1968. The race to the moon between Cold War antagonists the United States and the Soviet Union has reached a fevered pitch. With both sides poised to land the first man on the moon, the United States learns that the Russians are about to launch a mission. Now, in a desperate attempt to win the Space Race, the Americans accelerate their own space program. Risking failure before the eyes of the world, NASA bypasses its own testing and safety protocols and begins the final Countdown.