Frank Corvin, Hawk Hawkins, Jerry O'Neill, and Tank Sullivan are four former Air Force pilots who were part of the original Project Daedalus in the 1950s. They were pioneers in the field of space travel and had dreamed of going to space themselves. However, instead of humans, NASA sent trained chimpanzees into space, and the group's dreams were shattered.
Fast forward to the present day, and the four men are now retired, but they are given a second chance to go to space. A Cold War-era Soviet satellite called Ikon is about to fall to Earth and could potentially cause a disaster. NASA is unable to fix the satellite, and the only people who might be able to do so are the former Project Daedalus members.
The four men initially refuse the mission, but when they discover that a younger team of astronauts will be sent in their place, they blackmail their way into the mission. The quartet undergoes a rigorous training regimen to re-learn how to fly into space. Frank also reconnects with his former flame, Sara Holland, who is now a high-ranking NASA official.
The group successfully launches into space and reaches the satellite, which they are able to repair. However, they encounter several challenges, including running out of air and fuel and dealing with a malfunctioning engine. They are ultimately successful in their mission and return to Earth as heroes.
Space Cowboys is a feel-good movie that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit and the importance of chasing one's dreams. It's a tribute to the unsung heroes of the space race and a reminder that anything is possible with determination, courage, and teamwork.