The Stargate legacy continues to burn bright on SCI FI. As the countdown to the final 10 episodes of Stargate SG-1 commences, the channel prepares for the launch of an all-new fourth season of Stargate Atlantis this fall. SG-1's Amanda Tapping will travel to the Pegasus galaxy to join the Atlantis cast and reprise her role as television's favorite astrophysicist, Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter.

Taking the torch from SG-1 as television's most thrilling adventure series, Atlantis, slated to begin production in Vancouver next month, promises to up the ante this season by introducing a powerful new race, welcoming new cast members and mourning the loss of some beloved friends.

For 10 seasons, Tapping starred on Stargate SG-1 as the intelligent and beautiful Samantha Carter. Her combination of Gate expertise, in-depth scientific knowledge and military training made her a critical member of SG-1. She will need to draw upon all these resources as she assumes her new role on Atlantis. Tapping will appear in 14 of the season's 20 episodes.

Atlantis fans can also look forward to the return of Jewel Staite. She will appear in eight episodes, reprising her role as Dr. Keller, a physician who joins the Atlantis expedition. Staite previously appeared on the series as Ellia, the Wraith child who was transformed into a human in the season 2 episode, "Instinct."