In his motherland's race to claim the first human spaceflight, cosmonaut candidate Lev Leps is assigned to a secret project which involves an outrageous experiment.

Though Lev is confined due to his actions, the launch must go on as scheduled. As Irina takes to the skies, those on the ground pray for a successful mission.

As Lev prepares for space, he discovers that Irina has been lying to him. Worried about her, Lev expresses his gratitude in the only way that he can.