This show arrived on cable when I was 13 years old in 1979. My sister and I would battle for the tv at 8am. She wanted Captain Kangaroo and I wanted Star Blazers. There were 2 seasons at the time and it filled that gap waiting for the next Star Wars to arrive!!! (ESB). I was shocked to learn recently that this show premiered in Japan in 1975...2 years before Star Wars. I figured it was Japan's answer to SW. whatever, a great story that was ahead of its time!!!!!!