Today's world in space

Traces the history of manned space flights from Mercury to the Shuttle program, examines the medical effects of weightlessness on astronauts, the difficulties of eating, working, sleeping, and cleaning oneself on board, and future plans for a space station.

Discusses the origins of the space shuttle program, qualifications and training of the astronauts, and the lift-off, in-flight activities, and landing of the space shuttle.

Chronicles NASA's exploration of Venus and Mercury, describing the missions and scientific discoveries made by Mariner and Pioneer.

Describes how astronomers use telescopes and other instruments to study objects in the universe.

Elaborates on forty facts about astronautics, outer space, and astronomy, from the technique used to take a shower in space to the behavior of falling objects in a vacuum.

Focuses on NASA's plans to design a permanently manned space station in the mid 1990's which would enable scientists to explore and colonize the moon.

Surveys the development of ballistics missiles and warheads in the United States and the Soviet Union, with an emphasis on the proposed system known as Strategic Defense Initiative.

Describes how stars form, why they shine, the difference between cool and hot stars, the formation of planets, and the process of designing a rocket to reach the stars.

Chronicles NASA's efforts to explore the moon, from photographing the surface by Pioneer and Ranger spacecraft to the Apollo landings. Discusses scientific discoveries and the possibility of setting up a moon colony.

Explores the development and applications of military and civilian satellites designed to observe the earth and send back information about land and inland water areas, vegetation and crops, violent storms and dangerous weather, and nuclear activities.