Space Bridge

In the Transformers series, the Space Bridge is a device used by Transformers to travel between different planets, usually between Cybertron and Earth. A more limited version, only capable of travel to different points on a single planet or nearby locations, is known as a Ground Bridge.

Television

Transformers: Generation 1

The Space Bridge is created by Megatron in "Transport to Oblivion", as a method of transporting stolen energon cubes from Earth to Cybertron.

The TV series' version of the Space Bridge is a metal ring which creates a portal/vortex above it, sucking in its cargo, and sending it to Shockwave's receiving station on Cybertron.

The Space Bridge is no longer featured in the series after season two, although similar mechanisms, known as Warp Gates, are featured in season three. It is featured in the early episodes of Transformers: The Headmasters though, along with an Autobot Space Bridge.

Transformers: Robots in Disguise

A different kind of Space Bridge is featured in the Transformers: Robots in Disguise series. This version is a global transit network, designed by the Autobots and utilising Transwarp technology to enable them to get to any place on earth almost instantaneously.

Transformers: Energon

A Space Bridge is featured in Transformers: Energon. It is a ramp-like mechanism that is used to teleport between the various Autobot installations in earth's solar system.

Transformers: Cybertron

In Transformers: Cybertron, the Space Bridge is an ancient form of transit, activated by the combined power of the Omega Lock and the Cyber Planet Keys. At the series' end, a new Space Bridge is seen under construction.

Transformers Animated

A new version of the Space Bridge appears in Transformers Animated. This version has been built by the Autobots. It is a fork shaped device which, when activated, enlarges into an interdimensional gateway. Along with the Allspark, it is the greatest advantage the Autobots have over the Decepticons during the war. In season two, Megatron plots to create his own version of the Space Bridge, which will enable his Decepticons to invade Cybertron. In the two-part finale "A Bridge Too Close", the Space Bridge is completed, but is overloaded when Megatron uses two pieces of the Allspark to power it. It malfunctions, creating a vortex that sucks in Megatron and Starscream's head leaving the two stranded in empty space. Only the sacrifice of Omega Supreme, who absorbs the excess transwarp energy, closes the bridge. Following these events, Bulkhead and Isaac Sumdac construct a new Space Bridge at the top of Sumdac Tower, so that the Autobots can travel to Cybertron if need be.

Transformers: Prime

In Transformers: Prime, Space Bridges are ring-shaped portals in space, used by both Autobots and Decepticons to cover vast galactic distances. A scaled down version, known as the "Ground Bridge", is used by the Autobots on Earth to transport themselves anywhere on the planet.

Comics

Marvel Comics

In the Transformers comic, the Decepticon warlord Straxus commissions the creation of the Space Bridge so that his warriors can join with their brothers on Earth.

Although the Space Bridge's precise method of operation is never explained, it appears in the comic as two halves of a large, metallic bridge, with some sort of subspace tunnel connecting them. The Decepticons (or their prisoners) walk onto one end of the bridge on one planet, and when they reach its middle point, the subspace tunnel teleports them onto the opposite end on another planet.

According to early issues of the comic, the Space Bridge was originally constructed from the body of an imprisoned neutral scientist named Spanner. After a failed attempt by Blaster to put him out of his misery, his final fate is left unknown.

Though tactically vital to collaboration between the Decepticon forces on the two planets, the Space Bridge is also a heavy liability. It is difficult to defend against sabotage, and very hazardous to use; any combatant falling into the space on either side of the bridge is immediately destroyed. While in the throes of insanity, Megatron even uses his fusion cannon to blast the bridge in an apparent suicide bid.

The Space Bridge is eventually discarded in favour of the Trans-Time Dimensional Portal, a far safer, more efficient method of travel.

Live action

The Space Bridge is used in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen by Jetfire who reveals that it is the fastest means of transportation. Here it is presented as a form of teleportation, utilized by Seekers as well as the Dynasty of Primes for rapid transport. However, perhaps because of Jetfire's lack of practice, it causes the main protagonists to fly all over the area in Egypt and Sam Witwicky's left hand is burnt as a result (Covering Shia's hand injury). The Fallen also uses the Space Bridge himself near the climax of the film.

In Transformers: Dark of the Moon, five pillars for a space bridge and Sentinel Prime are recovered from the Ark while the Decepticons retrieved hundreds fifty years earlier. Using the pillars, Sentinel is able to transport hundreds of Decepticons to Earth and later bring Cybertron into space above Earth. When Optimus Prime blasts the Control Pillar for the space bridge with Shockwave's cannon, the bridge is temporarily deactivated but is reactivated by Dylan Gould before Sam Witwicky kills him. The Control Pillar is destroyed by Ratchet and Bumblebee causing the bridge to suck up all the Decepticon ships it transported from the moon into Cybertron which collapses as it wasn't fully transported and is destroyed.