Overview
In order to protect the reputation of the American space program, a team of NASA administrators turn the first Mars mission into a phony Mars landing. Under threat of harm to their families the astronauts play their part in the deception on a staged set in a deserted military base. But once the real ship returns to Earth and burns up on re-entry, the astronauts become liabilities. Now, with the help of a crusading reporter, they must battle a sinister conspiracy that will stop at nothing to keep the truth hidden.
Trailer
Crew
DirectorPeter Hyams
WriterPeter Hyams
Cast
Elliott Gould
Robert Caulfield
James Brolin
Col. Charles Brubaker
Brenda Vaccaro
Kay Brubaker
Sam Waterston
Lt. Col. Peter Willis
O. J. Simpson
Cmdr. John Walker
Hal Holbrook
Dr. James Kelloway
Karen Black
Judy Drinkwater
Telly Savalas
Albain
David Huddleston
Hollis Peaker
David Doyle
Walter Loughlin
Lee Bryant
Sharon Willis
Denise Nicholas
Betty Walker
Robert Walden
Elliot Whitter
James B. Sikking
Control Room Man
Alan Fudge
Capsule Communicator
James Karen
Vice President Price
Jon Cedar
F.B.I. Man Number 1
Hank Stohl
General Enders
Norman Bartold
President
Darrell Zwerling
Dr. Bergen
More like this
Keywords
spacecrafthelicopterplanet marsescapenasabeguilementtexascrop dusterconspiracyastronautdesertinvestigative reporter
Details
Budget
$5M
Revenue
$12M
TMDb Votes
505
Added May 14, 2026Updated Jun 4, 2026