October Sky

Homer Hickam is a kid with only one future in sight: to work in the local coal mine like his father. However, in October 1957, everything changed when the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, went into orbit. When Homer sees the Soviet satellite streak overhead, he becomes inspired to learn how to build rockets. With the help of his friends and the local nerd, Homer sets out to do just that by trial and error. Unfortunately, most of the town, and especially Homer’s father, thinks that they are wasting their time. Only one teacher understands their efforts and lets them know they could become contenders at the national science fair, with college scholarships as the prize. Now the gang must learn to perfect their craft and overcome the many challenges they face as they shoot for the stars.