Daredevil And Diy Rocketeer Mike Hughes Dies During Rocket Launch Attempt

Sources reports that the 64-year-old daredevil died upon impact after his rocket malfunctioned during launch. The vehicle’s parachute prematurely deployed seconds after take-off, which also hindered the craft’s propulsion and trajectory. Furthermore, the parachute was completely severed from the rocket in the process, thus leaving Hughes with no means of landing safely.

— Science Channel (@ScienceChannel) February 23, 2020 The launch was documented by Discovery’s new Science Channel show called Homemade Astronauts, according to CNN. The show aimed to chronicle “a group of colourful DIY rocketeers taking their own path to space.” Given the tragic outcome of Hughes’ launch attempt, it’s unlikely that the Science Channel will use or release the footage. Mike Hughes is known to be a Flat Earth believer, but had previously told Space.com that it was not a primary motivator for his rocket launches. The late rocketeer stated that he was simply a daredevil, pushing the envelope of homemade rockets. (Source: Space.com / CNN / Science Channel | Header image: MadMikeHughes.com)