Could it have been Earthstar Voyager, a 2 part mini series, backdoor pilot for a tv series, produced by Disney?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth_Star_Voyager
It's the only obscure space based, live action, non kids show/mini series from the mid to late 80s that hasn't been mentioned. Plus the Duncan Regehr part matches the
thought you were dead/scruffy looking part. See if the pictures on that German dvd cover looks familiar.