In the days that precede the launch, everything goes smoothly. All systems are go and the town is in the throes of launch fever with the American ambassador and Prime Minister coming to visit. They couldn't be happier. That is until the town blows a circuit and the dish goes dead. There is a back-up system in place, but due to a slight human error it doesn't work.
Power is restored, but all their data is gone.
They've not only lost Apollo 11, they lie to NASA about it. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and they're not about to give up without trying to reconnect with the capsule. They have 12 hours before it's their turn again. They manage to get back online, but not without some slight comic interludes. Even Al, who's loyal to NASA, goes along with the lies, if only to make sure all their hard work pays off.