The "Hitchhiker's Guide" is not, of course, a conventional take on our future, and its studied lack of idealism is in contrast to some other, equally well-known space-opera icons.

The best way to celebrate the late author Douglas Adams and his beloved sci-if book "The Hitchhiker's Guide the Galaxy" just so happens to be while you're floating around a space station.

What do astronauts and cosmonauts have in common with Douglas Adams' "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"? The answer is 42, plus a poster.

"Space is big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it's a long way down the road to the drug ...

References to "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" can be found across pop culture, and the books are considered essential reading for every English teenager.

The first Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy book was published in October 1979. Fans are looking back at how the series has endured in popularity and why it's still relevant.

Hulu has begun development on a new series based on Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Here are 42 things we want to see on the show.