Starting with the Big Bang itself, we explore the secret lives of galaxies and stars, and examine the thousand new planets now discovered beyond the Solar System-- checking out their viability for alien life. We chronicle the incredible instruments and machines that are discovering the hidden secrets of the Universe, from 'telescopes' deep under the Antarctic ice to robotic explorers on distant worlds. We investigate the astounding technology used by human astronauts as they push out beyond the Moon to Mars-- and on towards the stars.