In a world of advancing technology more is known about the universe than ever before. There are billions of galaxies. There are billions of earth-like planets - and some of them are not very far away. After years of research at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a ship has been constructed with the hope of it being able to reach one of these earth-like planets. But who will make the journey? Who will take the risk? What will they find and how will it change things on planet earth? Uncertain of the ship's fate long after its departure, many wait in anticipation for the message.