Kryptonian birthing matrix

The Kryptonian birthing matrix is a fictional item featured in comic books published by DC Comics. It is associated with the Superman line of comic titles and is part of DC's Post-Crisis continuity. It first appeared in flashback in The Man of Steel #1 in October, 1986.

The Kryptonian birthing matrix was a Kryptonian gestation chamber outfitted with star-drive capabilities. The Kryptonian, Jor-El, used this device to transport his unborn son, Kal-El, to Earth. Kal-El was actually born on Earth when the matrix was discovered by Jonathan and Martha Kent. For a time, the Kents housed it inside of a barn on the Kent farm. In the years when Kal-El first adopted the code name Superman, he relocated it to his Fortress of Solitude.

The Kryptonian birthing matrix eventually evolved, taking on a humanoid appearance and became known as the Eradicator.