AXN has announced the launch of two new shows that deal with the sci fi genre.

The first show of the two, both to commence airing every Saturday from 9 March, is called Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda. The plot revolves around the starship Andromeda Ascendant. The captain Gylan Hunt along with his crew search outer space searching for new worlds in order to create a peaceful new commonwealth. The series stars Kevin Sorbo, Keith Hamilotn Hobb and Lisa Ryder and will air at 7 pm.

Following this at 8 pm, will be The Outer Limits. The show that won awards at Gemini and Emmy has picked up where the classic series of the 1960s left off.

Each episode celebrates the spirit of the human imagination, says the channel. The stories deal with touchy subjects such as genetic manipulation, time travel, aliens visiting our planet and life after death. The characters are constantly exploring new frontiers in technology as well as outer space.

Cast members include Kelly McGillis Top Gun, Charlton Heston The Ten Commandments and David Hyde Pierce from the television sitcom Frasier.

The channel is also running a contest where one has to select the AXN action hero / heroine of the year. Choices include Bruce Willis, Demi Moore and Arnold Schwarzennegger. Up for grabs are a pair of air tickets to Los Angeles.