Samus Prime Link
Samus's creation is usually credited to Metroid producer Gunpei Yokoi, but the original game concepts were done by game director Makoto Kanoh and Samus was designed by Hiroji Kiyotake.
Samus's main distinguishing feature is her Power Suit, a modular suit of armor created for her by a fictional alien race called the Chozo. The Power Suit's main purpose is to protect her from adverse environments (including the vacuum of space) and enemy fire. During gameplay, the suit can be upgraded to various other forms for added protection. She can also receive various power-ups which augment her abilities, including Space Jump boots, energy tanks, the Screw Attack, and numerous modifications to her weapons. In Metroid Fusion, her infected Power Suit is removed and she utilizes the Fusion Suit instead (which upgrades by downloading data sent by the Galactic Federation, or by absorbing powerful X-parasites).
This is Zero Suit Samus. This is Samus without her power suit.
This is Samus with her power suit on.