The Rocket Men were a group of space pirates who plundered planets for their riches. Their name was a reference to their use of jetpacks. (AUDIO: The Rocket Men ^[+]Error: Code 2 - no data stored in variables, cache or SMW., Return of the Rocket Men ^[+]Error: Code 2 - no data stored in variables, cache or SMW.) The Fourth Doctor described them as a "nefarious collection of criminals, blackguards and ne'er-do-wells". (AUDIO: Requiem for the Rocket Men ^[+]Error: Code 2 - no data stored in variables, cache or SMW.) The Reborn Master considered them to be "a pathetic ragtag group of no-hopers with delusions of power on a cosmic scale". (AUDIO: The Two Masters ^[+]John Dorney, Main Range (Big Finish Productions, 2016).)

History[]

The Rocket Men, led by Ashman, invaded Jobis to plunder its wealth in the form of crystal insects. They took Barbara Wright and Vicki Pallister prisoner on Platform Five, while Ian Chesterton disguised himself in one of the rocket suits. Only a scientific platform, where the First Doctor was situated, was able to hold out, when the Doctor quickly set up a defensive force field which they were unable to penetrate. The Doctor psychically communicated with the native species of giant manta ray and convinced them to attack the Rocket Men ship. Ashman was killed by one of the manta rays. (AUDIO: The Rocket Men ^[+]Error: Code 2 - no data stored in variables, cache or SMW.) Following Ashman's death, more than a dozen groups of his fellow Rocket Men began fighting for control of his territories. (AUDIO: Return of the Rocket Men ^[+]Error: Code 2 - no data stored in variables, cache or SMW.)

At some point, the Rocket Men, led by Van Cleef, encountered Steven Taylor, but he was saved by his future self, who was apparently shot dead. However, the future Steven survived the attack and managed to defeat Van Cleef, while the other Rocket Men retreated, having been tricked by the Doctor into believing that a Galactic Heritage Protectorate ship was on its way to intercept them. (AUDIO: Return of the Rocket Men ^[+]Error: Code 2 - no data stored in variables, cache or SMW.)

After Van Cleef's death, the Rocket Men put a bounty on the Doctor's head. (AUDIO: Requiem for the Rocket Men ^[+]Error: Code 2 - no data stored in variables, cache or SMW.)

The Rocket Men owned hundreds of slaves. It was not uncommon for the Rocket Men to recruit their members by kidnapping them and forcing them into a life of piracy. (AUDIO: Requiem for the Rocket Men ^[+]Error: Code 2 - no data stored in variables, cache or SMW.)

The Rocket Men's king, Shandar, later joined forces with the Decayed Master. The Fourth Doctor destroyed the Asteroid which contained their home base. (AUDIO: Requiem for the Rocket Men ^[+]Error: Code 2 - no data stored in variables, cache or SMW.)

After the destruction of the Asteroid, the Rocket Men became a much weaker force. To make ends meet, they stole whatever ship they could get their hands on, and used it to transport grain across the galaxy. The Seventh Doctor described them as "late period Rocket Men". (AUDIO: The Two Masters ^[+]John Dorney, Main Range (Big Finish Productions, 2016).)

During his search for Clara Oswald, the Eleventh Doctor encountered the Rocket Men. (AUDIO: Prequel to Geronimo! ^[+]Error: Code 2 - no data stored in variables, cache or SMW.)

The Third and Fourth Doctors' investigation into a potential new threat from Omega led them to the Sand Box on Earth, the supposed tomb of the One. One of the many visitors to the tomb were the Rocket Men, who had sworn to protect this resting place. When the Sand Box was opened, and its contents were let loose, many Rocket Men lost their lives. (AUDIO: The Box of Terrors ^[+]Lizzie Hopley, The Audio Novels (2023).)