GUESTS: Homer Hickam, Natalie Canerday, and Scott Thomas

Homer and John walk toward the launch site. John holds the launch control.

“Ten. Nine,” says Homer, beginning the countdown. He throws the arming toggle on the control box.

“Eight. Seven. Six,” as the crowd joins in the countdown.

“Five. Four.” Jim Hickam smiles at Elsie.

“Three.” The crowd continues to count.

“Two. One.” says Valentine.

John Hickam presses the button. The rocket ignites, and leaps off the pad.

The crowd watches the rocket climb high into the sky.

O’Dell, Roy Lee, and Quentin watch the rocket’s path.

“Look at it go, Homer,” smiles Quentin. “This one’s gonna go for miles!”

Elsie and Jim watch, mouths agape.

In the crowd, Mister Bolden watches the flight.

Townspeople continue to follow the rocket.

Valentine watches, smiling.

In Coalwood, Mister Denzler pauses while unloading a truckload of vegetables to see the rocket climb over the mountains.

Jake Mosby and other miners see the rocket from the minehead.

In her hospital bed, Miss Riley sees the rocket out her window.

In This Episode

• Jake Gyllenhall as Homer Hickam
• William Lee Scott as Roy Lee
• Chris Owen as Quentin
• Chad Lindberg as O'Dell
• Laura Dern as Miss Riley
• Chris Cooper as John Hickam
• Kaili Hollister as Valentine Carmina
• Natalie Canerday as Elsie Hickam
• Scott Thomas as Jim Hickam
• Terry Loughlin as Mr. Dantzler
• David Dwyer as Jake Mosby
• Randy Stripling as Leon Bolden