Zero-G assault stormtrooper



Zero-G assault stormtroopers, commonly known as spacetroopers, were a specialized branch of the Imperial Stormtrooper Corps equipped and trained to capture enemy vessels intact. Their loyalty and skill were second only to that of the Emperor's Royal Guards.

Originating during the Clone Wars, the Galactic Marines tested prototype spacetrooper suits during the Battle of New Bornalex. The weapon systems failed, and the marines were forced to use hand-to-hand combat and succeeded. The Empire corrected the problem and made use of them.

To perform their missions, spacetroopers wore a two-meter tall suit of armor which interfaced with standard stormtrooper armor. The suit provided a hermetic seal against the vacuum of space and propulsion that allowed spacetroopers to move and fight in space for extended periods.



In addition, the suit allowed them to carry heavy firepower, turning each trooper into the equivalent of a light tank. Weapon systems included two shoulder mounted, magazine fed grenade launchers, a right gauntlet blaster cannon, and a left gauntlet miniature proton torpedo launcher. Each gauntlet also included laser cutters to penetrate ship hulls.

In addition to the large, boxy armor most commonly seen, spacetroopers during the Thrawn campaign made use of a more form fitting style of armor. This style appeared as a bulkier form of standard stormtrooper armor that afforded greater flexibility but greatly reduced firepower, armor and mobility. It is unclear if this model of spacetrooper armor replaced the older design or was a variant.

Platoons of forty spacetroopers were deployed from Gamma-class assault shuttles. Enemy capital ships could be easily overtaken with well organized assaults.

Notable spacetroopers include Rom Mohc, the developer of the Dark Trooper Project.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: X-wing Alliance
 * Scoundrel's Luck
 * Heir to the Empire
 * Thrawn Trilogy comics
 * The Darkstryder Campaign
 * The Kathol Rift
 * Champions of the Force