NASA scientists believe their agency has lost the American public's interest. Realizing that most popular sitcoms on television feature blue-collar workers, the scientists embark on a search to find just the right "blue-collar slob." Their prayers are answered when Homer calls the Space Administration to complain about TV's boring space coverage.

NASA offers both Homer and Barney a chance to join the next space mission. When the men realize that only one of them will be chosen, a competition develops. Barney gives up drinking and is suddenly smarter, thinner, and motivated. He unltimately beats Homer out for the spot. But when Barney celebrates with nonalcoholic champagne, he reverts to his old self, and Homer is chosen by default.

Once in space with astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Race Banyon, Homer spills potato chips and smashes an experimental ant farm. Cips and ant dangerously clog the instrument panel. Musician James Taylor sings a song for the crew, then suggests that the men blow the debris into the vacuum of space. The plan works until Homer nearly gets sucked out of the airlock, in the process breaking a critical door handle. He pins the door shut using an inanimate carbon rod, allowing the ship to return safely to the earth.