When a planet is discovered in the Alpha Centauri system - the closest system to our own Sun - it is quickly named Earth 2 by an opportunistic media keen to encourage a feel-good mood in an American downturn. The authorities feel compelled to respond by initiating a project to send a manned spacecraft to Earth 2.
During a practice drill by trainees their spacecraft is accidentally launched. The occupants must battle to conquer their new environment while the project team attempts to locate them. Both groups are challenged in unexpected ways. In both groups a hero emerges.