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:''The Rocket Base is an [[Autobot]] [[Micromaster]] base from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
:''The Rocket Base is an [[Autobot]] [[Micromaster]] base from the [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''


[[File:Rocketbase-packageart.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|It's ADA-compliant!]]
[[File:Rocketbase-packageart.jpg|upright=2|thumb|It's ADA-compliant!]]
The enormously powerful '''Rocket Base''' is a potent force for good in the universe. Whether it's serving as the headquarters for [[Star Saber (Victory)|Star Saber]]'s team of [[Autobot]]s or shuttling interstellar hero [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] around the galaxy, it is a beacon standing tall against Decepticon tyranny. The base converts from a mobile launching pad and rocket into a full command center.  
The enormously powerful '''Rocket Base''' is a potent force for good in the universe. Whether it's serving as the headquarters for [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]]'s team of [[Autobot]]s or shuttling interstellar hero [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] around the galaxy, it is a beacon standing tall against Decepticon tyranny. The base converts from a mobile launching pad and rocket into a full command center.  


It is also known as the '''Shuttle Base''' (シャトル基地 ''Shuttle Kichi'').
It is also known as the '''Shuttle Base''' (シャトル基地 ''Shuttle Kichi'').
Line 9: Line 9:
==Fiction==
==Fiction==
===''Transformers Comic-Magazin''===
===''Transformers Comic-Magazin''===
The Rocket Base was deployed by the Autobots in order to prevent a nuclear sub from falling into Decepticon hands. {{storylink|Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 13|The Energon Trap}}
The Rocket Base was deployed by the Autobots in order to prevent a nuclear sub from falling into Decepticon hands. {{storylink|Transformers Comic-Magazin issue 13|The Energon Trap}}


===Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
===Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
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When planet [[Micro]] was rebuilt by the [[Powered Master]]s to protect the newly developed [[Energon Z]], Moonradar's Rocket Base formed the core of the [[Zone Base]], a sprawling installation formed of numerous interlocking stations manned by Micromasters which served to defend the planet. The Rocket Base served as a launch station for both the trustworthy Autobot [[Galaxy Shuttle]] and the "[[Galaxy Rocket]]", a spacecraft which could transform into a small base itself, which both transported Micromaster teams to planets all across the galaxy in order to protect them from the Decepticons attempting to making a "Zone" of their own. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|''Zone'' story page #1}}
When planet [[Micro]] was rebuilt by the [[Powered Master]]s to protect the newly developed [[Energon Z]], Moonradar's Rocket Base formed the core of the [[Zone Base]], a sprawling installation formed of numerous interlocking stations manned by Micromasters which served to defend the planet. The Rocket Base served as a launch station for both the trustworthy Autobot [[Galaxy Shuttle]] and the "[[Galaxy Rocket]]", a spacecraft which could transform into a small base itself, which both transported Micromaster teams to planets all across the galaxy in order to protect them from the Decepticons attempting to making a "Zone" of their own. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|''Zone'' story page #1}}


After defeating Decepticon attacks on various other planets, the Autobots on Zone itself soon came under attack by [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]], [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], and [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]], who sought the Energon Z for their master, [[Violen Jiger]]. The villains successfully purloined the energy source, but the Micromasters did not give up, transforming the Rocket Base and launching the Galaxy Rocket in pursuit of the Decepticons. Unfortunately, the tiny heroes were stopped in their tracks by [[Scorponok (G1)|BlackZarak]], but soon, [[Dai Atlas (Zone)|Dai Atlas]] and [[Sonic Bomber]] arrived to put the Decepticons in their place. {{storylink|Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!}}
After defeating Decepticon attacks on various other planets, the Autobots on Zone itself soon came under attack by [[Overlord (G1)|Overlord]], [[Bruticus (G1)|Bruticus]], [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], and [[Abominus (G1)|Abominus]], who sought the Energon Z for their master, [[Violengiguar]]. The villains successfully purloined the energy source, but the Micromasters did not give up, transforming the Rocket Base and launching the Galaxy Rocket in pursuit of the Decepticons. Unfortunately, the tiny heroes were stopped in their tracks by [[Scorponok (G1)|BlackZarak]], but soon, [[Dai Atlas (G1)|Dai Atlas]] and [[Sonic Bomber (G1)|Sonic Bomber]] arrived to put the Decepticons in their place. {{storylink|Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!}}


The Zone Base later came under Decepticon attack once more, this time at the hands of the monstrous [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], and was badly damaged in his assault. Galaxy Shuttle was stationed at the Rocket Base at the time, and was destroyed by the towering terror; the extent of the damage suffered by the Rocket Base, if it survived at all, is unclear. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|''Zone'' story page #8}}
The Zone Base later came under Decepticon attack once more, this time at the hands of the monstrous [[Metrotitan (G1)|Metrotitan]], and was badly damaged in his assault. Galaxy Shuttle was stationed at the Rocket Base at the time, and was destroyed by the towering terror; the extent of the damage suffered by the Rocket Base, if it survived at all, is unclear. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|''Zone'' story page #8}}


===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
===Dreamwave ''Generation One'' continuity===
[[File:Rocketbase-micromasters.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|The rocket Base in launch base mode, parked in Cybertron's Wastelands. Scale inflated for awesomeness.]]
[[File:Rocketbase-micromasters.jpg|left|thumb|The rocket Base in launch base mode, parked in Cybertron's Wastelands. Scale inflated for awesomeness.]]
The rocket was an enormous ship that could transport the rest of the command center via an unspecified form of compression. The base's equipment included laser blasters, a repair bay, and an interstellar communications and tracking center. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye}}
The rocket was an enormous ship that could transport the rest of the command center via an unspecified form of compression. The base's equipment included laser blasters, a repair bay, and an interstellar communications and tracking center. {{storylink|Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye}}


Line 31: Line 31:


Once there, it was parked in the [[Wastelands]] at a few kliks from [[Little Iacon]]. It served as their base of operations as they tried to persuade their fellow Micromasters that they had a higher calling. {{storylink|The Gray Race}}
Once there, it was parked in the [[Wastelands]] at a few kliks from [[Little Iacon]]. It served as their base of operations as they tried to persuade their fellow Micromasters that they had a higher calling. {{storylink|The Gray Race}}
{{-}}


===''Wings Universe''===
===''Wings Universe''===
Line 37: Line 36:


===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
===''Beast Wars: Uprising''===
The Rocket Base was an integrated part of [[Micropolis]] on a post-war Cybertron. Hot Rod traveled over the bridge connecting the [[Sky Hyper]] to the Rocket Base on his way to his [[Star Convoy (facility)|Star Convoy]] base, after being summoned to help fight against [[Lio Convoy]]'s [[Resistance|anti-government faction]]. {{storylink|Micro-Aggressions}}
The Rocket Base was an integrated part of [[Micropolis]] on a post-war Cybertron. Hot Rod traveled over the bridge connecting the [[Sky Hyper]] to the Rocket Base on his way to his [[Star Convoy (facility)|Star Convoy]] base, after being summoned to help fight against [[Lio Convoy (BW)|Lio Convoy]]'s [[Resistance (BWU)|anti-government faction]]. {{storylink|Micro-Aggressions}}


==Toys==
==Toys==
===''The Transformers''===
===''The Transformers''===
{{anchor|Generation 1}}[[File:CountdownToy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Guns and rockets are well and good, but it's the Autobots' superior ramp capability that will win the war.]]
{{anchor|Generation 1}}
* '''Countdown''' (Micromaster Rocket Base, 1989)
[[File:CountdownToy.jpg|upright=1.66|thumb|Guns and rockets are well and good, but it's the Autobots' superior ramp capability that will win the war.]]
**''Accessories'': [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] Lunar Rover/Micromaster commander, rocket, base, platform, large ramp, helipad, short ramps (3), mechanical arm, large double laser, small double lasers (2), large laser, gunner pod, scout vehicle.
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Countdown''' (Micromaster Rocket Base, [[1989]])}}</ul>
:*''Accessories'': Rocket, base, platform, large ramp, helipad, 3 short ramps, mechanical arm, large double laser, 2 small double lasers, large laser, gunner pod, scout vehicle


: The Rocket Base was sold in a large boxed package, along with ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|The Transformers]]'' Countdown; it was the largest toy of 1989. The base transforms from a comparatively compact launching pad modeled on the Space Shuttle crawlers, with a gantry tower and a large rocket ship. Rocket and base unfold into multiple ramps, platforms, and "buildings", along with a small "scout vehicle".
: Released in the sixth year of Hasbro's US [[The Transformers (toyline)|''Transformers'' toyline]] (fifth year in European markets), the Rocket Base was the largest toy of 1989's entire range: a mobile rocket-launching launching gantry modeled on the Space Shuttle crawlers with rocket, unfurling into a sprawling base with multiple roadways and stations for Micromasters to man. The base mode has numerous attachment points for the ramps that came with other Micromaster vehicles.
 
: This set came with the Micromaster [[Countdown (G1)#Toys|Countdown]].
 
:In addition to the identical Japanese release below, the Rocket Base was also redecoed to make the ''[[Microman]]: [[Microman#Micro Millennium (1998-2000)|LED Powers]]'' toy [[Microman#RocketBase|Micro Rocket Base]] – minus Countdown, as well as the mechanical arm accessory for whatever reason. A [[Lucky Draw figure|Lucky Draw]] version with a predominantly [[Microman#GoldRocket|gold and white deco]] was also available to a select few.


::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1989/Autobot/Countdown/countdown.htm More information on the Rocket Base (with Countdown) at TFU.info]''
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1989/Autobot/Countdown/countdown.htm More information on the Rocket Base (with Countdown) at TFU.info]''


===''Zone''===
{{anchor|Zone}}
* '''Rocket Base''' (Micromaster Rocket Base, 1990)
<ul class="iconlist">{{Bp-a1|'''Rocket Base''' (Micro Transformer Rocket Base, [[1990]])}}</ul>
**''ID number:'' '''C-330'''
:*''ID number:'' '''C-330'''
:*''Accessories'': Rocket, base, platform, large ramp, helipad, 3 short ramps, mechanical arm, large double laser, 2 small double lasers, large laser, gunner pod, scout vehicle
 
: Released in the ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1990 (Zone)|Zone]]'' portion of Takara's ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers]]'' toyline, this release of the Rocket Base is identical to the earlier American version of the toy, but also includes the full Micromaster [[Rescue Patrol Team#Toys|Rescue Patrol Team]] of [[Boater#Toys|Boater]], [[Fire#Toys|Fire]], [[Holi#Toys|Holi]], and [[Pīpō#Toys|Pīpō]].


: Identical to the earlier American version of the toy, this Japanese ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#Zone|Zone]]'' release also included the Micromaster [[Rescue Patrol Team]]. Countdown was rereleased as the identical [[Moonradar (Zone)#Toys|Moonradar]].
: This set comes with the commander [[Moonradar (G1)#Toys|Moonradar]], who is identical to Countdown.


: The [[Galaxy Shuttle#Toys|Galaxy Shuttle]] toy from the previous year was designed to interact with the Rocket Base.
: The [[Galaxy Shuttle#Toys|Galaxy Shuttle]] toy from the previous year's ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1989 (Victory)|Victory]]'' toyline was designed to sit in the launching space nominally used by the rocket.
{{--}}


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 64: Line 72:
* At some point in the Micromaster years, there were plans for a [[Micromaster carrier-base|base very similar to the Rocket Base]]. It is unknown whether it was an alternative design for the Rocket Base or meant to be released alongside it.
* At some point in the Micromaster years, there were plans for a [[Micromaster carrier-base|base very similar to the Rocket Base]]. It is unknown whether it was an alternative design for the Rocket Base or meant to be released alongside it.
* Countdown's base is another victim of [[Star system#Those poor, confused writers|galaxy/solar system]] confusion. His original tech spec states that the ship uses gravitational pulls to "slingshot across entire galaxies in seconds", as if that were physically possible (not that slingshotting across an entire solar system in seconds would be any more likely.) His ''[[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' profile adds in a mention of "experimental transwarp engines" to make this a bit more digestible, but retains a questionable mention of how the ship can "slingshot across the galaxy in mere moments."
* Countdown's base is another victim of [[Star system#Those poor, confused writers|galaxy/solar system]] confusion. His original tech spec states that the ship uses gravitational pulls to "slingshot across entire galaxies in seconds", as if that were physically possible (not that slingshotting across an entire solar system in seconds would be any more likely.) His ''[[Transformers: More than Meets the Eye|More than Meets the Eye]]'' profile adds in a mention of "experimental transwarp engines" to make this a bit more digestible, but retains a questionable mention of how the ship can "slingshot across the galaxy in mere moments."
* In the year 2000, the Rocket Base was reused, sans [[Countdown (G1)|Countdown]] and the base's mechanical arm, as the final toy released for the [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] [[Microman]] LED Powers line. It was [[redeco]]ed in black, silver, gold, and transparent dark green and titled [http://www.microforever.com/rocketbase.htm ''L-26 Micro Rocket Base with Shining Edison'']. No [[retool]]s were carried out, as the LED Powers Microman figures use pegs identical in size to those of Micromasters. As such, the L-26 Micro Rocket Base is fully compatible with Micromasters and other Micromaster bases.
*For color variation completists, Takara also released a Lucky Draw version of the Micro Rocket Base. It was cast mostly in white plastic.
*Undocumented in the instructions and in most promotional pictures is the fact that the upper level catwalk for the base mode is meant to attach to the two holes in the gantry to allow Micromasters access from the elevator to the rocket. Many promos mistakenly place the twin guns in those holes.
*Undocumented in the instructions and in most promotional pictures is the fact that the upper level catwalk for the base mode is meant to attach to the two holes in the gantry to allow Micromasters access from the elevator to the rocket. Many promos mistakenly place the twin guns in those holes.
[[File:BotropolisRescueMissionRocketBaseMode.jpg|upright=1.1|thumb|[[Sky Lynx (G1)|"YOU'RE WELCOME, LESSER SPACE TOYS!"]]]]
[[File:BotropolisRescueMissionRocketBaseMode.jpg|thumb|[[Sky Lynx (G1)|"YOU'RE WELCOME, LESSER SPACE TOYS!"]]]]


===Homages===
===Homages===
*While not as cut and dry an update as your average [[A.I.R. Lock System|Modulator]], the Rocket Base has been subject to several homages over the course of the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' ''[[War for Cybertron Trilogy (toyline)|War for Cybertron Trilogy]]'':
*While not as cut and dry an update as your average [[A.I.R. Lock System|Modulator]], the Rocket Base has been subject to several homages over the course of the ''[[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|Generations]]'' toylines:
**The ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' figure of [[Omega Supreme (G1)#Generations|Omega Supreme]], perhaps the most famous rocket with base in the franchise, was packaged with an update of Countdown.
**The ''[[War for Cybertron: Siege|Siege]]'' figure of [[Omega Supreme (G1)#War for Cybertron: Siege|Omega Supreme]], perhaps the most famous rocket with base in the franchise, was packaged with an update of Countdown. His redeco into ''[[Generations Selects (toyline)|Selects]]'' [[Guardian robot#Generations Selects|Guardian Robot]] hews closer to the Rocket Base colors.
**The ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'' iteration of [[Sky Lynx (G1)#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Sky Lynx]] picked up a base mode bearing a more noticeable resemblance to the opened Rocket Base.
**The ''[[War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Earthrise]]'' iteration of [[Sky Lynx (G1)#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Sky Lynx]] picked up a base mode bearing a more noticeable resemblance to the opened Rocket Base.
**Finally and most dramatically, the [[Amazon (website)|Amazon]] exclusive [[War for Cybertron: Earthrise#Store exclusives|Botropolis Rescue Mission]] set (seen right), marketed as something of an "expansion pack" for Sky Lynx, featured all new decoes for the Modulators [[Overair (facility)#Generations|Overair]] and [[Ironworks (facility)#Generations|Ironworks]] heavily homaging the Rocket Base, all the way up to including a reuse of ''Earthrise'' [[Doubledealer#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Doubledealer]]'s ICBM accessory, here redecoed directly after the titular rocket.
**The exclusive ''Earthrise'' [[War for Cybertron: Earthrise#Store exclusives|Botropolis Rescue Mission]] set (seen right), marketed as something of an "expansion pack" for Sky Lynx, featured all new decoes for the Modulators [[Overair (facility)#Generations|Overair]] and [[Ironworks (facility)#Generations|Ironworks]] heavily homaging the Rocket Base, all the way up to including a reuse of ''Earthrise'' [[Doubledealer#War for Cybertron: Earthrise|Doubledealer]]'s ICBM accessory, here redecoed directly after the titular rocket.
**The new deco of ''[[Transformers: Legacy|Legacy]]'' [[Galaxy Shuttle#Legacy|Galaxy Shuttle]]'s tender/launchpad is heavily homaging the Rocket Base.


===Foreign names===
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Rocket Base''' (ロケットベース ''Roketto Bēsu'')
*''Japanese:'' '''Rocket Base''' (ロケットベース ''Roketto Bēsu'')
*''French:'' '''Base Aerospatiale''' (Europe)
*''Dutch:'' '''Raketbasis'''


[[Category:Autobot bases]]
[[Category:Autobot bases]]

Latest revision as of 16:00, 30 March 2026

The Rocket Base is an Autobot Micromaster base from the Generation 1 continuity family.
It's ADA-compliant!

The enormously powerful Rocket Base is a potent force for good in the universe. Whether it's serving as the headquarters for Star Saber's team of Autobots or shuttling interstellar hero Countdown around the galaxy, it is a beacon standing tall against Decepticon tyranny. The base converts from a mobile launching pad and rocket into a full command center.

It is also known as the Shuttle Base (シャトル基地 Shuttle Kichi).

Fiction

[edit]

Transformers Comic-Magazin

[edit]

The Rocket Base was deployed by the Autobots in order to prevent a nuclear sub from falling into Decepticon hands. The Energon Trap

Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity

[edit]

Victory cartoon

[edit]

The Shuttle Base moves across the landscape on massive caterpillar treads as its crew scans the planet for Decepticon activity. Among its many levels are personal quarters, a laboratory, an infirmary, an armory, and more, while the exterior of the base is a rocket launch pad from which Galaxy Shuttle is deployed.



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Zone comic and story pages

[edit]

When planet Micro was rebuilt by the Powered Masters to protect the newly developed Energon Z, Moonradar's Rocket Base formed the core of the Zone Base, a sprawling installation formed of numerous interlocking stations manned by Micromasters which served to defend the planet. The Rocket Base served as a launch station for both the trustworthy Autobot Galaxy Shuttle and the "Galaxy Rocket", a spacecraft which could transform into a small base itself, which both transported Micromaster teams to planets all across the galaxy in order to protect them from the Decepticons attempting to making a "Zone" of their own. Zone story page #1

After defeating Decepticon attacks on various other planets, the Autobots on Zone itself soon came under attack by Overlord, Bruticus, Menasor, and Abominus, who sought the Energon Z for their master, Violengiguar. The villains successfully purloined the energy source, but the Micromasters did not give up, transforming the Rocket Base and launching the Galaxy Rocket in pursuit of the Decepticons. Unfortunately, the tiny heroes were stopped in their tracks by BlackZarak, but soon, Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber arrived to put the Decepticons in their place. Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!

The Zone Base later came under Decepticon attack once more, this time at the hands of the monstrous Metrotitan, and was badly damaged in his assault. Galaxy Shuttle was stationed at the Rocket Base at the time, and was destroyed by the towering terror; the extent of the damage suffered by the Rocket Base, if it survived at all, is unclear. Zone story page #8

Dreamwave Generation One continuity

[edit]
The rocket Base in launch base mode, parked in Cybertron's Wastelands. Scale inflated for awesomeness.

The rocket was an enormous ship that could transport the rest of the command center via an unspecified form of compression. The base's equipment included laser blasters, a repair bay, and an interstellar communications and tracking center. More than Meets the Eye

The Rocket Base's rocket ship transported Countdown and Groundshaker into the cosmos on a mission to search for Optimus Prime and his lost crew. Eventually, they parted ways with their search partners, Jetfire and Omega Supreme, and began tracking down rogue Decepticons. Their mission took them to Paradron, among other worlds, in pursuit of the Decepticons under Skystalker's command. In the end, the rocket ship ferried Countdown and Groundshaker back to Cybertron so they could ask for help. Destined for Nothing

Once there, it was parked in the Wastelands at a few kliks from Little Iacon. It served as their base of operations as they tried to persuade their fellow Micromasters that they had a higher calling. The Gray Race

Wings Universe

[edit]

By the year 2984, the Rocket Base was in operation on Cyberion. Hoist the Flag

Beast Wars: Uprising

[edit]

The Rocket Base was an integrated part of Micropolis on a post-war Cybertron. Hot Rod traveled over the bridge connecting the Sky Hyper to the Rocket Base on his way to his Star Convoy base, after being summoned to help fight against Lio Convoy's anti-government faction. Micro-Aggressions

Toys

[edit]

The Transformers

[edit]

Guns and rockets are well and good, but it's the Autobots' superior ramp capability that will win the war.
  • Countdown (Micromaster Rocket Base, 1989)
  • Accessories: Rocket, base, platform, large ramp, helipad, 3 short ramps, mechanical arm, large double laser, 2 small double lasers, large laser, gunner pod, scout vehicle
Released in the sixth year of Hasbro's US Transformers toyline (fifth year in European markets), the Rocket Base was the largest toy of 1989's entire range: a mobile rocket-launching launching gantry modeled on the Space Shuttle crawlers with rocket, unfurling into a sprawling base with multiple roadways and stations for Micromasters to man. The base mode has numerous attachment points for the ramps that came with other Micromaster vehicles.
This set came with the Micromaster Countdown.
In addition to the identical Japanese release below, the Rocket Base was also redecoed to make the Microman: LED Powers toy Micro Rocket Base – minus Countdown, as well as the mechanical arm accessory for whatever reason. A Lucky Draw version with a predominantly gold and white deco was also available to a select few.

  • Rocket Base (Micro Transformer Rocket Base, 1990)
  • ID number: C-330
  • Accessories: Rocket, base, platform, large ramp, helipad, 3 short ramps, mechanical arm, large double laser, 2 small double lasers, large laser, gunner pod, scout vehicle
Released in the Zone portion of Takara's Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers toyline, this release of the Rocket Base is identical to the earlier American version of the toy, but also includes the full Micromaster Rescue Patrol Team of Boater, Fire, Holi, and Pīpō.
This set comes with the commander Moonradar, who is identical to Countdown.
The Galaxy Shuttle toy from the previous year's Victory toyline was designed to sit in the launching space nominally used by the rocket.

Notes

[edit]
...FROM THE CUTTING EDGE OF THE SIXTIES!
  • The Rocket Base shown in the 1989 catalog has a vastly different, [[wikipedia:{{#if:|:}}Saturn V|{{#if:||Saturn V}}]]-esque rocket with five boosters and an extremely tapered nose. It transforms identically to the final version, however. The gantry is also different, in that there is no detachable platform to allow access to the rocket and instead there are latches to hold the rocket in place upright against the gantry. Said latches fold down to form the legs of the gantry platform in base mode. Also, two extra cannons fold out from two slots next to the large sculpted monitor detail in the main body of the base.
  • The design of the Rocket Base was used for the Autobots' Shuttle Base headquarters from 1989's Japanese series, Victory, though it only appeared in the cartoon and was never shown to transform. The toy wasn't released until the following year, during the Zone series, where it was called by its original American name of "Rocket Base" and was employed in fiction slightly differently.
    • While it is unclear if the Shuttle Base and the Rocket Base were originally intended to be the same structure, The Ark II has declared them to be so.
  • At some point in the Micromaster years, there were plans for a base very similar to the Rocket Base. It is unknown whether it was an alternative design for the Rocket Base or meant to be released alongside it.
  • Countdown's base is another victim of galaxy/solar system confusion. His original tech spec states that the ship uses gravitational pulls to "slingshot across entire galaxies in seconds", as if that were physically possible (not that slingshotting across an entire solar system in seconds would be any more likely.) His More than Meets the Eye profile adds in a mention of "experimental transwarp engines" to make this a bit more digestible, but retains a questionable mention of how the ship can "slingshot across the galaxy in mere moments."
  • Undocumented in the instructions and in most promotional pictures is the fact that the upper level catwalk for the base mode is meant to attach to the two holes in the gantry to allow Micromasters access from the elevator to the rocket. Many promos mistakenly place the twin guns in those holes.
"YOU'RE WELCOME, LESSER SPACE TOYS!"

Homages

[edit]
  • While not as cut and dry an update as your average Modulator, the Rocket Base has been subject to several homages over the course of the Generations toylines:
    • The Siege figure of Omega Supreme, perhaps the most famous rocket with base in the franchise, was packaged with an update of Countdown. His redeco into Selects Guardian Robot hews closer to the Rocket Base colors.
    • The Earthrise iteration of Sky Lynx picked up a base mode bearing a more noticeable resemblance to the opened Rocket Base.
    • The exclusive Earthrise Botropolis Rescue Mission set (seen right), marketed as something of an "expansion pack" for Sky Lynx, featured all new decoes for the Modulators Overair and Ironworks heavily homaging the Rocket Base, all the way up to including a reuse of Earthrise Doubledealer's ICBM accessory, here redecoed directly after the titular rocket.
    • The new deco of Legacy Galaxy Shuttle's tender/launchpad is heavily homaging the Rocket Base.

Foreign names

[edit]
  • Japanese: Rocket Base (ロケットベース Roketto Bēsu)
  • French: Base Aerospatiale (Europe)
  • Dutch: Raketbasis
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