Syfy says it is developing an hourlong, scripted series based on Frederik Pohl's Hugo and Nebula award-winning 1977 novel Gateway.

The drama is about "humanity's encounter with a mysterious, ancient alien civilization."

David Eick and Josh Pate collaborated on the adaptation and will serve as executive producers on the series. Eick will revise a pilot script written by Pate, then serve as showrunner.

"We're delighted to develop this fascinating First Contact story with longtime partners Universal Cable Productions and Entertainment One. Gateway is thought-provoking and unsettling, raising profound questions about mankind's possible relationship with alien life," Bill McGoldrick, Syfy's executive vice president of original content, said in a statement Wednesday.

"David and Josh are masters of telling authentic, multidimensional stories set in wholly unfamiliar worlds, and we are thrilled to collaborate with them and Syfy to translate Frederik's beloved and timeless adventure saga into an equally exhilarating television series," added Pancho Mansfield, president of global scripted programming for eOne Television.

"Gateway is a science-fiction marvel weaving a great story of humanity and love," said Dawn Olmstead, executive vice president of development at Universal Cable Productions. "We're excited to realize Frederik Pohl's vision and bring it to life for Syfy -- the ideal home for this compelling classic."