The series opens with Mark Naird being named as four-star general in the United States Military. With this advancement in rank, he is given a new job, running America’s new Space Force. The President is concerned that America’s internet, which runs through space satellites, is too vulnerable without protection. The loss of Twitter would be far too devastating for the country, so the Space Force is born. General Naird and his family must move to Colorado to begin their new life. His wife, Maggie, and daughter, Erin, are not thrilled with this change.

Flash-forward a year to find General Naird in a gas station deliberating over some Rocket Pies. He doesn’t take one, showing some displeasure at their existence and moves on. After the cashier makes the poor decision to mention the upcoming launch at his base, Naird promptly kidnaps him and heads on his way to work. It is during the drive into the base that we hear Harry Nilsson’s “Spaceman” as the opening credits show. Nilsson’s song, released in 1972, describes a spaceman who finds himself wishing to return to Earth once he has reached space. This song seems to reflect the position in which Naird finds himself. Over the course of a year, his life has changed drastically, and now that he finds himself in Space (Force), he may be wishing for the life he had before. As he drives forward, towards his mission in the sky, the series starts with a desire for remaining at home, on Earth.

HARRY NILSSON Spaceman (+lyrics) - YouTube

Once General Naird arrives at the base, Dr. Mallory informs him that the launch of the Epsilon 6 satellite must be postponed to the following day because there is too much humidity in the atmosphere for a safe launch. This puts him in an awkward position since delegates from Washington are at the base to see whether the Space Force is producing something worthwhile. Naird finds himself running around, to the pace of an increasingly desperate soundtrack, looking for backup options or good reasons to launch anyways. With the fate of a six-billion-dollar project on the line, Naird is understandably stressed, and eventually he seeks solace in his office. The soundtrack continues building desperately until Naird finally secludes himself. All is silent except for his ragged breathing. The launch has pushed him past his limit. His stress is palpable until he begins singing “Kokomo” by the Beach Boys. What starts as his own diegetic performance of the song slowly turns into the actual song playing as Naird dances and performs enthusiastically. This shows a first real break in his rigid personality and expresses once again his desire for home. While the weight of a huge decision presses on him, Naird relieves this stress by singing for a few moments. The song names many different scenic locations on Earth that contrast his need to launch into space and shows his desire once again to return to what he had with his family before. Ultimately, this awkward musical display gives Naird the confidence to make his decision and go on with the launch. I also just have to respect Steve Carrell’s ability to dedicate himself to a role and perform.

Space Force | Kokomo Scene - YouTube

With his decision made, General Naird declares the launch will go on. The soundtrack returns with the upbeat themes we have heard since the beginning, rising motives that signify the desire to rise into space. As Naird gives his launch speech, the music continues building until he presses the button, and we are left in suspense with the strings holding out a long note alone. After a bit of a mishap with an uncovered button and a missile, Dr. Mallory no longer trusts Naird and keeps the true launch button to himself. After Dr. Mallory presses the launch button, our rising themes return as Epsilon 6 begins liftoff. As the satellite gets closer to orbit, the music rises with it until the camera feed cuts out and the satellite disappears. There is silence. Both the viewer and the characters have no idea what has happened to the craft. Just when everyone is beginning to suspect the worst, the satellite is confirmed to have reached orbit. The crowd and the music erupt in triumphant cheer as the music finishes the themes that were left hanging.

Space Force S1 E1 ; Epsilon 6 Launch scene - YouTube

With this great success, General Naird has begun a great new journey for the Space Force. Everything ends well… except for when a rogue ship appears and dismantles the very satellite they just launched.