NPR

One Giant Leap For A Man, One Small Step Toward Proving Earth Is A 'Frisbee'

"Mad" Mike Hughes achieved the improbable, launching himself over 1,800 feet high in his homemade rocket — and surviving. It's all part of his quest to determine for himself whether Earth is flat.

After months of anticipation, preparation and , "Mad" Mike Hughes didn't even wait to perform a countdown. Instead, on Saturday afternoon in the Mojave Desert, the 61-year-old limousine driver stuffed himself into the central compartment of his homemade rocket, had an assistant close the hatch — and without further warning for the camera crew perched nearby, launched himself more than 1,800

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min readAmerican Government
With Federal Fraud Trial Looming, George Santos Drops Out Of New York House Race
The scandal-plagued former Republican congressman, ousted from his House seat last year, abandoned his long-shot independent bid for Congress. But he suggested his political career may not be over.
NPR4 min readAmerican Government
Why Haven't Kansas And Alabama — Among Other Holdouts — Expanded Access To Medicaid?
Only 10 states have not joined the federal program that expands Medicaid to people who are still in the "coverage gap" for health care
NPR2 min readInternational Relations
World Central Kitchen Workers Killed In Israeli Strikes Will Be Honored At Memorial
The aid workers were killed April 1 when a succession of Israeli armed drones ripped through vehicles in their convoy as they left one of World Central Kitchen's warehouses on a food delivery mission.

Related Books & Audiobooks