Stowaway to the Moon

11-year-old EJ Mackernutt Jr., with his friend Joey, sneaks into the Kennedy Space Center wearing a hardhat and a fake security badge. They slip past workers unnoticed, carrying a toolbox as cover. Their audacious plan centers on stowing away aboard the upcoming Apollo-style mission.

Eli Sr. and Mary find a note from EJ hinting at his escape plan and race to the Kennedy Space Center gates. They plead with gate staff to believe that their son is aboard the rocket, but are met with disbelief. The clock ticks toward liftoff as the confusion grows.

During preflight checks, Mission Control reveals the spacecraft is overweight by 87 pounds. The crew cannot explain the discrepancy, yet the launch is not delayed. The mission's importance leads them to push ahead despite the anomaly.

Shortly after liftoff, Command Module Pilot Ben Pelham discovers the stowaway. The crew and ground team must decide how to handle the unexpected passenger. EJ remains hidden, aware that his dream just became a high-stakes reality.

Through flashbacks, EJ recounts how he and Joey built a large-scale capsule model and why Avril's property inspired his goal. He explains his dream of space travel and why he risked everything to join the mission. The astronauts listen with a mix of concern and admiration.

Flight Director Charlie Englehardt informs the crew that the mission was scrubbed, but public and presidential support for the Moon visit pushes them to proceed. He concedes that EJ's actions have influenced opinion, then reluctantly approves the lunar landing. The team steels themselves for a high-stakes ride.

E.J. goes on live television to apologize for his stunt and asks that his actions not jeopardize the mission. The public response shifts in favor of continuing the flight. The astronauts recognize that the boy's stunt has become a catalyst for their chances of success.

Back aboard, EJ assists in cleaning the cabin with a vacuum cleaner and performs other chores. His presence becomes a morale boost as the crew approaches the lunar phase. The astronauts begin treating him as part of the team.

In lunar orbit, Commander Lawrence and lunar module pilot Dave Anderson prepare to undock Little Dipper for descent to the surface. EJ notes Pelham's illness and the crew maintains focus on the mission. They press forward with the planned lunar landing.

Pelham's condition deteriorates as the crew battles the risky descent profile. EJ senses danger and coordinates with the ground to support their fragile health. The situation tests their teamwork under extreme conditions.

The lunar module lands far from its intended site, complicating the mission. The crew locates the Genesis Rock to bring back, and EJ's presence aids the mission's success through improvisation and teamwork. The astronauts credit the stowaway for part of their survival.

A stuck valve bleeds oxygen on the way home, forcing the crew to stay in spacesuits and endure cold temperatures. EJ stays awake by vividly describing Earth to Englehardt and the others. They eventually re-enter and return home alive.

Back on Earth, EJ, Joey, and Avril watch the full Moon from Avril's property. Lawrence's words echo: they got off the Moon because of EJ's courage. The dream becomes a shared triumph that shapes the boy's future.