The Zero-G assault stormtroopers, often referred to as spacetroopers, represented a specialized unit within the Imperial Stormtrooper Corps. Their primary function involved the capture of enemy vessels without causing damage. They also served as part of the Imperial Navy.
Spacetroopers were outfitted with specialized Zero-G armor to accomplish their objectives. This two-meter tall suit was designed to integrate with standard stormtrooper armor. The armor created an airtight environment suitable for the vacuum of space and incorporated propulsion systems, enabling spacetroopers to maneuver and engage in combat for prolonged durations in space. The Imperial Handbook: A Commander's Guide, the official manual for Imperial Military officers, likened the suit to a compact, single-pilot spacecraft. Leia Organa Solo, a prominent figure in the Rebel Alliance, conceded that this description was remarkably accurate, noting a single spacetrooper's ability to board and seize a blockade runner. Additionally, spacetroopers were regarded as the most elite soldiers in the galaxy.
The armor also enabled them to wield substantial firepower, effectively transforming each trooper into a light tank. Their weaponry included two shoulder-mounted, magazine-fed grenade launchers capable of firing concussion grenades, gas grenades, and stun grenades. They also had a blaster cannon integrated into their right gauntlet and a miniature proton torpedo launcher in their left gauntlet. Both gauntlets were equipped with laser cutters for breaching ship hulls.
During the Thrawn campaign, spacetroopers employed a more streamlined armor design in addition to the commonly seen bulky armor. This alternative design resembled a reinforced version of standard stormtrooper armor, offering enhanced flexibility but sacrificing firepower, protection, and mobility. It remains uncertain whether this model replaced the older design or served as a variant.
An early iteration of "Spacetrooper" armor emerged during the construction of the first Death Star but saw limited use. These units were stationed in various zero-G environments, such as areas outside the Death Star's artificial atmosphere. This configuration involved standard stormtrooper armor that had been vacuum-sealed, supplemented with a rebreather and a back-mounted jetpack. Lacking integrated weaponry, these troopers relied on handheld weapons. While offering reduced spatial mobility, this setup was lighter, smaller, and more maneuverable in confined spaces lacking atmosphere or gravity, such as within ships or bases.
Despite their advantages, spacetroopers possessed vulnerabilities. Their armor, being electronics-based, was susceptible to EMP bursts, which could render them immobile in space. Furthermore, their weapon systems were not suited for starfighter combat.
The concept of spacetroopers originated in the Clone Wars. The Galactic Marines tested prototype suits during the Battle of New Bornalex. Due to weapon malfunctions, the marines resorted to hand-to-hand combat and achieved victory. The Empire addressed these issues with a new armor design created by Dr. Nashiak Llalik, drawing inspiration from Llalik's abandoned Sunder 9 armor project, and subsequently deployed spacetroopers.
Platoons consisting of forty spacetroopers were deployed using Gamma-class assault shuttles. Well-coordinated assaults allowed for the swift capture of enemy capital ships.
Rom Mohc, the creator of the Dark Trooper Project, was a notable spacetrooper.
Spacetroopers, along with representatives from all specialized branches of the Stormtrooper Corps, were assigned to Darth Vader's personal Death Squadron. They were tasked with patrolling the exterior of the First Death Star. During the Battle of Endor, several spacetroopers engaged Rebel ships entering the Second Death Star.
Their use continued after Endor, prompting Leia to request that Rebel forces develop training and countermeasures against them. Wedge Antilles, commander of Rogue Squadron, suggested employing starfighter escorts due to the spacetroopers' inability to engage in aerial combat. General Crix Madine recommended implementing EMP measures to exploit their vulnerability.
During the Battle of Sluis Van in 9 ABY, spacetroopers were deployed in an attempt to seize several New Republic capital ships undergoing repairs at the Sluis Van Shipyards. However, Han Solo and Lando Calrissian successfully overrode the remote controls of the mole miners used as boarding craft by the capture teams, activating their drills. This action depressurized the ships' bridges, eliminating the standard stormtroopers and ejecting the spacetroopers into space, where they were confronted by Rogue Squadron. By the battle's conclusion, seven spacetroopers had been destroyed, and the remaining two initiated self-destruct sequences, with one damaging a Corvette in the process.
In 11 ABY, during the Battle of the Maw, two Spacetroopers were dispatched to the reactor of the Death Star prototype when the Imperials piloting the Battlestation detected an intruder. The intruder was revealed to be the Millennium Falcon, piloted by Han Solo, Mara Jade, and Lando Calrissian, who were attempting to sabotage the station by planting explosives. As the Spacetroopers engaged Jade, one was thrown into the reactor and killed. The other attempted to disarm the explosives as the Falcon escaped, succeeding with all but one, which detonated, killing him. Subsequently, additional Spacetroopers were sent to repair the reactor, fully aware of the lethal radiation levels and their likely demise. They successfully completed the repairs before succumbing to the radiation.
The 2009 Spacetrooper figure by Hasbro (their second Spacetrooper toy, the first based on the Light Spacetrooper armor) resembles a standard Stormtrooper with a jetpack and attachable breathing apparatus. It is armed with an E-11 blaster rifle and a weapon similar to a grenade launcher from the Battlefront series. Production photos from A New Hope show that effects designer Joe Johnston played the Spacetrooper, leading fans to speculate that the 2009 figure would feature Johnston's likeness. In a June 2008 Q&A, Hasbro stated they could not use Johnston's likeness on the figure, but joked about a "coincidental resemblance."