Our current forays beyond the Earth are only baby steps in cosmic terms. Even so, a half-century of space exploration has produced a highly diversified range of missions, modes, and methods. This program examines space-faring technology—including both existing hardware and systems in development—designed to extend our reach into the cosmos and expand our conception of it. Spotlighting efforts at the European Space Agency Research and Technology Centre, the film reveals preparations for a mission to Mars and related plans to terraform the red planet. Also discussed are the merits of manned and unmanned flights, the interstellar progress of Voyager 1, and a potential new way of getting into space—by elevator. Produced by the Open University. (30 minutes)