Science Channel will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the cult hit with a Friday session featuring never-before-seen footage and other surprises.

It's official: Firefly is heading to Comic-Con.

The short-lived cult hit from Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon will make its debut at the San Diego convention with a special 10-year anniversary panel, The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively.

Whedon and writer Tim Minear will join stars Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk, Adam Baldwin, Sean Maher, Michael Fairman and the rest of the crew of the Serenity for a panel at 12:30 p.m. Friday, July 13, in Ballroom 20.

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The series is part of the Comic-Con slate from first-time attendee Science Channel, which began airing repeats of the Fox space Western last year, continuing to draw an audience of loyal Browncoats and attracting new fans during its run. Science also will make available special collectible bags (see photo) featuring Firefly and the rest of its Comic-Con lineup.

In addition to the panel discussion, the hourlong session will also feature never-before-seen footage along with what Science is billing as "numerous buzz-worthy surprises."

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In addition, Science Channel has set a July 13 panel with Fringe's John Noble joining the creators of Dark Matters: Twisted but True for a session previewing the show's upcoming second season, which bows July 14. (Science will launch syndicated repeats of Noble starrer Fringe on Nov. 20.) The Dark Matters panel is set for 7:15 p.m. in Room 6A.

Lastly, popular Science podcast and upcoming series Stuff You Should Know will hold court on at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 12, in Room 5AB with hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant joined by celebrity guests for an exclusive preview of the upcoming series, which launches in January.

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"As a network, Science has one foot in the planetarium and the other in Comic-Con. This venue is the Mecca for creativity and inspiration that can spark a great work of art or the next scientific breakthrough," Science GM and executive vp Debbie Adler Myers said. "From Joss, Nathan and our amazing Firefly panel, to John Noble and Dark Matters, to Josh and Chuck, our panels reflect the programming on Science -- totally diverse but all whip-smart, hugely entertaining, lean-forward television."

Comic-Con International 2012 runs July 12-15 at the San Diego Convention Center. Get your Browncoats ready and start camping out now.

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit