AIP - Thunderbird 5 with Thunderbird 3 KitThunderbird 5 with Thunderbird 3. Thunderbird 5, space monitor, is the largest of the Thunderbird craft. An earth orbiting space station capable of monitoring all broadcasts around the globe, constantly listening for distress calls and managing communications within the International Rescue organisation. The craft is almost completely automated allowing the entire station to be manned by a single crew member, this task normally falling to John Tracy.