Space Armor

Specs on the Space Armor

. . . when Iron Man faced Sunturion and the Star Well in #142.

The Space Armor, Model IX, Mark I (referred to as #14C in its first appearance) is one of Iron Man’s specialty armors. While his standard suits are space-worthy, the Space Armor is designed for extended time outside of the atmosphere, up to two days in orbit (food and catheterization capable).

The life support, boot jets, and attitude maneuvering are powered by an onboard supply of liquid oxygen. The boot jets are Model III nuclear thrusters with sufficient power to produce escape velocity.

The Space Armor features a pentode chestbeam, an attempt at an ideal space and atmospheric proton beam. The pentode shape allows for a more accurate pulsing of laser beams when used on Earth. Other features include: vario-beam spotlight; an auto-camera mounted in the helmet; and Stark’s usual high-tech sensors.

Unfortunately the suit has two drawbacks. Despite the fact that it posses enormous power, the Space Armor is bulky and awkward in normal gravity much like the Hydro Armor. In addition, the suit was designed with a special cybernetic command software that is overly sensitive.

The special feature on this suit: Exo Units on the gauntlets. Long-range grapples, they can be shot outward and reeled in. Even when jettisoned, the hands are fully articulated, capable of retrieving objects or destroying them.

Armaments: repulsors; epaulet-mounted concussion-burst cannons; and a deflector beam.

An upgrade, Model IX, Mark II, appeared in issues 278 and 279 during the “Galactic Storm” saga.

This suit is marked by enormous gauntlets and a bulky helmet featuring a mouthless mask. But like other upgrades, the changes Tony made are far more than cosmetic. For example, the armor is coated with a material that radiates heat off of the armor like the heat tiles on the space shuttle.

The Mark II also features improved computing software and a Heads-Up Display (HUD). Information and graphics are projected directly onto the retina of Stark’s eye. Interface Mode allows connection with MS-DOS, UNIX, ITS, NeXT, and several so-called unknown computer systems, including the Kree OS, via an extension port/plug in the right gauntlet. Systems improvements also include an improved Systems Diagnostic and a more sophisticated life support system, adding an improved Medical Status Mode. An expanded Tactical Mode includes a Situation Analysis subroutine capable of running advanced simulations, giving Stark the predicted outcomes of various scenarios. Language Translation Circuits supplement the Communications Array.

Sensor upgrades include RADAR, Acoustical, Thermographic, and MRI, while a Full Scan Function can map an entire area, record it, and create a virtual environment for tactical simulations.

Although this armor was built prior to Stark’s infection by the techno-organic parasite, it did interface with the electromesh Stark wore to replace his nervous system. Unfortunately, the suit’s systems, along with the physical exertion of intergalactic battle, put a burden on Stark’s health, further weakening him.

The special feature on this suit: A holographic cloaking device that employs electromagnetic sheath technology. However, this cloaking field interferes with the neuroweb outfit Stark wore to replace his nervous system, and, as a result, seems more of a burden. Another weakness of the cloak is that it does not cover audio, such as the talking or walking of the wearer.

Armaments: repulsors, deflectors, and a TASER (located in the wrist of the right gauntlet). This model also contains an autodestruct system capable of creating a 10 kiloton blast—powered by the fusion reactor that powers the armor and its nuclear thrusters.

As seen in the Bad Blood mini series, Stark toyed with another space-faring armor: the Outer Atmospheric Armor. Still later, he created the Hypergravity Armor, which also has space applications.

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