During the colonization of the ice planet Nilfheim, Mickey 17 has the task of helping the expedition crew - especially with the jobs that are dangerous. Because Mickey has an advantage: he is replaceable. When he dies, the next clone is simply produced, which not only has his previous memories, but can also continue the work seamlessly. But when Mickey goes missing for a short time one day, he discovers that Mickey 18 has already been brought to the start. But Mickey, 17, doesn't want to die. So he has to keep his clone a secret. But in addition, life on Nilfheim is becoming more and more dangerous, because the mission threatens to fail, the food is running out and the local population is not good at talking to the new human neighbors. So Mickey 17 has to survive in this environment - and as a disposable clone...