'Mad' Mike Hughes, a self-taught rocket scientist who says he does not believe in science, has announced his plan to launch himself in a homemade rocket over a ghost town in California.
Built Steam-Powered Rocket In The Garage
The limousine driver, who earns $15 per hour plus tip, has spent the last few years working on a steam-powered rocket using salvaged parts in his garage. The project has so far cost him $20,000 and this includes the cost of a $1,500 motor home he bought on the internet that he will attach his rocket's launch pad to.
The 61-year old, who claims to be the only person in the world's history to design, build, and launch himself in a rocket, is set to launch himself in his homemade rocket between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25. He has to heat about 70 gallons of water in a stainless tank prior to launching the rocket this weekend.
Hughes said that he will travel strapped into the contraption at a speed of about 500 mph for about a mile over Amboy, a California ghost town with only four residents. He said that he plans to reach an altitude of about 1,800 feet before he will pull out two parachutes. The feat will be televised on his Youtube channel.
Hughes admitted that he is scared but in case anything goes wrong, he said that he has prepared enough food for his four cats. Hughes also said that he is going to announce his intention to run for California governor after his jump.
The attempt will not be his first. Earlier, he constructed and launched a rocket. In January 2014, he jumped on a private property in Winkelman, Arizona and traveled 1,374 feet. He passed out after the landing though and needed three days to recover.
"Thanks to the people that has supported me during this incredible journey," he earlier wrote on Facebook. "I have honestly given up several times especially after the accident June 2014 when I left Winkelman Arizona with nothing and about 6K in debt."
Not A Believer Of Science
Hughes does not believe in science and even thinks that the Earth is flat. The main sponsor for his rocket project is, in fact, Research Flat Earth.
He said that he hopes to build a space rocket someday that can take him to where he can see planet Earth with his own eyes.
