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Mission Stardust (1967) Plot Summary & Timeline

Mission Stardust (1967) movie poster

Mission Stardust is a 1967 sci-fi film directed by Primo Zeglio, running 1 hour 35 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 217 words (about 1 minute to read) and covers 12 key events in order, 6 characters, where and when it is set and 3 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Mission Stardust.

to read the plot summary
1 min
key events in the timeline
12
characters profiled
6
themes explained
3
Mission Stardust (1967) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 35m
Director
Primo Zeglio
Genre
Sci-Fi
Original language
Italian
No spoilers

What Is Mission Stardust About?

The premise of Mission Stardust in 258 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

markdown Mission Stardust launches viewers into a thrilling sci-fi adventure where humanity takes its first bold steps into the cosmos with purpose. Major Perry Rhodan leads a four-man expedition aboard the rocket Stardust, embarking on a mission to the lunar surface that promises to change everything they know about their place in the universe. What begins as a search for powerful radioactive materials soon transforms into something far more significant when the crew encounters visitors from another world — a stranded Arkonide spaceship carrying beings whose very survival hangs in the balance.

On the Moon, the astronauts discover Commander Thora and scientist Crest, who face a desperate situation far from home. The arrival of the human crew offers a glimmer of hope, yet their presence also draws dangerous attention from forces that would rather see the alien presence eliminated than assisted. Bandit robots lurk in the shadows of this lunar encounter, and whispers of enemy spies suggest that not everyone on Earth welcomes the Arkonide presence. The promise of advanced technology and the chance to prevent extinction creates both opportunity and peril in equal measure.

As the astronauts commit to helping their new allies, the mission’s scope expands beyond simple exploration into something far more personal and urgent. Navigating the treacherous currents of human ambition proves just as challenging as surviving the hazards of space itself. The Stardust crew’s journey has only begun, and the Moon may be just the first stop on a path that could reshape the future — or bring everything crashing down around them.

Full plot

What Happens in Mission Stardust?

The complete story of Mission Stardust, from the first scene to the last, in 217 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

On a mission to locate a source of radioactive material more powerful than uranium, Major Perry Rhodan leads a four-man expedition to the Moon aboard the rocket Stardust. On the Moon, they discover a stranded Arkonide spaceship, where Crest John Karlsen is a scientist suffering from leukemia, and Commander Thora Essy Persson is trying to save him along with a crew of robots. The cure for Crest is available on Earth, so the team travels down in an Arkonide shuttle to fetch a physician who can deliver it.

To obtain the cure, Luis Dávila as Captain Mike Bull travels with them to Earth in search of a doctor who can deliver the cure.

Back on Earth, one crewman turns traitor, feeding information to a crime lord who covets the Arkonide material and sees the Moon mission as a stepping stone to a bigger prize.

The crime lord arranges to replace the doctor and nurses with his own people, and upon reaching the Arkonide ship they kidnap Thora to seize Arkonide technology.

Crest provides Rhodan and Bull with Arkonide technology, which helps them rescue Thora as well as the real doctor, who cures Crest.

With the mission’s success, they depart the Moon in the Stardust, promising to return with the materials the Arkonides need to repair their ship.

Timeline

Mission Stardust Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

12 key events in the order they happen, from “Stardust launches toward the Moon” to “A promised return with materials”. 12 events name a place, across 7 locations.

  1. 1

    Stardust launches toward the Moon

    Major Perry Rhodan leads a four-man mission aboard the rocket Stardust, seeking a source of radioactive material more powerful than uranium. The crew prepares for a dangerous voyage to the Moon, aware that success could change the balance of power in space. Their journey begins with the hope of discovery and survival.

    Where:Earth launch site

  2. 2

    Discovery on the Moon: Arkonide ship and Crest

    On the Moon, the crew lands and discovers a stranded Arkonide ship. Commander Thora is attempting to save Crest, a scientist, and a crew of robots, suggesting a larger interstellar alliance. The Earthmen realize the Arkonides hold critical technology and knowledge for their mission.

    Where:Moon

  3. 3

    Crest's leukemia and the Earth cure

    Crest is revealed to be suffering from leukemia, a disease with a cure available back on Earth. Rhodan and the Arkonides coordinate to obtain the remedy while considering how Crest's illness affects their mission. The discovery sets in motion a plan to fetch a physician capable of delivering the cure.

    Where:Moon

  4. 4

    Plan to fetch a doctor from Earth

    Rhodan and Bull decide to take an Arkonide shuttle back to Earth to fetch a doctor who can deliver Crest's cure. They prepare for the risky voyage, aware that time is of the essence and that their actions could affect Earth-Arkonide relations. The crew braces for the uncertainties of a cross-planet recovery mission.

    Where:Moon

  5. 5

    Journey through space toward Earth

    The Arkonide shuttle leaves the Moon and speeds toward Earth, bringing the team closer to the necessary medical expertise. The mission carries the tension of interspecies alliances and the threat posed by outside interests. Crest and Thora track the unfolding events as they approach Earth.

    Where:Space between Moon and Earth

  6. 6

    A traitor among the Earth crew

    One member of the Earth crew is revealed as a traitor, feeding information to a crime lord who seeks the powerful radioactive material. His betrayal jeopardizes the mission and could draw dangerous criminals into play. The crew must balance suspicion with continued progress toward Earth.

    Where:Stardust (in space)

  7. 7

    Crime lord's plan to replace medical staff

    The crime lord schemes to replace the doctor and nurses with his own people during the Earthward leg of the mission, aiming to seize Arkonide technology. The plot raises the stakes beyond Crest's cure and promises greater prizes if successful. Security and loyalty are put to the test as the plan unfolds.

    Where:Earth orbit / aboard shuttle

  8. 8

    Thora abducted on the Arkonide ship

    Upon arriving at the Arkonide ship, the crime lord's agents kidnap Thora to pressure the Arkonide crew and access their technology. Rhodan and his companions realize that the crime lord's ambitions extend far beyond the cure. The situation triggers a coordinated effort to reclaim Thora and safeguard Arkonide assets.

    Where:Arkonide ship

  9. 9

    Crest provides Arkonide technology

    Crest supplies Rhodan and Bull with Arkonide technology, enabling a counterstrike to rescue Thora and the real doctor. This exchange demonstrates the growing trust between Earth and Arkonide forces. The tech boost helps tilt the balance in their favor during the crisis.

    Where:Arkonide ship

  10. 10

    Rescue and cure on board

    The real doctor arrives and cures Crest, validating the decision to fetch medical help away from Earth. Thora is rescued, and the alliance between Earth and Arkonide forces strengthens in the wake of the crisis. The crew prepares to depart the Arkonide ship with renewed purpose.

    Where:Arkonide ship

  11. 11

    Departing the Moon aboard Stardust

    With Crest cured and Thora safe, the team leaves the Moon aboard Stardust to return toward Earth, carrying a renewed pact with the Arkonides. They vow to come back with materials to repair the Arkonide ship and support future collaboration. The immediate danger has passed, but the mission continues beyond the Moon.

    Where:Moon

  12. 12

    A promised return with materials

    Rhodan and his crew commit to returning to the Moon with the materials needed to repair the Arkonide ship, cementing a fragile alliance that could reshape their exploration of space. Crest's cure demonstrates the value of Earth-Arkonide cooperation, and Thora's safety reinforces their determination. The tale closes with the hope of further discoveries and rescue missions.

    Where:Space / Earth vicinity

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Mission Stardust?

6 characters, among them Maj. Perry Rhodan (Lang Jeffries), Thora (Essy Persson) and Crest: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 5 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • MP

    Maj. Perry Rhodan (Lang Jeffries)

    Played by Lang Jeffries

    A bold, mission-focused leader who guides the Stardust crew on a lunar expedition. He coordinates operations, weighs risks, and keeps the team focused as they confront the Arkonide ship and the threat of betrayal. His decisive actions drive the plot forward as the team pursues both the scientific cure and the mission's prize.

    • 🪖 Leader
    • 🛰 Spaceflight
    • 🧪 Scientist
  • T(

    Thora (Essy Persson)

    Played by Essy Persson

    Commander Thora is an Arkonide leader aboard the stranded ship who is determined to save Crest and ensure the Arkonide people survive. She demonstrates resilience, technical savvy, and a willingness to ally with Earth forces when it serves their goals. Her actions propel the rescue and the exchange of technology between worlds.

    • 👽 Arkonide
    • 🛰 Alien Tech
    • 🧭 Interstellar
  • C

    Crest

    Crest is an Arkonide scientist suffering from leukemia. The Earth crew believes there is a cure on Earth, and Crest's plight becomes the emotional hinge of the mission. The collaboration with Earth doctors ultimately leads to Crest's recovery via Arkonide technology.

    • 🧬 Patient
    • 🧪 Medical
    • 🛰 Science
  • CM

    Captain Mike Bull (Luis Dávila)

    Played by Luis Dávila

    An Earth crew member whose loyalties become compromised. He acts as the traitor, feeding information to a crime lord who covets Arkonide technology and the mission's prize. His actions escalate danger and threaten to derail the rescue.

    • 🕵️‍♂️ Traitor
    • 🧭 Betrayal
    • 🧑‍✈️ Captain
  • A(

    Arkin (Pinkas Braun)

    Played by Pinkas Braun

    An Arkonide figure associated with the stranded ship and its technology. He embodies the alien presence on the Moon and the possibility of cooperation or conflict with Earth explorers. His involvement highlights the tension between interstellar politics and exploration.

    • 👽 Arkonide
    • 🛰 Alien Tech
    • 🧭 Interstellar
  • DF

    Dr. Frank Haggard (Stefano Sibaldi)

    Played by Stefano Sibaldi

    Earth doctor who treats Crest. He plays a pivotal role when the Earth team confronts deception as the crime lord substitutes his own people for medical staff. His medical expertise is central to delivering the cure and enabling the mission to depart safely.

    • 🧑‍⚕️ Doctor
    • 🛰 Space Medical
    • 🧬 Science
Setting

Where and When Is Mission Stardust Set?

Mission Stardust is set in Moon and Earth. Here is why the place matters to the story.

Where

Moon, Earth

The story unfolds across the Moon and Earth. On the Moon, the Stardust crew discovers a stranded Arkonide ship and a scientist named Crest in danger. The mission then pivots toward Earth to retrieve a doctor, bringing back Arkonide technology and planning to return with materials to repair the Arkonide ship.

  • 🌕 Moon
  • 🚀 Space Travel
  • 🛰 Sci-Fi
Themes

What Are the Themes of Mission Stardust?

3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Space Exploration, Betrayal and Medicine.

  1. 01

    Space Exploration

    A four-man mission led by Major Perry Rhodan journeys to the Moon aboard the Stardust to locate a source of material more powerful than uranium. They discover a stranded Arkonide ship and a crew of robots, expanding the scope of human–alien contact. The mission blends exploration with high-stakes tech and rescue as the Arkonides prepare to repair their ship.

  2. 02

    Betrayal

    Among the Earth crew, one member becomes a traitor, passing information to a crime lord who covets Arkonide technology and the mission's prize. The crime lord orchestrates a substitution of the doctor and nurses, turning the mission into a hostage situation. The twist heightens tension as trust fractures within the team.

  3. 03

    Medicine

    Crest, a sick Arkonide scientist, suffers from leukemia. The Earth crew believes there is a cure on Earth, and Crest's plight becomes the emotional hinge of the mission. The collaboration with Earth doctors ultimately leads to Crest's recovery via Arkonide technology. The cure enables the Arkonide-Korean? cross-empire rescue and departure.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Mission Stardust?

Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Tense
Pacing
Fast
Story
Moderate
Intensity
High
Ending
Happy

A fast-paced and tense space adventure that thrives on constant peril and suspense, driven by high-stakes rescue missions and a race against betrayal, culminating in a hopeful resolution.

  • adventurous
  • tense
  • suspenseful
  • urgent
  • perilous
  • hopeful
  • space adventure
  • first contact
  • betrayal
  • rescue mission
Where to watch

Where to Watch Mission Stardust

Stream it on Fawesome and FlixFling, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and FlixFling. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

Streaming availability in the US, powered by JustWatch logo

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FAQ

Mission Stardust Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Mission Stardust, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Mission Stardust about?

markdown Mission Stardust launches viewers into a thrilling sci-fi adventure where humanity takes its first bold steps into the cosmos with purpose. Major Perry Rhodan leads a four-man expedition aboard the rocket Stardust, embarking on a mission to the lunar surface that promises to change…

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Mission Stardust take place?

Mission Stardust is set in Moon and Earth. The story unfolds across the Moon and Earth. On the Moon, the Stardust crew discovers a stranded Arkonide ship and a scientist named Crest in danger.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Mission Stardust?

The story follows Maj. Perry Rhodan (Lang Jeffries) (played by Lang Jeffries), Thora (Essy Persson) (played by Essy Persson), Crest and Captain Mike Bull (Luis Dávila) (played by Luis Dávila); the character guide covers 6 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Mission Stardust?

The summary picks out 3 themes: Space Exploration, Betrayal and Medicine.

The themes explained

Who directed Mission Stardust?

Mission Stardust (1967) was directed by Primo Zeglio and runs 1 hour 35 minutes.

Primo Zeglio’s films

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