The series' title--taken from a late-70's ABC series on which the new one was loosely based--as well as its apocalyptic plot line and deep space locale probably scared off as many viewers as it attracted.

FORBES: The Upfronts

But with many laboratory tasks being automated, there should also be scope to begin new activities, and the partners believe one key role for the ISS going forward will be as a development platform for deep space exploration.

BBC: Manned flight around Moon considered