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.