Self-Taught “Mad” Scientist Plans to Launch Himself in Homemade Rocket

Mad Mike Hughes is a 61-year-old limo driver who has spent the last few years designing and building a steam-powered rocket in his garage.

Overall the project has cost him $20,000 including the motor home he converted into a ramp. This Saturday will be the first test of his rocket and he'll be strapped in.

Mad Mike will hit speeds close to 500 mph as he hurtles over the ghost town of Amboy, California. “If you’re not scared to death, you’re an idiot,” Hughes said.

Eventually he plans on building a rocket that will take him to space. Hughes believes the Earth is flat and wants to reach orbit so he can take a picture for himself.

Mad Mike plans to live stream the launch on his YouTube channel this Saturday.