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{{era|FOR|H1|TF|FS|H3}}
{{Status|Canon}}
A '''Cryo-chamber''' is a chamber that allows all [[UNSC]] non-essential personnel to be frozen for long periods of time. They are basically large metal pods with form-fitting gel beds where the personnel are frozen until they are "needed". An example of this is the only surviving SPARTAN-II super soldier from when the [[Covenant]] made a surprising attack on the human military base on the planet Reach. This is the [[John-117|Master Chief]], who was stored in a cryo-chamber aboard the ship [[UNSC Pillar of Autumn]] and later Tech Chief [[Thom Shephard]] along with Tech Officer Sam Marcus, unsealed the Master Chief from the cryosleep chamber at the beginning of [[Halo: Combat Evolved]].
[[File:FUD Cryo.png|thumb|200px|A cryo-chamber aboard the {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}}.]]
A '''cryo-chamber''', often called a '''cryotube''',<ref name="poa">'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Combat Evolved level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''</ref><ref name="fs150">'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 150'' (''"John brushed off the frost buildup that clouded the top half of the cryotube, and revealed the green-armored figure sprawled behind the plastasteel shell."'')</ref><ref>'''[[Spartan Ops|Halo: Infinity]]''', ''[[Invasion (Spartan Ops)|Invasion]]''</ref> is [[plastasteel]] pod with a form-fitting gel bed that allows all of a starship's non-essential personnel to be [[Cryonics|cryonically frozen]] for long periods of time, most commonly during prolonged [[Slipstream space|slipspace]] jumps.{{Ref/Reuse|fs150}} An example of this is [[John-117]], who was stored in a cryo-chamber aboard the ship {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} and later unhatched from the cryosleep chamber by Tech Chief [[Thom Shephard]] along with Tech Officer [[Samuel Marcus]].


[[Image:CairoPlace.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The Halcyon Standard Cryo Tube]]
Known models of the cryo-chamber include the [[Mark VII Personal Suspension Unit]], manufactured by [[Jakubaitis Standard Systems]]. It was widely disliked by UNSC personnel because of its inferior moisture balancing; this resulted in dry, itchy skin for a day or more after awakening, known as "cryo-itch". It was later replaced by the [[Mark VIII Cryogenic Suspension Chamber]], although many older craft still use the Mark VII.<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''page 216''</ref>
The cryo-chambers are usually stored in their own areas of the ship. Each cryo-chamber will hold an individual for as long as necessary, provided they use a [[Bronchial Surfactant]], and can be ejected prior to a ship landing, thus saving some crew from harm to be recovered later. [[Spartan-058]], after being severely injured during the [[First Battle of Reach|fall of Reach]], was placed in a cryo-chamber in the [[UNSC Pillar of Autumn]]. Prior to the ship's landing on [[Installation 04]], her cryo-chamber was ejected, and she was picked up by the Master Chief at a later date.


Cryo-chambers are monitored by the Ship's [[Artificial Intelligence|AI]], and the AI can awaken crew members at a moment's notice. Cryo wake-up protocols demand that crew check each other to make sure everyone revives from cryo alright. There is usually a medical pod in cryogenics bays for emergency resuscitations. Many times people are stored in cryo-pods naked, as covered skin generally reacts badly to the cryo process, leaving skin raw and blistered.<ref>[[Halo: The Flood]], page 20</ref>
Cryo chambers are referred to as "the freezer" in slang.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''page 102''</ref> Another slang term for the chamber is "the Admiral's wife" because it is a "frosty bed". Being put in cryo is also referred to as being "put on ice."<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 21''</ref>


However, in Halo: Combat Evolved, the Master Chief emerges from the cryo-pod completely fitted in his [[armor]], using [[SPARTAN-II Program|Spartan]] training to ignore the pain. His enhanced physiology presumably allows for a quick recovery from superficial pain and injury such as this.<ref>[[Halo: The Flood]], page 21</ref>
==Technical specifications==
[[File:HCEA-CryoChamberSide.png|thumb|200px|A standard cryo-chamber aboard a [[Halcyon-class light cruiser|''Halcyon''-class light cruiser]].]]
The cryo-chambers are usually stored in a dedicated area of the ship, commonly referred to as a "cryo bay".{{Ref/Reuse|poa}} Cryo chambers are monitored by the ship's [[Artificial intelligence|AI]], and the AI can awaken crew members at a moment's notice. Cryo-computers are designed to change the pharmaceuticals dosage if an individual appears as though they might wake from cryogenic sleep.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 60'' (''"The cryo-computer observed a surge of activity in Avery’s brain-an effort to yank himself out of REM-and upped his dosage."'')</ref> Cryo wake-up protocols demand that crew check each other to make sure everyone revives from cryo all right. There is usually a medical pod in cryogenics bays for emergency resuscitation situations.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 14'' (2001 edition)</ref>


It is unknown whether the [[Covenant]] has a similar technology, but it is likely considering the vast distances of interstellar space their ships likely need to travel. Even though Covenant ships are much faster than UNSC ships, [[Slipspace]] travel is still not instantaneous.
To prevent ice crystals from forming in one's cells, a person going into cryosleep must be injected with a chemical known as [[cytoprethaline]].<ref name="fud">'''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]'''</ref> A substance known as [[bronchial surfactant]] must also be ingested to protect the lungs. Individuals in cryo tubes are given a steady supply of pharmaceuticals that control the frequency and duration of cryosleep cycles along with influencing the content of their dreams.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 60''</ref> While in cryo, humans do not age; as a result many UNSC military personnel, who routinely undergo long stretches of cryosleep during slipspace travel, effectively age slower than most civilians.<ref>'''[[Halo: New Blood]]''', ''page 17'' (Google Play edition)</ref>


After the [[Battle of Installation 00|battle of Installation 00]], after the [[Arbiter (character)|Arbiter]] flies the front half of the ''[[UNSC Forward Unto Dawn]]'' through the [[Ark Portal]], the back section with the Chief and Cortana remain behind. Cortana sends out a signal, but it will take years for it to reach somewhere. To wait until then, the Chief goes into cryo sleep until someone finds him.
Extended periods in cryosleep can result in a condition often called [[freezer burn]] which is a pain caused by cryo pharmaceuticals trapped in muscles and joints.<ref>'''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''', ''page 107''</ref> People are almost always stored in cryotubes naked, as covered skin generally reacts badly to the cryo process, leaving skin raw and blistered.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 20''</ref> However, it is possible for [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartans]] to go into cryo chambers fully armored, using their conditioning and training to ignore the pain.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 21''</ref> Cadets at [[Corbulo Academy of Military Science|Corbulo Academy]] regularly wore carbon-black skintight clothing during cryo training; the use of these "cryo suits" did not lead to the blistering frequently caused by normal clothing. As of the year [[2557]], UNSC personnel on at least some ships are given special white jumpsuits to wear when going into cryo.{{Ref/Reuse|fud}}


== Trivia ==
Entering cryo can also be used as an emergency measure. Often a person may be placed in cryo in order to save them from succumbing to grievous injuries, such as in the case of [[Linda-058]], who was placed in a cryo-chamber after being severely injured during the [[Fall of Reach]], and successfully revived later despite being previously declared clinically dead. Each chamber will hold an individual for as long as necessary, and can be ejected prior to an emergency landing, thus saving some crew from harm to be recovered later. Some pods feature [[slow-impulse thruster]]s for limited maneuvering in the event of ejection.<ref>'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''' (2010), ''Adjunct''</ref> After the aft section of the {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} was left drifting in space years from rescue, the [[John-117|Master Chief]] entered cryo sleep in order to survive the wait for rescue. When the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} was left adrift in space without a slipspace drive, its crew entered cryosleep for 28 years, only to be awakened when the ship unexpectedly arrived at [[Installation 00]].
{{Clear}}


*Cryo-chambers are referred to as "the freezer" in slang.<ref>[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]], page 102</ref>
==Trivia==
*It it appears that the Cryo-chambers in Halo 3 are slightly different from the original version in Halo: Combat Evolved, this may simply be due to graphics improvement or it could be that the technology has improved (which is plausible due to relativity, less time passes for those on board a ship, although not enough; cryo-chambers are still needed for longer journeys, even when using [[Slipspace]] travel).
*The [[slipspace field pod]] is the [[Forerunner]] equivalent to the cryo chamber; these pods use a slipspace stasis field to suspend the occupant in time and to protect them from outside harm. It is unknown whether the [[Covenant]] possesses an equivalent of the cryo chamber, as such technology is yet to be mentioned or observed.
*Even though humans must enter a cryo-tube naked or risk being blistered when they emerge, [[Ellen Anders|Professor Ellen Anders]] in ''[[Halo Wars]]'' and [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] in ''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]'' both entered their tubes fully clothed, while the crew aboard UNSC ''Spirit of Fire'' were also fully clothed when emerging from 28 years of cryosleep. These were cases of artistic license, however, since showing nudity would force up both the games' and the short film's rating.
*In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', it is possible through a [[Headless Master Chief|glitch]] to get back inside the tube, and see the Chief, headless.


== Sources ==
==Gallery==
===Concept art===
<gallery>
File:HW cryobay concept.jpg|Concept art of the cryo chambers of the {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} for ''[[Halo Wars]]''.
File:HW CryoBay Concept 2.jpg|Concept art of ''Spirit of Fire''{{'}}s cryo bay.
File:HaloWars-CryoChamber.png|Concept art of a single cryo chamber from ''Halo Wars''.
File:H4-Concept-Dawn-Cryo.jpg|Early concept art of the ''Forward Unto Dawn''{{'}}s cryo-bay for ''[[Halo 4]]''.
File:H4_ForwardUntoDawn_CryoRoom_Concept.jpg|Concept art of the cryo-bay on the ''Forward Unto Dawn''.
File:TFoR AS CryoBayBaseMesh.jpg|Base mesh render of the cryo bay aboard the ''[[Han]]'' in ''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series]]''.
File:TFoR AS CryoBayWireframe.jpg|Wireframe render of the ''Han''{{'}}s cryo bay.
File:TFoR AS HanCryoBay.jpg|Final render of the ''Han''{{'}}s cryo bay.
File:HINF Oasis CryoTransport Concept 1.jpg|''[[Halo Infinite]]'' concept art for a cryogenic storage container on the map [[Oasis]].
File:HINF Oasis CryoTransport Concept 2.jpg|Finalised concept art for the Oasis cryogenic storage container.
</gallery>


<references />
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:HCE-CryoChamberSideLeft.png|A left-side view of a cryo-chamber on the {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}} in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
File:HCE-CryoChamberSide.png|A cryo-chamber in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HCE - Screenshot - Cryo pod 01.png|John-117 in a cryo-chamber in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Cryobay.jpg|In-game view of the cryo-chamber bay of the ''Spirit of Fire'' in ''Halo Wars''.
File:Papadakis.jpg|[[Papadakis|A Marine]] inside a cryo-chamber.
File:HalseyPod.jpg|[[Catherine Halsey]] in a cryo-chamber in ''[[Halo Legends]]: [[The Package]]''.
File:HaloReach - John117.png|John-117 inside a cryo-chamber in an Easter egg in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:Cryo_pod_01.png|John-117 in a cryo-chamber in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:FUD - CryoChambers.jpg|Some cryo-chambers at [[Corbulo Academy of Military Science]] in ''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''.
File:H4FUD Cryo-bay.jpg|Panoramic view of the {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} cryo-bay in ''Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn''.
File:H4 Chief in cryochamber.png|John-117 in a cryo-chamber in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-Render-CryoTube.png|Extracted view of a cryo-chamber in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4-CryoChamber-ScanRender.png|Alternate view of a cryo-chamber in ''Halo 4''.
File:H4 Chief thaw.jpg|[[Cortana]] giving the command to thaw the Master Chief.
File:TFoR-as-Keyes-cryo.jpg|[[Jacob Keyes]] exiting a cryo chamber aboard the ''Han'' in ''Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series''.
File:HW2-cryo chamber.png|''Spirit of Fire'' crew exiting cryo-chambers in ''[[Halo Wars 2]]''.
File:MCC - HCEA main menu preview.jpg|The ''Pillar of Autumn'' cryo chambers in ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]''.
</gallery>


[[Category:Technology]]
==List of appearances==
[[Category:UNSC]]
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Contact Harvest]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo Wars]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Origins]]''
**''[[The Package (animated short)|The Package]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Dirt]]''
*''[[Halo: Blood Line]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
**''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]''
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Boot Camp|Boot Camp]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
{{col-2}}
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Infinity Briefing Packet]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo: Fractures]]''
**''[[The Ballad of Hamish Beamish]]''
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
**''[[Something Has Happened]]''
*''[[Halo: Smoke and Shadow]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''
*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''
*''[[Halo: Renegades]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Infinite: Memory Agent]]''
*''[[Halo: The Television Series]]''
**''[[Reckoning]]''
**''[[Solace (TV Series)|Solace]]''
{{col-end}}
 
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
[[Category:Cryogenics]]

Latest revision as of 19:11, March 10, 2024

A cryo-chamber aboard the UNSC Forward Unto Dawn.

A cryo-chamber, often called a cryotube,[1][2][3] is plastasteel pod with a form-fitting gel bed that allows all of a starship's non-essential personnel to be cryonically frozen for long periods of time, most commonly during prolonged slipspace jumps.[2] An example of this is John-117, who was stored in a cryo-chamber aboard the ship UNSC Pillar of Autumn and later unhatched from the cryosleep chamber by Tech Chief Thom Shephard along with Tech Officer Samuel Marcus.

Known models of the cryo-chamber include the Mark VII Personal Suspension Unit, manufactured by Jakubaitis Standard Systems. It was widely disliked by UNSC personnel because of its inferior moisture balancing; this resulted in dry, itchy skin for a day or more after awakening, known as "cryo-itch". It was later replaced by the Mark VIII Cryogenic Suspension Chamber, although many older craft still use the Mark VII.[4]

Cryo chambers are referred to as "the freezer" in slang.[5] Another slang term for the chamber is "the Admiral's wife" because it is a "frosty bed". Being put in cryo is also referred to as being "put on ice."[6]

Technical specifications[edit]

A standard cryo-chamber aboard a Halcyon-class light cruiser.

The cryo-chambers are usually stored in a dedicated area of the ship, commonly referred to as a "cryo bay".[1] Cryo chambers are monitored by the ship's AI, and the AI can awaken crew members at a moment's notice. Cryo-computers are designed to change the pharmaceuticals dosage if an individual appears as though they might wake from cryogenic sleep.[7] Cryo wake-up protocols demand that crew check each other to make sure everyone revives from cryo all right. There is usually a medical pod in cryogenics bays for emergency resuscitation situations.[8]

To prevent ice crystals from forming in one's cells, a person going into cryosleep must be injected with a chemical known as cytoprethaline.[9] A substance known as bronchial surfactant must also be ingested to protect the lungs. Individuals in cryo tubes are given a steady supply of pharmaceuticals that control the frequency and duration of cryosleep cycles along with influencing the content of their dreams.[10] While in cryo, humans do not age; as a result many UNSC military personnel, who routinely undergo long stretches of cryosleep during slipspace travel, effectively age slower than most civilians.[11]

Extended periods in cryosleep can result in a condition often called freezer burn which is a pain caused by cryo pharmaceuticals trapped in muscles and joints.[12] People are almost always stored in cryotubes naked, as covered skin generally reacts badly to the cryo process, leaving skin raw and blistered.[13] However, it is possible for Spartans to go into cryo chambers fully armored, using their conditioning and training to ignore the pain.[14] Cadets at Corbulo Academy regularly wore carbon-black skintight clothing during cryo training; the use of these "cryo suits" did not lead to the blistering frequently caused by normal clothing. As of the year 2557, UNSC personnel on at least some ships are given special white jumpsuits to wear when going into cryo.[9]

Entering cryo can also be used as an emergency measure. Often a person may be placed in cryo in order to save them from succumbing to grievous injuries, such as in the case of Linda-058, who was placed in a cryo-chamber after being severely injured during the Fall of Reach, and successfully revived later despite being previously declared clinically dead. Each chamber will hold an individual for as long as necessary, and can be ejected prior to an emergency landing, thus saving some crew from harm to be recovered later. Some pods feature slow-impulse thrusters for limited maneuvering in the event of ejection.[15] After the aft section of the UNSC Forward Unto Dawn was left drifting in space years from rescue, the Master Chief entered cryo sleep in order to survive the wait for rescue. When the UNSC Spirit of Fire was left adrift in space without a slipspace drive, its crew entered cryosleep for 28 years, only to be awakened when the ship unexpectedly arrived at Installation 00.

Trivia[edit]

  • The slipspace field pod is the Forerunner equivalent to the cryo chamber; these pods use a slipspace stasis field to suspend the occupant in time and to protect them from outside harm. It is unknown whether the Covenant possesses an equivalent of the cryo chamber, as such technology is yet to be mentioned or observed.
  • Even though humans must enter a cryo-tube naked or risk being blistered when they emerge, Professor Ellen Anders in Halo Wars and Dr. Catherine Halsey in The Package both entered their tubes fully clothed, while the crew aboard UNSC Spirit of Fire were also fully clothed when emerging from 28 years of cryosleep. These were cases of artistic license, however, since showing nudity would force up both the games' and the short film's rating.
  • In Halo: Combat Evolved, it is possible through a glitch to get back inside the tube, and see the Chief, headless.

Gallery[edit]

Concept art[edit]

  • Concept art of the cryo chambers of the UNSC Spirit of Fire for Halo Wars.

    Concept art of the cryo chambers of the UNSC Spirit of Fire for Halo Wars.

  • Concept art of Spirit of Fire's cryo bay.

    Concept art of Spirit of Fire's cryo bay.

  • Concept art of a single cryo chamber from Halo Wars.

    Concept art of a single cryo chamber from Halo Wars.

  • Early concept art of the Forward Unto Dawn's cryo-bay for Halo 4.

    Early concept art of the Forward Unto Dawn's cryo-bay for Halo 4.

  • Concept art of the cryo-bay on the Forward Unto Dawn.

    Concept art of the cryo-bay on the Forward Unto Dawn.

  • Base mesh render of the cryo bay aboard the Han in Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series.

    Base mesh render of the cryo bay aboard the Han in Halo: The Fall of Reach - The Animated Series.

  • Wireframe render of the Han's cryo bay.

    Wireframe render of the Han's cryo bay.

  • Final render of the Han's cryo bay.

    Final render of the Han's cryo bay.

  • Halo Infinite concept art for a cryogenic storage container on the map Oasis.

    Halo Infinite concept art for a cryogenic storage container on the map Oasis.

  • Finalised concept art for the Oasis cryogenic storage container.

    Finalised concept art for the Oasis cryogenic storage container.

Screenshots[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ a b Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level The Pillar of Autumn
  2. ^ a b Halo: First Strike, page 150 ("John brushed off the frost buildup that clouded the top half of the cryotube, and revealed the green-armored figure sprawled behind the plastasteel shell.")
  3. ^ Halo: Infinity, Invasion
  4. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 216
  5. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 102
  6. ^ Halo: The Cole Protocol, page 21
  7. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 60 ("The cryo-computer observed a surge of activity in Avery’s brain-an effort to yank himself out of REM-and upped his dosage.")
  8. ^ Halo: The Fall of Reach, page 14 (2001 edition)
  9. ^ a b Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn
  10. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 60
  11. ^ Halo: New Blood, page 17 (Google Play edition)
  12. ^ Halo: Contact Harvest, page 107
  13. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 20
  14. ^ Halo: The Flood, page 21
  15. ^ Halo: First Strike (2010), Adjunct
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