“Mad” Mike Hughes, a DIY steam rocket enthusiast and flat-earther, launched himself far into the Californian sky all in the name of the cause. The self-declared flat earth researcher and self-taught rocket scientist blasted himself 1,875 feet into the air near Amboy, California and came out alive with just a few bumps and bruises, as reported by AP on Sunday. Even the rocket managed to get just a bit busted up. You can watch the video here.
Hughes, 61, launched himself into the sky on Saturday afternoon and ended up landing in the Mojave Desert. He told AP after landing he feels fine outside of an aching back. After being checked over by paramedics, "Mad" Mike said, "I’m tired of people saying I chickened out and didn’t build a rocket. I’m tired of that stuff. I manned up and did it." The launch was originally scheduled for last November, but it was scrapped thanks to a combination of mechanical issues and logistical problems with the Bureau of Land Management. Despite the fact that the weather was windy, the rocket was losing steam, and maximum thrust dropped to 340 psi (he wanted it at 350), Hughes powered on and proved the haters wrong. Waldo Stakes, who has been assisting Hughes through this adventure, said, "I told Mike we could try to keep charging it up and get it hotter. He said, 'No.'"
"Mad" Mike performed this little stunt all in the name of research. "Do I believe the Earth is shaped like a Frisbee? I believe it is," he said. "Do I know for sure? No. That’s why I want to go up in space."
Stakes estimated that Hughes reached a speed of about 350 mph before pulling the parachute. He was forced to pull the second parachute because he was dropping too fast.
Hughes had no regrets after somehow surviving. "This thing wants to kill you ten different ways... Am I glad I did it? Yeah. I guess. I’ll feel it in the morning. I won’t be able to get out of bed. At least I can go home and have dinner and see my cats tonight."
All's well that ends well.
