While many fans might say that science fiction in general is on a downslide, it still was quite an active year, with the genre making the mainstream several times, and with some interesting developments take place.

Like every year, Airlock Alpha takes a look back at the year that was, and picks out who it feels were the top newsmakers of the year. Agree or disagree, let us know on our message boards.

So, here they are ... Airlock Alpha's Top Newsmakers of 2003 ...

1. Save Farscape Campaign
Well, who said newsmakers had to be people? Last year, Joss Whedon was our top newsmaker for his ending of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and also his work on the failed series "Firefly." But this year, the trophy definitely has to be with this very well organized group of fans who quite successfully helped bring the "Farscape" series back, even if it is just a mini-series. But you can always hope for more.

The thing that really grabbed our attention about the Save Farscape Campaign is that while their main focus was on bringing back the show, they did it in a positive way ... and had other projects as well. You know, things like raising more than $160,000 in funds for charity and for the campaign, rallies in major cities, buying and sending episode packages to troops overseas, ads in major newspapers, and more.

Unlike many other fan campaigns who try to gain attention with negativity, this group of people did it with class, and style. They definitely have deserved their success, and the campaign continues at www.savefarscape.com.

2. Ronald D. Moore
He moves up from No. 3 last year, and definitely was in deep competition for No. 1. If "Battlestar Galactica" had been picked up for a series, he would've done something that even J. Michael Straczynski couldn't do, and would've done it.

But this former "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" writer definitely has worked hard this past year, and has had success produced in his wake.

Despite the cancellation of "Roswell" last year, Moore quickly regrouped and found himself as the high-profile replacement of Bryan Singer attached to the "Battlestar Galactica" project, which he decided to reimagine instead of continuing. The mini-series, which aired earlier this month, was the third-highest rated program in Sci-Fi Channel history, trailing only Steven Spielberg and Frank Herbert.

Also, he has worked his tail off as an executive producer and writer for the critically-acclaimed HBO series "Carnivale," which recently was picked up for a second season by HBO.

Who knows what's next for this prolific writer. "Carnivale" is busy being worked on at this writing, and who knows ... maybe there will be an announcement for "Battlestar Galactica" in the very near future.

3. Peter Jackson
Can you believe that just a few years ago, most people -- including me -- couldn't tell you who Peter Jackson was? That likely will never happen again, especially if he -- as expected -- wins the Best Director Oscar this year for his work on "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

OK, technically, he can only win it for "Return of the King," but major films for Oscar contention bumped their premieres to 2004 simply so that they wouldn't have to compete with the fact that LOTR most likely will be taking home almost everything it's nominated for this year.

Peter Jackson is amazing, and his passion for projects shows in the beauty, majesty ... and the time. Despite the fact all three movies were filmed at once more than four years ago (and it took a year to film), he didn't finish pickup shots until last June. He didn't do a single other project during that time ... and made an epic masterpiece that will be watched for many decades to come.

Our hats are off to Peter Jackson, and we thank him for bringing J.R.R. Tolkien's vision to life ... without John Denver.

4. Eugene W. Roddenberry
One of the greatest things I did personally this year was have the opportunity to sit down and have lunch with Eugene W. Roddenberry. I had admired this man for years, because of his passion for Star Trek fans -- something he didn't have growing up. But actually spending time away from everything business, and just talking for fun, proved to me how even more genuine this man is in maintaining his father's legacy -- and fans' vision as well.

A lot of media outlets don't pay Roddenberry much mind, and that's sad. He will be the first to tell you that the only reason why he has some of the Hollywood opportunities that he has is because of his name. But he is using that advantage for good, and possibly even better in the coming future.

Although the Roddenberry.com store is still closed, Roddenberry says he is ready to open it soon ... and it might come with an added benefit. Roddenberry told Airlock Alpha that he has been asked by Paramount to serve as an intermediary between the fans and the studio.

That, and yes, he is still working on the "Trek Nation" documentary. While it won't be released next month as originally planned, we know that he won't stop until it's done ... and it's something that fans will want to watch over and over again.

To learn more about the documentary, check out www.treknationdoc.com.

5. Bryan Singer
Old-star "Battlestar Galactica" fans still think Singer could be the savior of this franchise, but in the meantime, this big-time director is staying busy with "The X-Men" franchise. After the huge success of "X2: X-Men United" earlier this year, he already is working with Twentieth Century Fox in doing a third one.

We here hope he's successful.

Others receiving consideration include "Star Trek: Enterprise" executive producer Rick Berman, "Angel" co-creator Joss Whedon, "The Thunderbirds" director Jonathan Frakes, new Sci-Fi Channel owner General Electric, and former "Battlestar Galactica" star Richard Hatch.

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