Space-Men (a.k.a. Assignment: Outer Space in the United States) is a 1960 Italian science fiction film directed by Antonio Margheriti. The film stars Rik Van Nutter and co-stars Gabriella Farinon, David Montresor, Archie Savage, and Alain Dijon. The film was released in the United States in 1961 by American International Pictures.

Space-Men’s storyline recounts a mission in the 22nd century aboard an orbiting space station. The mission involves a risky effort by its crew to redirect a malfunctioning spaceship that threatens to destroy the Earth.

Plot
In 2116, Interplanetary Chronicle of New York reporter Ray Peterson (Rik Van Nutter), launches aboard spaceship Bravo Zulu 88, joining the crew of an orbiting space station. Peterson is assigned to write a story about the “infra-radiation flux in Galaxy M12”, but soon tension develops between Peterson and the station commander (David Montresor). He believes the reporter is in the way, calling him a “leech”, but he has orders to not interfere with Peterson. A complication arises when Lucy (Gabriella Farinon), the station botanist and navigator, becomes attracted to both the commander and Peterson.

When the errant Spaceship Alpha Two enters the inner solar system, its photon generators are radiating enough heat to destroy the Earth. In efforts to intercept Alpha Two, crew members Sullivan (Franco Fantasia) and space station pilot Al (Archie Savage) sacrifice themselves in separate but futile attempts to destroy the dangerous spaceship with missiles.

With both crew members now dying from their attempts, Peterson uses Space Taxi B91 to get aboard the errant spaceship. His goal: to disarm Alpha Two’s photon generators. Once inside, he is directed to disable the spaceship’s computers and shut down all power sources. He soon finds himself trapped inside when the emergency hatch is also disabled by the power loss.

Despite orders from the high command not to intervene, the commander and his assistant disobey and attempt to intercept the out-of-control Alpha Two and rescue Peterson. They are finally able to reach the reporter as he is collapsing and bring him back safely. With Alpha Two now safely redirected away from the Earth, Peterson wins Lucy’s affection and the commander’s respect for his heroic actions.

Cast
Rik Van Nutter as Ray Peterson (IZ41)
Gabriella Farinon as Lucy (Y13) (credited as Gaby Farinon in Assignment: Outer Space)
David Montresor as George the Commander
Archie Savage as Al (X15)
Alain Dijon as Archie (Y16)
Franco Fantasia as Sullivan
Joe Pollini as King 116
David Maran as Davis
José Néstor as Venus Commander
Anita Todesco as Venus Control
Aldo Pini as Jacson