope would presumably have retained his name.
 
: This set was initially intended as a [[Toys"R"Us]] exclusive but was shelved because no retail chain ultimately ended up wanting to carry it. Spacewarp was among several proposed exclusives that were ultimately put into retail limbo during the waning of the ''Universe'' line.
 
: In [[2007]], the Spacewarp concept was modified and revived as ''Timelines'' [[Astrotrain (Cybertron)#Toys|Astrotrain]], one of the first exclusives available for purchase from the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]]. By this point, however, the Space Team molds were too worn out and were thusly replaced by a redeco of the [[Giant Planet Mini-Con Team|Giant Planet Team]] as the [[Sabotage Team]].
 
: In [[2015]], this unproduced deco became the basis of the separate character [[Boom Tube]].
 
::*''[https://web.archive.org/web/20071022040230/http://blackgears.com/gallery/micro2.html More information on the unreleased Spacewarp team at Black Gears]''
{{canceledtoy}}
{{--}}


===''Energon''===
===''Energon''===
*'''Ultra Magnus''' (Ultra, 2004)
[[File:Energontoy-SpaceTeam.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Note that Astroscope is mistransformed in the above photograph; his legs should be folded out as solar panels.]]
**''Accessories'': Missile
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Ultra Magnus''' (Command Class, [[2004]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Missile


: The Space Team was redecoed and packaged in with ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)|Ultra Magnus]]. Magnus was originally going to be packed with a new-characters redeco of the [[Street Speed Mini-Con Team]] ([[Brakedown (Energon)|Brakedown]], [[Clocker (Energon)|Clocker]] and [[Override (Energon)|Override]], no team name given), but this was changed at the last minute. Exactly why the change to the Space Team was made has yet to be determined.
: The Space Team was redecoed and packaged in with ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' Ultra-sized [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)#Toys|Ultra Magnus]]. Magnus was originally going to be packed with a new-characters redeco of the [[Street Speed Mini-Con Team]] ([[Brakedown (Energon)|Brakedown]], [[Clocker (Energon)|Clocker]] and [[Override (Energon)|Override]], no team name given), but this was changed at the last minute. Exactly why the change to the Space Team was made has yet to be determined.


: The toy was a last-minute redeco, along with [[Rapid Run (Energon)|Rapid Run]] and [[Treadbolt]]. As such, their packaging photography had to be completed before properly painted samples could be obtained, so the box-back photos use the original decos; Magnus's box also shows the original Street Speed Team rather than the Space Team.
: The toy was a last-minute redeco, along with [[Rapid Run (Energon)#Toys|Rapid Run]] and [[Treadbolt#Toys|Treadbolt]]. As such, their packaging photography had to be completed before properly painted samples could be obtained, so the box-back photos use the original decos; Magnus's box also shows the original Street Speed Team rather than the Space Team.


: Magnus, Rapid Run, and Treadbolt were produced in smaller numbers than the rest of the normal retail ''Energon'' line (reportedly only about 10,000 units each) and were only available in the initial shipments of the line. However, Magnus's shipment saw a very limited release, quickly replaced with the second assortment in the US, making him hard to come by. Magnus later showed up in much larger numbers in Australia, Canada, and some European markets, and was made available in Japan through [[e-HOBBY]] with the box altered via a black and white sticker, reflecting the Space Team's addition. The European release showed the correct Mini-Cons, in addition to the standard multi-language changes.
: Magnus, Rapid Run, and Treadbolt were produced in smaller numbers than the rest of the normal retail ''Energon'' line (reportedly only about 10,000 units each) and were only available in the initial shipments of the line. However, Magnus's shipment saw a ''very'' limited release, quickly replaced with the second assortment in the US, making him hard to come by. Magnus later showed up in much larger numbers in Australia, Canada, and some European markets, and was made available in Japan through [[e-HOBBY]] with the box altered via a black and white sticker, reflecting the Space Team's addition. The European release showed the correct Mini-Cons, in addition to the standard multi-language changes.


::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Mini-Con/Astroscope/astroscope.htm More information on ''Energon'' Astroscope at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2004/Mini-Con/Astroscope/astroscope.htm More information on ''Energon'' Astroscope at TFU.info]''


{{-}}{{anchor|EnergonMultiPack}}
{{-}}{{anchor|EnergonMultiPack}}
*'''Road Assault Mini-Con Team & Space Mini-Con Team''' (Multi-pack, 2004)
[[File:Race-2-Space.jpg|thumb|upright=0.66]]
**''Accessories'': Missile
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-mc|'''Race Mini-Con Team / Space Mini-Con Team''' (Multi-pack, 2004)}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Missile


: The Space Team was part of a Wal-Mart [[exclusive]] ''Energon''-series six-pack, in their original ''Armada'' deco. They came with the "Road Assault" version of the Race Team.
: An unaltered version of the ''Armada'' Space Team was released as part of an ''[[Transformers: Energon (toyline)|Energon]]''-series "Mini-Con 6-pack" with the [[Race Mini-Con Team|Road Assault Mini-Con Team]] (yet named the "Race Team" again).


===Unreleased===
: This set was exclusive to both [[Toys"R"Us]] and [[Walmart]] stores.
* Test-shots of a slightly altered Space Team have popped up from various sources. It's possible this was intended to be a mid-series deco-change for the team, though it looks unfinished at best. The team has ''exactly'' the same [[Paint operation|paint application]] layouts in exactly the same ''colors'' as the original. Astroscope's blue was changed to white.
{{--}}
 
[[File:TFU03-toy Astroscope.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Now in Commie Red!]]
*'''Spacewarp''' (Ultra, unreleased)
**''Accessories'': Missile


: The Space Team was also slated to be redecoed as pack-in partners for ''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' [[Spacewarp]]. When the toy was saved from limbo by [[Fun Publications]], they intended to keep the Mini-Con partners, but were told by [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] that the ''Armada''-era Team molds were too worn out to use again. As such, the team was replaced by a redeco of the [[Giant Planet Mini-Con Team]] when [[Astrotrain (Cybertron)|"Astrotrain"]] finally saw release. This version of Astroscope eventually became the basis of the separate character [[Boom Tube]].
===''War for Cybertron: Earthrise''===
* A new Astroscope figure was initially advertised as being included with [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]]'s [[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]] figure but was dropped due to cost reasons.
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Sky Lynx''' (Commander Class, [[2020]])}}</ul>


: A new Astroscope figure, still with a space station alternate mode, was initially advertised as being included with the ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'' [[Sky Lynx (G1)#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Sky Lynx]] figure<ref>The [https://transformers.hasbro.com/en-us/product/transformers-toys-generations-war-for-cybertron-earthrise-leader-wfc-e-24-sky-lynx-5-modes-11-inch:3BA292D3-2885-4602-A0CF-5FACC749E73D Hasbro webpage product description] reads: "ADD ACCESSORIES AND EFFECTS: Attach 2 included Fire Blasts accessories to the 2 included cannon accessories or to figure’s mouth to simulate fire-breathing. Comes with Astroscope figure with a satellite mode"</ref>, but it was dropped due to cost reasons.
{{Canceledtoy}}
{{Canceledtoy}}
{{--}}
{{--}}
===''Age of the Primes''===
[[File:AOTP_ArmadaJetfire.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Happy to see me after Sky Lynx gave me the boot?]]
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Armada Jetfire''' (Commander Class, [[2026]])}}</ul>
{{toydesigner|[[Mark Maher]] (Hasbro), [[Shogo Hasui]] (TakaraTomy)}}<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/DXHbtwTAFC4/ Design notes on ''Age of the Primes'' Jetfire] from [[Hasbro]] designer [[Mark Maher]] on Instagram.</ref>
: The ''[[Transformers: Age of the Primes|Age of the Primes]]'' Astroscope is bundled alongside the rest of his Space Mini-Con Team buddies with [[Jetfire_(Armada)#Age of the Primes|Jetfire]], serving as a revised version of his original toy. He transforms into a space station, though lacks the missile gimmick of the original in favor of featuring a port for [[Fire_Blast_effect|Fire Blast effects]].
: He retains his ability to combine with his teammates into the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]], forming the barrel. The weapon can be wielded by Jetfire.
: The set was revealed on [[April 13]] [[2026]], with pre-orders going up the following day.
::''[https://www.instagram.com/p/DXHbtwTAFC4/ Designer commentary on ''Age of the Primes'' Jetfire from Mark Maher on Instagram]''
{{comingsoontoy}}
{{-}}


==Notes==
==Notes==
* Astroscope's persona seems to be based on [[Mister Fantastic]] of the [[Fantastic Four]], to go with Sky Blast being the [[Human Torch]] and Payload being the [[Thing]]. Strangely, they are not known to have fought a robotic Joseph Stalin.
* Astroscope's persona seems to be based on [[Mister Fantastic]] of the [[Fantastic Four]], to go with Sky Blast being the [[Human Torch]] and Payload being the [[Thing]]. Strangely, they are not known to have fought a robotic Joseph Stalin.
* Astroscope's Japanese name comes from the Soviet (later Russian) space station {{w|Mir}}.
* Astroscope's Japanese name comes from the Soviet (later Russian) space station ''{{w|Mir}}'' (Мир).


===Foreign names===
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Mir''' (ミール ''Mīru''), '''Astroscope''' (アストロスコープ ''Asutorosukōpu'')
*''Japanese:'' '''Mir''' (ミール ''Mīru''), '''Astroscope''' (アストロスコープ ''Asutorosukōpu'')
*''Korean:'' '''Mir''' (밀 ''Mil'')


==External links==
==References==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130113020333/http://tfkenkon.com/collection/act281/ Gallery of the unreleased Armada Space Team at TFkenkon]
{{Reflist}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071022040230/http://blackgears.com/gallery/micro2.html Info about the unreleased Spacewarp team at Black Gears]


[[Category:Age of the Primes characters]]
[[Category:Armada combiners]]
[[Category:Armada Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Armada Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Candy toys]]
[[Category:Candy toys]]
[[Category:Combiners]]
[[Category:Energon combiners]]
[[Category:Energon Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Energon Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:Mini-Con combiners]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Scientists]]
[[Category:Universe combiners]]
[[Category:Universe Mini-Cons]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron: Earthrise Autobots]]

Latest revision as of 05:19, 15 May 2026

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Astroscope is a Mini-Con from the Armada portion of the Unicron Trilogy continuity family.
At no point in the fiction has he been shown to emote by having all three eyes bug out comically. This is a crime.

Astroscope is a certified Mini-Con genius. He possesses great intelligence and scientific knowledge of unparalleled scope. He's more at home in the mental realm of pure theory and equation than Powerlinxed to anyone. If he had his way, and there were no war, scientific study would be his life. Astroscope has made his peace with his fate, however, and the adventurous side of his personality loves the opportunities the war gives him to take his theories beyond the theoretical and help his friends.

{{#if:Astroscope's bio quote.|
“ It's only a hypothesis... until I prove it, that is. ”
{{#if:Astroscope's bio quote.|

—Astroscope's bio quote.{{#if:|, {{{3}}}}}

}}

}}

Fiction

[edit]

Armada cartoon

[edit]
File:Desperate – Astroscope heeds the call.jpg

Astroscope's Mini-Con panel was lost in a ravine somewhere on the moon. He was activated when his Space Mini-Con Team partner Sky Blast sent out a signal to combine with him and Payload. They came together on Earth and joined as the Requiem Blaster for Optimus Prime of the Autobots, as he was falling from a great height. Using the power of the blaster, Optimus created a safe landing zone for himself and touched down harmlessly. Desperate

Astroscope and his teammates briefly ran away from the Autobots, because they didn't want to be used for combat. After Optimus Prime rescued them from Thrust, he promised the Mini-Cons they would only join the battles against the Decepticons if they desired it — no Autobots would force them to fight. Runaway

True to his word, Optimus Prime left Astroscope and the others back at headquarters when the Autobots were called into battle against the Decepticons, with Smokescreen watching over them. The battle was only a lure for the Requiem Blaster, however, and Megatron and Thrust soon doubled back to attack the undermanned Autobot headquarters. Smokescreen fought bravely to defend the Space Mini-Con Team, but Megatron managed to subvert their programming and powerlinx with the trio, forcing them to form the Requiem Blaster and obliterate their Autobot protector. Sacrifice

Astroscope and the Space Team had little time to act as individuals after that, remaining powerlinxed as the Requiem Blaster as Megatron's personal weapon, and later when the Decepticons used the gun as one-third of the Hydra Cannon, before it was stolen by Thrust and used to provide power to the heart of Unicron. Sky Blast, Payload and Astroscope reawakened as individuals with the help of High Wire and the Street Action Team, who had journeyed to Unicron's core with Optimus Prime, Galvatron and the Earth children to grant the super-weapon Mini-Cons their freedom. Origin Astroscope fled Unicron aboard the Autobot Jetfire just before the Chaos-Bringer was finally destroyed. Mortal Combat

Dreamwave Armada comic

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Like his fellow members on the Space Team, Astroscope lived in Mini-Con village D10 until it was ransacked by the Decepticons and its inhabitants kidnapped. Armada #1 Following their escape from the Decepticons' cages, the Mini-Cons ended up crashing their starship into Earth's moon, where they would live peacefully for a long time in a moonbase. Eventually, Astroscope and the Space Team learned that the Mini-Cons who had crashed on the planet's surface had reawakened, and so they summoned their comrades to the moonbase. Armada #9 However, this also attracted the Decepticons, and the Mini-Cons found themselves under attack. Dualor ordered the hesitant Astroscope to launch the orbital mines, including the one with the "special payload". Armada #10

Despite their best efforts, the Mini-Cons were overrun, and they prepared to flee in escape pods. But as the Space Team were packing up in their Astro Lab, they were confronted by Sparkplug and Mirage, who wanted their help in saving Rad from the orbital mine. Astroscope initially refused, as there was no time for that, but he was eventually convinced. There were some bumps in the road, but the Space Team were eventually successful in towing the mine to an Autobot ship, with plenty of time left to get to an escape pod. Armada #11 On Earth, Astroscope learned that one pod that gone missing in Alaska, and he asked the Optimus Prime for help. However, the Autobots had a crisis of their own to deal with, so a dejected Astroscope left to listen to one of Rook's speeches about Mini-Con independence. Fortunately, Prime soon changed his mind and agreed to help the lost Mini-Cons. Fire & Ice During the mission, Astroscope reported that the escape pod was under two hundred feet of ice, and that the Mini-Cons on board were in protective sleep mode. Armada #13

When Optimus Prime suddenly disappeared during the retrieval of the pod, another Optimus Prime showed up at the Autobase. Astroscope examined the dying Prime and theorized that he was most likely from an alternate dimension. During the investigation that followed, the Autobots discovered residual space bridge energies in Big Sur National Park, California, and traveled to investigate. On site, Astroscope was amazed to find a null-reality pod, a trans-dimensional vessel only experimented with on Cybertron one million years prior. He concluded that it had been used by another interdimensional visitor, and by tracking a "spatial pulse", they found who it was: a Mini-Con named Over-Run. Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4 After bringing Over-Run back to base, Astroscope came up with another likely theory: that their own Optimus Prime had been lost in another dimension. Along with the rest of the Space Team, he planned to send a temporal probe through a space bridge to scan different realities for Prime.

Over-Run offered to use his null-reality pods to retrieve him, but unfortunately, they had been stolen and taken to the Decepticon base at Silver Ridge. To get them back, Astroscope took a hovercraft there along with Over-Run, Sparkplug, Mirage, Comettor and High Wire. Worlds Collide, Part 2 of 4 Luckily, the Decepticon troops were away at the time. Less luckily, several Heralds of Unicron were there instead. Astroscope and the others managed to stay hidden until they left. Worlds Collide, Part 3 of 4 They located the null-reality pods, and Over-Run, Sparkplug, and Comettor successfully used them to bring back Optimus Prime. Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4

Shortly afterwards, Astroscope joined the rest of the Earthbound Mini-Cons in traveling to Cybertron, which was soon to come under attack by Unicron. Upon arrival, they gathered at the Loop to combine their energies with the Mini-Con Matrix, allowing for a mighty blast of energy which crippled the Chaos Bringer. The End

Toys

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Armada

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You have no idea how hard it is to stand this thing up!
  • Space Mini-Con Team (Mini-Con 3-pack, 2003)
  • Takara ID number: MM-13
  • Takara release date: July 17, 2003
  • Accessories: Missile
  • Known designers: Hironori Kobayashi (Takara){{#if: |, {{{2}}}}}
Armada Astroscope transforms into a space station with a spring-loaded missile launcher. As a Mini-Con, he has a "Powerlinx" socket on the underside of his vehicle mode that allows him to attach to larger toys with compatible Powerlinx plugs, activating special gimmicks on the larger toys when attached to a "live" plug.
He also has a rather fair amount of interactivity with his pack-in teammates Payload and Sky Blast. The most obvious is that he can combine with the two of them to form the Requiem Blaster cannon. In an undocumented feature, his station mode can also dock with Sky Blast in rocket mode thanks to the latter's Powerlinx-style plug near the control cabin, which seemingly exists for no other purpose. Nifty!
In the Hasbro line, the Space Team were released in the third assortment of Mini-Con teams; the complete Team was also included "bonus buy" packs in several different store chains, clamshelled together with the Adventure Team, Night Attack Team, and Road Assault Team. In Japan, it was part of the fifth wave of Legend of the Microns product, released in July 2003. Aside from packaging, there are no noteworthy differences between the two companies' releases.
This mold was used to make Scrap Iron. It was slated for a few other redecoes that were ultimately not released (see below).


Space travel is going green!
  • Space Micron Exdimensions (Mini-Con 3-pack, 2003)
  • ID number: MM-14
  • Release date: August 14, 2003
  • Accessories: Missile
A limited-edition (but still regular-retail) redeco of the Space Team was made available in Japan as part of the Exdimensions series, in the sixth wave of Legends of the Microns product. The entire Team was redecoed in shades of green and brown... an oddly terrestrial color scheme for a space-based group.
This toy also doubles as the separate character Mir.


  • Mir (Candy toy, 2003)
  • Change Micron ID number: 4
  • Release date: August ?? 2003
  • Accessories: Missile
Astroscope was sold as an individual in the second series of Kabaya Change Micron candy toys in Japan, packed with a baggie of fizzy ramune candy, sold primarily in grocery and convenience stores.
This mold is based on the original, but is in fact an entirely new mold with numerous minor sculpting differences. It's likely this toy is also not gang-molded with his teammates like the original. The most notable differences between the Hasbro/Takara Astroscope and the Kabaya version is the latter has darker-blue plastic for the head, plus lacks the "solar panel" paint applications on the interior of his legs.


  • Jetfire w/ Comettor (Giga-Con Class, 2003)
  • Accessories: Missile
The Space Team was placed in a bubble attached to the top of normal Armada Jetfire packages as a bonus-buy in Target stores for a limited time in the US.


  • Space Mini-Con Team (Mini-Con 3-pack, 2004)
  • Accessories: Missile
Test-shots of a slightly-altered Space Team have popped up from various sources. It's possible this was intended to be a mid-series deco-change for the team, though it looks unfinished at best. The team has exactly the same paint application layouts in exactly the same colors as the original.
Astroscope's main body changed to off-white, while his lighter-blue legs and head turned black.
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Universe (2003)

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Now in Commie Red!
  • Spacewarp (Ultra Class, 2004?)
Universe Spacewarp was an unproduced redeco of Armada Ultra-sized Jetfire, slated to come with a redeco of Comettor and the Space Mini-Con Team. Judging from Universe Ramjet and Sunstorm each being packaged with four redecoed Mini-Cons whose names were unchanged, Astroscope would presumably have retained his name.
This set was initially intended as a Toys"R"Us exclusive but was shelved because no retail chain ultimately ended up wanting to carry it. Spacewarp was among several proposed exclusives that were ultimately put into retail limbo during the waning of the Universe line.
In 2007, the Spacewarp concept was modified and revived as Timelines Astrotrain, one of the first exclusives available for purchase from the Transformers Collectors' Club. By this point, however, the Space Team molds were too worn out and were thusly replaced by a redeco of the Giant Planet Team as the Sabotage Team.
In 2015, this unproduced deco became the basis of the separate character Boom Tube.
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Energon

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Note that Astroscope is mistransformed in the above photograph; his legs should be folded out as solar panels.
  • Ultra Magnus (Command Class, 2004)
  • Accessories: Missile
The Space Team was redecoed and packaged in with Energon Ultra-sized Ultra Magnus. Magnus was originally going to be packed with a new-characters redeco of the Street Speed Mini-Con Team (Brakedown, Clocker and Override, no team name given), but this was changed at the last minute. Exactly why the change to the Space Team was made has yet to be determined.
The toy was a last-minute redeco, along with Rapid Run and Treadbolt. As such, their packaging photography had to be completed before properly painted samples could be obtained, so the box-back photos use the original decos; Magnus's box also shows the original Street Speed Team rather than the Space Team.
Magnus, Rapid Run, and Treadbolt were produced in smaller numbers than the rest of the normal retail Energon line (reportedly only about 10,000 units each) and were only available in the initial shipments of the line. However, Magnus's shipment saw a very limited release, quickly replaced with the second assortment in the US, making him hard to come by. Magnus later showed up in much larger numbers in Australia, Canada, and some European markets, and was made available in Japan through e-HOBBY with the box altered via a black and white sticker, reflecting the Space Team's addition. The European release showed the correct Mini-Cons, in addition to the standard multi-language changes.


  • Race Mini-Con Team / Space Mini-Con Team (Multi-pack, 2004)
  • Accessories: Missile
An unaltered version of the Armada Space Team was released as part of an Energon-series "Mini-Con 6-pack" with the Road Assault Mini-Con Team (yet named the "Race Team" again).
This set was exclusive to both Toys"R"Us and Walmart stores.

War for Cybertron: Earthrise

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  • Sky Lynx (Commander Class, 2020)
A new Astroscope figure, still with a space station alternate mode, was initially advertised as being included with the Earthrise Sky Lynx figure<ref>The Hasbro webpage product description reads: "ADD ACCESSORIES AND EFFECTS: Attach 2 included Fire Blasts accessories to the 2 included cannon accessories or to figure’s mouth to simulate fire-breathing. Comes with Astroscope figure with a satellite mode"</ref>, but it was dropped due to cost reasons.
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Age of the Primes

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Happy to see me after Sky Lynx gave me the boot?
  • Armada Jetfire (Commander Class, 2026)
The Age of the Primes Astroscope is bundled alongside the rest of his Space Mini-Con Team buddies with Jetfire, serving as a revised version of his original toy. He transforms into a space station, though lacks the missile gimmick of the original in favor of featuring a port for Fire Blast effects.
He retains his ability to combine with his teammates into the Requiem Blaster, forming the barrel. The weapon can be wielded by Jetfire.
The set was revealed on April 13 2026, with pre-orders going up the following day.
Designer commentary on Age of the Primes Jetfire from Mark Maher on Instagram
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Notes

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  • Astroscope's persona seems to be based on Mister Fantastic of the Fantastic Four, to go with Sky Blast being the Human Torch and Payload being the Thing. Strangely, they are not known to have fought a robotic Joseph Stalin.
  • Astroscope's Japanese name comes from the Soviet (later Russian) space station [[wikipedia:{{#if:|:}}Mir|{{#if:||Mir}}]] (Мир).

Foreign names

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  • Japanese: Mir (ミール Mīru), Astroscope (アストロスコープ Asutorosukōpu)
  • Korean: Mir (밀 Mil)

References

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<references />
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