The fifth season of Stargate Atlantis will premiere on Friday, July 11, according to SCI FI’s online schedule. This confirms the premiere date we reported earlier this month — though, of course, it is subject to change by the network.

Atlantis will hold on to its 10 p.m. time slot (9 p.m. Central), with the new episode re-airing again at 12 midnight each Friday.

Season Five will premiere with “Search and Rescue,” which picks up on the fourth season cliffhanger that aired in March. On the hunt for the Wraith Michael (Connor Trinneer), who has kidnapped Teyla and plans to use her soon to be born child for his own evil ends, Lt. Colonel Sheppard and his team were trapped in one of Michael’s labs as the booby-trapped building collapsed in on top of them.

The fifth season will see the exit of Lt. Colonel Samantha Carter (Amanda Tapping), who is replaced as base commander by Richard Woolsey (new cast member Robert Picardo). Expect also to see a bit more of Dr. Jennifer Keller, as actress Jewel Staite has been promoted from recurring to regular cast status.

New characters will be introduced as well, including Captain Alicia Vega (Leela Savasta) — who appears in “Search and Rescue.”

Classic episodes of Stargate Atlantis will continue this spring and summer at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. SCI FI’s schedule also hints at Atlantis marathons for July 8 (the same day that Season Four is released on DVD – story) and July 11.

(Thanks to Morjana and Chase for the tip)