When the head of NASA's manned Mars mission discovers that the capsule meant to carry the astronauts will suffer a catastrophic failure, he forces them to participate in a hoax by broadcasting their 'Mission' from a studio built at an abandoned air force base. Over many months, the astronauts are forced to film broadcasts on their progress. They find out that they are to die upon re-entry. An investigative reporter gets wind that something is amiss and begins to put the pieces together.

Originally released as a motion picture in 1978. Special features: Audio commentary by Peter Hyams; "Flights of fancy" featurette; theatrical trailer.