As a huge fan of The Martian, Apollo 13, Sunshine etc I was surprised and excited to check out this show when it appeared yesterday. Thoroughly enjoyed it, so much that I watch the entire thing in a day.
As others have said, it has it's fair share of family drama back on Earth. But it has even more drama on the shuttle. Like Lost, most episodes tell a story in flashback, helping flesh out each member of the crew. But it's never overdone and adds to the present day drama.
As for production, cinematography and direction, it's well done, it doesn't look cheap or hacky. The space stuff is particularly good with perfect VFX and enough grounded science to aid in the suspension of disbelief required.
Looking forward to season 2.
Review of Away
