Self-Taught Rocket Scientist Successfully Blasts Off In California Desert

"Mad" Mike Hughes made headlines last year when announced that he would be launching himself in a homemade rocket. Many doubted him, but over the weekend he proved the haters wrong.

Two previous attempts to launch his steam-powered rocket failed due to technical problems. The third time was the charm and Mike was able to blast off on Saturday in the Mojave Desert.

The launch crew were only able to get the steam rocket to 340 psi, they were aiming for 350 psi. That was enough to get "Mad" Mike to hit speeds of 350 mph, they estimate.

Mike told the AP that he was relieved the launch was over and was dealing with an aching back. “I’m tired of people saying I chickened out and didn’t build a rocket,” he said. “I’m tired of that stuff. I manned up and did it."

Read more at AP.