SSSP (Science Special Search Party)

The , abbreviated as https://hicbc.com/tv/mebius/document/, was an organization from the 1966 tokusatsu TV series Ultraman. An International Science Police Organization, it is officially named the .
==Overview==
The SSSP is a subsidiary organization of the ISPO (), abbreviated as , which is not a military organization like the Earth Defense Force but rather a specialized police force. However, the SSSP is typically tasked with handling mysterious events, investigating anomalies, and defending Earth against extraterrestrial threats, missions that regular police forces cannot handle. 
Despite being a non-combat organization focused on investigating mysterious events, the team has often been involved in special missions to combat monsters. According to Muramatsu, the organization has been established for about 20 years.
The headquarters of the SSSP is located in Paris, with branches in India, Bolivia, New York, the Middle East, Brazil, London, Moscow, Turkey, and Japan. Communication with the headquarters from external locations can be done directly through operators, with the emergency contact number being 999.
In this series, the focus is on the team at the Japan (Far East) branch, which consists of five members, including Captain Muramatsu (referred to as Cap), followed by Chief Shin Hayata, Daisuke Arashi, Mitsuhiro Ide, and Personnel Officer Akiko Fuji. The young boy Isamu Hoshino was also appointed as a Special Personnel Officer in the middle of the series, and the title of special personnel was also awarded to the friendly kaiju Pigmon. The Japanese branch has also been visited by members from the Paris headquarters and Overseas branches. 
In addition to the Muramatsu team, other media has mentioned the Endo team, which performs missions in space, as well as units such as the Mizuno team and the Yamato team.
While originally depicted as having an emphasis on research rather than as a combat organization, the Science Patrol has managed to defeat many monsters on its own; indeed, the number of successes it has enjoyed is the highest of that of any defense team.
==History==
===Ultra Strategy, Mobilization of the Science Patrol!===
At the heart of the Japanese branch's establishment was Dr. Ichinotani and his colleagues, who appeared in Ultra Q. During the events of Tsuburaya Productions's certified PC game, Ultra Strategy, Mobilization of the Science Patrol!, which depicts the events between Ultra Q and Ultraman, the Science Patrol had been fighting against alien monsters long before the first appearance of the original Ultraman on Earth.
Initially, the founder, Dr. Ichinotani, was seriously injured when the nuclear dew monster Gold King attacked the Science Patrol's operations in the Hexagonal village (Ultra Strategy episode 1 "Birth of Japan's Branch of the Science Patrol") and subsequently retired from front-line work. In episode 31 of Ultraman, Cap Muramatsu mentioned that the Japan branch of the SSSP had existed for at least 20 years by that time.
===Ultraman===
The SSSP was formed to investigate and deal with events and incidents directly and indirectly related to Kaiju and aliens. After fighting alongside Ultraman on many occasions, the Japan Branch was destroyed by Zetton during its attack. The SSSP used a special anti-gravity weapon to defeat Zetton, showing that humanity could handle themselves. Eventually, the SSSP was dissolved, and presumably reformed into future attack teams. The data that the SSSP collected was used by GUYS in the future.
At some point they had sent Shingo Sakomizu, where he was protected by Zoffy from an alien fleet. He experienced the Rip-Van-Winkle as a result of his trip to space, which severely slowed his ageing. He eventually became the captain of GUYS.
===Ultraman Kaiju Legend: The 40 Year Old Truth===
40 years after Ultraman left Earth, the Japanese branch of the SSSP underwent reorganization. Due to the absorption of the organization by the Earth Defense Force, some members became part of the EDF, while others chose to leave.
==Bases==
===Japan Branch===
The Far East Base of the SSSP was founded by Dr. Ichinotani 20 years ago, located in the outskirts of Tokyo (west of the city). The base consists of two interconnected buildings, including a pentagonal silver structure surrounded by slopes, and a "headquarters" comprised of a pentagonal black building, along with ancillary structures such as Jet VTOL landing pads efficiently arranged.
The exterior walls of the base are made of reinforced concrete with added special alloys to withstand attacks from all light and heat rays. Inside, there is a large underground electronic command center, upstairs from which are interconnected team dormitories, fully-equipped guest lounges, storage rooms for recovered materials, and workshops for new equipment development. Automated drainage devices are also installed around the base to extinguish building fires. The base is staffed by resident personnel and guards for at least 24 hours a day to handle various emergencies.
As the series progressed, the base underwent several upgrades and renovations, including the installation of a large electronic intelligent system in the command center and the introduction of various radar and measuring instrument console systems.
However, due to its status as a crucial facility of the Far East Branch, the base often becomes a target for attacks. In Episode 39, the base was even invaded and destroyed internally by the Alien Zetton.
Far East Base Art.png|The floor plan of the Far East Base, an artwork drawn by Yuji Kaida.Science Special Investigation Team/Ultra Guard <Ultra Weapons Document 1>
SSSP HD 019.png|Command room
SSSP HD 008.png|Jet VTOL landing pad
===Sublight Spaceship Izanami===
The extraterrestrial department of the SSSP was testing sublight speed technology. Their base of operations was on board Sublight Spaceship Izanami. The ship has a docking bay that is able to store a Jet VTOL.
===Singapore Branch===
A division of the SSSP based in Singapore that is featured in Ultraman: A New Power of Singapore. Its only known member is Dr. Alisha Hoshi of the Space Organism Research Lab.
==Members==
===Japan Branch===
===Other Members===
==Arsenal==
The Science Patrol is equipped with numerous special equipment, so they can operate according to any situation. Development of equipment is done mainly in the science center, by Dr. Iwamoto and member Mitsuhiro Ide.
===Attire===
The Patrol personnel wear international-orange field uniforms under a regular duty blue business suit uniform with white trousers or skirts. When the order to go into the field is given, the outer suit is designed to be quickly removed in favor of the field uniform. Accompanying the field uniform are special helmets with ear fixtures that improve the reception of their communicator pins, and visors that provide visual aid, such as when using weapons. The field uniform/helmet combination also provides a degree of protection, such as from radiation, even enough to allow a human to operate in space without having to breathe or worry about the bends.
The uniforms of the SSSP are noteworthy, as they were international orange in dominant color, and based on those used in the film Forbidden Planet in having a mantle that descends from each shoulder in front with a curved hem. However, they wear white shirts and orange four-in-hand ties instead of a ribbed imitation of a sailor's striped shirt. Their tie tacks are emergency detectors; each flashes and beeps when a monster is near. They wear plastic airman's helmets with the insignia in the middle, which also appears on both descending parts of the mantle. As a precursor to the later Star Trek's communicator being incorporated into the insignia, theirs functions as a two-way radio once a tiny antenna is raised from the star on the insignia on the left.
In addition, the SSSP also possesses the following equipment and uniforms worn during special missions:
*: These are attachments for helmets. Developed to protect team members from various toxic gases, these high-performance masks are designed to cover the face completely.
*: This includes wet diving suits and scuba gear, capable of withstanding pressures up to 200 meters deep in the ocean and strong water currents.
*: Worn during exploration activities on Planet Q, these suits come with oxygen tanks. In emergency situations, oxygen can be jetted from the tanks, allowing for short flights of up to 500 meters.
SSSP outfit.png|Full SSSP attire
SSSP_outfits.png|SSSP uniform
SSSP Gas Mask.png|Gas Mask
Akiko Fuji TV HD 029.png|Diving Equipment
Space Suit.png|Space Suit
===Equipment===
*: Used to carry a member's identification.
*: Each Science Patrol officer is equipped with a small pin shaped as the organization's meteor emblem that has a radio transmitter of considerable power and range for its size--or, more likely, one that relies on a dense network of radio-communications relays. All the operator has to do is pull out the small antenna at the top of the pin to activate it and send a message.
**Science Patrol Shuriken: Shin Hayata threw a shuriken or shaken shaped like the Meteor Badge at Alien Baltan in episode 2. (On the DVD, it can actually be seen bouncing off before the film is edited to show it sticking into the monster.)
*Monster Translator: Invented by Matsuhiro Ide to translate any monster's language. It was used to communicate with the friendly monster Pigmon, in the second of the two episodes in which he appeared.
*: The basic sidearm carried by each Science Patrol member. When unholstered, the barrel flips out from the handle and the gun is ready to fire. The weapon discharges either a wave of what looks like electricity or, alternatively in some episodes, a thin beam of energy. Three of them can be combined for a "triple shot," which is powerful enough to take down a (revived) monster. It returns for an episode of Ultraman Dyna as an "older model". In Ultraman Mebius: Anderes Horizont, a super combat type with a truncated barrel reappeared as GUYS Security Department's standard weapon, and is used by GUYS investigator Yamanaka against an army of Alien Shaplay.
*: A heavy atomic gun that Daisuke Arashi uses frequently; it is his favorite weapon. Fashioned as a two-handed weapon—somewhat like a submachine gun with a massive barrel—it is clearly more powerful than the standard Supergun sidearm, and visually more impressive. It has at least three settings; stun, heat ray, and heavy damage. It is called the "gamma-ray gun" in the English dub.
*: A backpack-looking device developed by Ide that can generate a light wave barrier against intense beam attack. It was finished at some point before and used during the battle against Dodongo. An improved version would be equipped with the UG's Pointer.
*: A gun invented by Mitsuhiro Ide, that works on the same principle as Ultraman's Spacium Beam, and is thus mortally effective against Baltans. It is named after Mars, which contains Spacium, and the atomic number of Spacium, 133.
*: A large shoulder-mounted bazooka, also created by Matsuhiro Ide.
*: A two-handed blaster, which attacks a monster's nervous system. Stands for "Quickly eXtinguish Gun." Called the "M-Ray Gun" in the US version.
*: An attachment for the Supergun invented by Matsuhiro Ide, and used by him, that enables the gun to fire rapid shots. The effect is best described as a Gatling gun that disintegrates its target in parts. It is easily the most effective handheld weapon the Science Patrol has in its arsenal, yet Matsuhiro Ide only uses it twice; against Dorako II and Geronimon.
*: A rapid-fire gun that is stated to be 10 times stronger than the Spider Shot.
*: An ultra-small missile used to shot down X's meteorite-shaped egg.
*: In Revive! Ultraman, this equipment was made by Mitsuhiro Ide to recharge Ultraman's energy. The projectile took inspiration from the Energy Drinks Ide had found.
*: This is a weapon divided into a main body and a gun mount, typically used for firepower suppression and defensive combat.
*: This is a small-sized bomb with an effective throwing distance of 20 meters, usually stored in a box at the back of the member's belt.
*: Referred to as a "missile" by Ide, it is actually a "dropped bomb" type weapon released from an automatic open-close magazine on the underside of the Jet VTOL's fuselage.
*: Developed by Ide, this is a universal language translation device used for communication and deployed in actual combat with extraterrestrials.
*: Developed by Ide and Dr. Gonda of Tozai University, used for automatic translation of monster language.
*: Three new weapons developed by Ide, with different optical effects, including controlling light refraction, destroying light color absorption, and restricting light reflection angles.
*: A universal marker pen that can be torn off and stuck on wood or walls to indicate routes to other team members.
*: A device capable of dissolving building exteriors.
*: Capable of spraying fire extinguishing liquid from the air to extinguish fires.
*: Used to confirm the presence of Neronga or electricity.
*: A device used to determine direction during exploration.
*: A device used to detect the uranium magnetic waves of the Underground People.
*: Used to detect water bombs, with an effective range of 20 kilometers.
*: A camera capable of espionage photography.
Meteor Badge.png|Meteor Badge
Science Patrol Shuriken.png|Science Patrol Shuriken
Supergun.png|Supergun
Ray Gun.jpeg|Supergun extensions
SSSO Ray Guns.jpeg|Supergun
Spider-Shot.png|Spider-Shot
Barrier Machine.png|Barrier Machine
Mars 133.png|Marus 133
Mad Bazooka.png|Mad Bazooka
QX Gun.png|QX Gun
Spark 8.png|Spark 8
Needle Type S80.png|Needle Type S80
Thermal Beam Machine Gun.png|Thermal Beam Machine Gun
Napalm Grenade.png|Napalm Grenade
Powerful Drying Missile.png|Powerful Drying Missile
Monster Language Translator.png|Monster Language Translator
Spectrum Alpha Beta Gamma.png|Spectrum Alpha, Beta, and Gamma
SSSP Marker.png|Marker
SSSP Dissolver.png|Dissolver
Fire Extinguishing Liquid Spray Device.png|Fire Extinguishing Liquid Spray Device
Hand Radio Wave Detector.png|Hand Radio Wave Detector
Compass.png|Compass
Hydrogen Bomb Detector.png|Hydrogen Bomb Detector
Spy Camera.png|Spy Camera
===Mecha===
The SSSP operated many different vehicles, most of which are depicted by models. Their car was a customized 1961 rear engine air-cooled Corvair sedan, one of the smallest cars Chevrolet ever made.
*Jet VTOL: The Science Patrol's iconic principal craft, and is frequently just called the "VTOL." The prop for the Jet VTOL was originally from the 1962 Toho SF epic, Gorath, but repainted and probably modified for this series (it should be noted that the Gorath prop was slightly pointier than the rounded VTOL). Up to three are seen. A hydrogen-rocket modification is later built for it, allowing it to go into space. It is generally armed with missiles of varying quality, depending on the episode.
*Sub VTOL: A smaller, triangular version of the Jet VTOL, is actually an STOL with no VTOL capabilities. This was the vehicle piloted by Shin Hayata when he crashed it into Ultraman's "Travel Sphere" ship in Ultra Operation No.1, the first episode, and destroyed both. It is generally not used to attack monsters, as it lacks the heavier firepower and carrying space of the Jet VTOL.
*Submarines S16, S21 and S25: The Science Patrol's short-range, high crush-depth underwater submarines, all of which are airlifted by the Jet VTOL to lakes or other bodies of water one at a time.
*Underground Tank Vellucidar: The Science Patrol's subterranean vehicle with a huge drill at the front. Similar to the Mole from Thunderbirds, it is named after the underground world from Edgar Rice Burroughs's At the Earth's Core. It appears to have its own incidental music when it is first used.
*Special Search Party Private Car: A silver 1961 Chevrolet Corvair four-door sedan with the Science Patrol logo on the doors and roof.
Jet VTOL New.png|Jet VTOL
Ultrmn Ich Scnc Ptrl Sb VTOL.JPG|Sub VTOL
Ultrmn Ich Scnc S16 Sbmrn.JPG|S16 Submarine
Ultrmn Ich Scnc Ptrl Undrgrnd Tnk.JPG|Underground Tank Vellucidar
SSSP car.png|Science Patrol Car
==Other Media==
===ULTRAMAN===
The manga version of the defense team from the 2011 manga from HEROES magazine.
===The Rise of Ultraman===
===Shin Ultraman===
==Gallery==
===Ultraman===
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SSSP HD 002.png
SSSP HD 003.png
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SSSP HD 005.png
SSSP HD 006.png
SSSP HD 007.png
SSSP HD 0099.png
SSSP HD 010.png
1966-ultraman-science-john-7.jpg
SSSP HD 011.png
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SSSP HD 013.png
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SSSP HD 016.png
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SSSP HD 018.png
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SSSP HD 029.png
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SSSP HD 031.png
SSSP HD 032.png|A still from "Present from the Sky," immediately after Skydon has supposedly been dispatched. In the English version, the narrator says ominously, just as this still appears on screen, "But it was still too early to celebrate."
SSSP HD 033.png
SSSP HD 034.png
SSSP HD 035.png
SSSP HD 036.png
SSSP HD 037.png
===Ultraman Kaiju Legend: The 40 Year Old Truth===
Ultraman Kaiju Densetsu- 40_Years of Truth HD.jpeg
===Ultraman Mebius===
Sublight test ship Izana.png|The SSSP space branch under Captain Sakomizu in Ultraman Mebius
===Miscellaneous===
SSSP photo.png
SSSP II.png
SSSP B&W.png
SSSP hq.png
SSSP, Ultraman, and Eji Tsuburaya.png|SSSP alongside Ultraman, Magular, and Eiji Tsuburaya
Tumblr o3dz6j9fGY1qzt40qo1 1280.jpg|The SSSP come to Hoshino's aid as he's menaced by Bemular, Magular, and Red King
The Science Patrol photo.png
Ultrahq.jpg|Inner Workings of the SSSP HQ
SSSP 0.jpg
SSSP I.jpg
SSSP II.jpg
SSSP III.jpg
SSSP IV.jpg
SSSP V.jpg
==Trivia==
*The official name of SSSP was inspired by the popular television detective drama "Special Mobile Investigation Team" at that time. Ultra Special effects Magazine VOL.3 TV magazine Special pg 8–19
*In the novel "Ultraman" written by Tetsuo Kinjo, the SSSP is described as "each team consisting of five people, with a total of twenty teams and one hundred personnel".
==References==
Category:Ultraman
Category:Ultraman Characters
Category:Organizations
Category:Teams
Category:Defense Teams
Category:SSSP
Category:SSSP Members
Category:Ultra Strategy, Mobilization of the Science Patrol