Futuron, the first evolution of Lego Classic Space, ran from 1987 to 1989. It operated with a design language that had slowly been gaining prominence in true Classic Space sets throughout the late 80s – transparent blue windscreens, white fuselages, transparent red accents.

What distinguishes Futuron sets from Classic Space sets with similar color schemes is the Futuron spacemen’s redesigned uniforms. The Classic Space insignia remains, but is now accompanied by a diagonal zipper that divides the torso into two triangles, one white. The infamously fragile Classic Space helmet was also redesigned to have a more robust chin bar and accommodate a new transparent faceplate piece.

The crown jewel of the Futuron line was the enormous 6990 Monorail Transport System, which brought a new level of grandeur and functionality to Lego space (with a 9V battery brick included, the monorail could actually move). With an MSRP of $155 at the time ($420 in today’s money), it is currently one of the most valuable sets on the aftermarket, with sealed examples going for over $2500 on the rare occasion they come up for sale.