Mike Hughes: Man who wanted to prove Earth is flat dies after crashing homemade rocket
Launch part of an upcoming television series called ‘Homemade Astronauts’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A daredevil pilot who believed the Earth was flat has been killed after his homemade rocket crashed shortly after take-off in California.
“Mad” Mike Hughes, who hoped to prove the Earth was flat by going into space, died on Saturday near Barstow, California, after attempting to launch his steam-powered rocket for a new television series called Homemade Astronauts on the US Science Channel.
In a statement, the Science Channel said: “Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family & friends during this difficult time. It was always his dream to do this launch & Science Channel was there to chronicle his journey.”
A video of the launch, posted by a witness on Twitter, shows a parachute trailing behind the rocket immediately after take-off.
The rocket is then depicted hurtling down to earth before crashing into the desert.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said its officers responded to a fatal rocket crash on Saturday afternoon, but did not name the deceased.
With the help of his partner Waldo Stakes, Hughes wanted to reach 5,000 feet (1524m) in his rocket, according to Space.com.
The website added that the pair was one of three teams who were trying to reach the Karman line, which, at 62 miles above the Earth’s surface, is thought by some to mark the start of space.
In a trailer filmed by the Science Channel ahead of the launch, Hughes had said: “People ask me why I do stuff like this. Basically, it’s just to convince people they can do things extraordinary with their lives.”
Hughes, with the help of his assistants, built the rocket in his backyard, at a cost of around $18,000 (£14,000).
The rocket uses steam ejected through a nozzle for propulsion.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments