When Rip Cantrell, a seismic survey worker in the Sahara, spots a glint of reflected light in the distance - he investigates and finds a piece of metal apparently entombed in the sandstone. Before long, Rip and his colleagues uncover a flying saucer that has been resting there for 140,000 years. Their discovery doesn`t remain a secret for long. The U.S. Air Force sends a UFO investigation team, which arrives just minutes before a team sent by an Australian billionaire to steal the saucer`s secrets. Before either side can outwit the other, the Libyan military arrives. Meanwhile, Rip has been checking out the saucer. With the help of a beautiful ex-Air Force test pilot, Charley Pine, Rip flies the saucer away, embarking on a fantastic journey into space and around the world, keeping just ahead of those who want the saucer for themselves