The Sci Fi Channel will delve into the backstory of “Battlestar Galactica” with a new spin-off series that looks at the years leading up to humanity’s devastation by the Cylons.

“Caprica” will be set more than 50 years prior to the events of “Battlestar Galactica”. The people of the Twelve Colonies are at peace and living in a society not unlike our own, but where high-technology has changed the lives of virtually everyone for the better. But a startling breakthrough in robotics is about to occur, one that will bring to life the age-old dream of marrying artificial intelligence with a mechanical body to create the first living robot — a Cylon.

Following the lives of two families, the Graystones and the Adamas (the family of William Adama, who will one day become the commander of the Battlestar Galactica), “Caprica” weaves corporate intrigue, techno-action and sexual politics into television’s first science fiction family saga.

Remi Aubuchon (“The Lyon’s Den,” “24”) is writing the pilot script; “Galactica” veterans Ronald D. Moore and David Eick will executive produce. If the show receives an order to go into production, expect it sometime in 2007 at the earliest.