Was this episode a prequel because no one saw Superboy before now and no one knew him. He was appearing for the very first time but it’s weird because in previous episodes everyone knew Superboy. Anyway, he made his debut and saved Lana from some radical thugs who aimed to steal a giant laser and blow up the Kennedy Space Center, or at least, do some major damage. So they knocked out campus security and kidnapped Lana. They even laser fried a man, killing him. Luckily Superboy and his powers saved everyone and the men are likely going to prison.
Superboy: Review: Countdown To Nowhere