The take-off sequence(s) of the "Orion" from it's sub-sea base is in fact a "alka-seltzer" dissolving in water. The image was turned upside down (thus make the bubbles appearing to move downwards) and a cut-out spaceship picture was placed in the foreground over the tablet.
First German TV science fiction series.
According to Theo Nischwitz, the principal chief of special effects for this series who was an acquaintance, all effects were photographed & rendered in 35mm black & white Agfa stock with the single exception of those scenes in the starlight casino which contained the enlarged Berlin aquarium fish floating above and in background of the underwater base. - For those the standard blue screen effects of the day were used by draping blue cloth behind all window openings of the set and as such color stock had to be used in order for the FX team to be able to add those fish later from separately shot stock footage. Contrary to popular belief the enlarged fish were not a mistake but rather a deliberate decision in a nod to a post-apocalyptic setting.
The special effect for the series were made with very poor materials. For the ship controls were used, among other things, an iron and some desk pencil sharpeners. The robot's hands were made using an ice cream spoon and the effect of the planet explosions were made by blowing some rice and coffee with compressed air. Despite the effectiveness of the special effects for the extremely low budget, Bavaria TV canceled the show after seven episodes due to high costs.
One of the steering controls on the Orion's bridge is obviously made out of an iron.