To reach outer space, the force of gravity has to be overcome, and that requires a certain "escape" velocity. That's where launchers come in.

Observing what happens when the air comes out of a balloon will help us understand how the launcher of a spacecraft works. An electrical propulsion engineer from ESA explains about different kinds of propulsion used in space exploration.

A simple experiment with a bicycle pump shows us how rocket launchers work. Even though rockets were invented for war and for fireworks, they are also used for peaceful purposes.

Astronaut Luca Parmitano talks to us from the Columbus European Space Laboratory. He explains why tadpoles can help us learn a lot about the weightless conditions of outer space.

This segment is all about so-called "Near-Earth Objects," called "NEOs" for short. They are comets, asteroids, metors and man-made objects, as well. What have they done in the past, and what might they do in the future?

This segment talks about the difference between an asteroid and a comet. Important work is being done with the Hera and Dart missions to study how to deviate an asteroid, thus avoiding possible great damage to our beloved planet

In August of 2014, the European Space Agency Rosetta probe reached the comet 67/P. This mission allowed for the collection of a great deal of data about comets. In fact, in this episode, a comet will be fashioned out of fairly common ingredients in a normal kitchen. That's pretty exciting.

The poignant text of this song was inspired by the singer-songwriter's experience as a volunteer in a mental institution in Rome and meant to create awareness of the reality of mental illness. It is sung from the point of view of someone who had been deemed insane and shut into a manicomio (insane asylum) for most of his life.

Silvia Swing is Silvia De Santis's stage name. She sings “Noi” (Us), a love song dedicated not only to her beloved, but also to her friends. They're always there to provide support, understanding, and comfort. Video provided by PA 74 Music.

Falling in love doesn't follow scientific rules. Silvana and Luciano tell us about how they met and their plans, now that they are of a certain age.

The people who run a seaside restaurant in the province of Marsala describe the place as a little corner of paradise with its pure, curative water and sand, and meals served directly in the water. They are used to speaking Sicilian most of the time, so speaking correct Italian is a challenge. But their love for the place, and their typically Sicilian warmth towards visitors come through.

Benedetto shows us his beautifully landscaped vacation rental property in the Province of Marsala.

Serena Scafarto sings “Se è vero” (If It’s True), a song about a girl who is ready to take her life into her own hands and is not afraid to walk alone. Video provided by PA 74 Music.

Serena is near one of the beaches of her town, Maratea, where she lives with her family and she tells us a few things about herself.

Martina has almost completed her degree at the university, which will qualify her to work in the juvenile courts. She would like to evaluate the situations and problems of kids, especially immigrant minors, who have trouble in school and in their social lives, and to help them adjust. Follow the interview by Serena.