Space Cowboys

In 1958, Air Force pilots William 'Hawk' Hawkins and Frank Corvin attempted to break an altitude record while testing a modified Bell X-2. Their ambitious endeavor was cut short when the aircraft stalled, prompting them to eject just in time to avoid a collision.

After their harrowing escape, Frank confronted Hawk over his reckless actions that nearly cost them their careers. Their heated argument was interrupted by flight engineer Jerry O'Neill, who brought them back to the reality of their situation.

Following their incident, their superior Bob Gerson revealed a shocking change: NASA would be overseeing the upcoming space flight tests. This included sending a chimp into space, which crushed Hawk and Frank's dreams of participating in space travel.

Fast forward to the present day, NASA faces a critical situation as the Soviet satellite IKON is on the brink of falling out of orbit. With only 35 to 40 days left, mission director Sara Holland works closely with Flight Director Eugene Davis to tackle the crisis.

Bob Gerson, now at NASA, recognizes that the failing electronics of IKON resemble the technology he and Frank developed years ago. He recruits Sara to reach out to Frank, hoping to bring him back into the fold for this dire mission.

Frank reluctantly agrees to participate in the mission but insists on reuniting with his former crew, known as 'Team Daedalus.' This includes Hawk, who is also stung by their past grievances, and together they prepare for their return to space.

As the aging astronauts begin their preparations for the mission, they undergo medical evaluations to ensure they are fit for space travel. In a light-hearted moment, Frank bets Hawk who will faint first on the G simulator, adding some levity to the situation.

While the seasoned astronauts mentor the younger team members, romance blossoms between Sara and Hawk. However, tension arises when Ethan Glance, a younger astronaut, expresses his frustration at Frank's reluctance to mentor him.

The media uncovers details about Frank's team being part of the mission, drawing the attention of the Vice President. Tensions peak when Hawk's cancer diagnosis surfaces, leading Frank to insist that they won't go without Hawk onboard.

Upon reaching the IKON satellite, the team is shocked to discover not communications technology but six nuclear missiles. This revelation adds an extra layer of urgency as they face the possibility of nuclear disaster if communications fail.

In an attempt to stabilize the satellite's orbit, tensions escalate when Ethan, acting on Bob's orders, inadvertently causes a catastrophic collision with the shuttle. This incident disables critical systems, putting the crew and mission in jeopardy.

With the shuttle in disarray, Frank and Hawk undertake a perilous spacewalk to activate a booster rocket that could slow the satellite's descent. This dangerous mission becomes a test of their resolve and courage under challenging circumstances.

In a moment of selflessness, Hawk chooses to ride the satellite and activate its engines to ensure it is safely launched into deep space. His decision, fueled by his terminal diagnosis and a lifelong dream of lunar exploration, underscores his bravery.

After contributing to the satellite's safe trajectory, Frank and his crew must navigate their damaged shuttle back to Earth. As they face overwhelming odds, they pull together to execute a manual landing, recalling Hawk's previous techniques.

The film beautifully concludes with Frank and his team safely landing back on Earth. The scene is set to the soft tune of 'Fly Me to the Moon,' providing a poignant backdrop as a breathtaking view of the Moon confirms that Hawk achieved his dream before his passing.