Even when things start to look up, “Space Force” goes for the throat. Specifically, General Naird’s throat. 

After months of cutbacks, the General is elated to give his staff some good news — they’re back, and better than ever. He tells them: “It seems that we have made some friends in Washington, and they have decided to give us a little present — a new mission. We are now part of the American Strategic Defense Plan.”

If that wasn’t enough, it looks as though the president is throwing money and resources at Space Force … with Dr. Mallory’s science team getting their nerdy little hands on one of the most iconic science installations in the world.

“That is the Hawaii telescope,” says Naird as he points out the telescope on the big screen. “We now have sole access. NASA? Not so much.”

Unfortunately, their unbridled geek out doesn’t last long. Dr. Chan (Jimmy O. Yang) immediately spots something on the telescope. It seems there’s a good reason that Space Force has just become the Defence Department favorite. One very big reason.

“I think that might be an asteroid,” says Chan, adjusting his glasses. “A really big f***king asteroid … and it’s getting bigger.”

That’s right, with great power comes great responsibility, and it’s now down to Space Force to tackle a world-ending asteroid that’s heading straight for Earth. If I’m honest, it’s exactly what “Space Force” needs — a big crisis to pull everyone together, not to mention a chance for the department to really prove itself.

But with funding issues over and presidential approval a given, it feels like “Space Force” could be on course for its “Don’t Look Up” moment. Let’s just hope they handle it better.