High Orbit Precision Entry trooper
From Wookieepedia, the Star Wars wiki.
High Orbit Precision Entry (H.O.P.E.) troopers were specialized clone commandos used in the Clone Wars. Wearing Katarn commando armor, they would be launched from orbit in one-man escape pods, the outer shells of which would split open when an appropriate altitude was reached allowing the troopers inside to make a controlled descent to their target.
The only known unit, H.O.P.E. Squad, was sent to rescue Jedi Treetower on Yorn Skot.
[edit] Behind the scenes
H.O.P.E. troopers share similar traits with various real-world military units, primarily in the Special Forces communities who utilize the High Altitude Low Opening system of parachuting, most notably the long drop followed by a controlled descent at low altitude.
