At the plant, Homer never gets to be employee of the month; they even choose an inanimate carbon rod over him. At NASA the ratings are down, so they begin a campaign to recruit an everyday loser for the next pointless mission. Naturally, Homer and Barney are among the finalists. The family gets to go to Florida while they train. Barney is kicking Homer's butt, but alcoholism ends his quest. Homer gets really nervous about the mission. He will go with two former astronauts, so he can't screw up like he always does, right? Nope! He brings potato chips into space and wreaks havoc on the mission. James Taylor comes up with a plan to save them, but Homer screws up again. An inanimate carbon rod finally saves them for their reentry. Homer once again fails to get any recognition, because a rod takes the spotlight.

Kramer talks his midget friend, Mickey, to wear lifts to appear taller in his stand-in work. Jerry visits a friend at the hospital, but his visit doesn't help his health. George decides to break up with his girlfriend, but changes his mind when he hears that she's talked about breaking it off too. Meanwhile, Elaine's date 'takes it out' in the car during their date.