Describes the wide array of different types of satellites that have been placed in orbit since the launching of Sputnik I in 1957 and the varied functions they perform, from communications and weather forecasting to astronomy and spy tasks.
Examines what it is like for the crews living and working on American space shuttles and discusses the life of the Russian space station Mir and plans for an international space station.
Traces the history of canals and canal building in America, from the first American canals to the building of the Panama Canal and the recent work done on the Illinois Waterway.