"Sometimes one dream is enough to light up the whole 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 changes when the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, goes 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 to do just that by trial and a lot of 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 that they could become contenders in the national science fair with college scholarships being the prize. Now the gang must learn to perfect their craft and overcome the many problems facing them as they shoot for the stars.
Miss Riley
Homer Hickam
Quentin Wilson
John Hickam
Roy Lee
O'Dell
Elsie Hickam
Ike Bykovsky
Principal Turner
Jim Hickam
Leon Bolden
Dorothy Platt
Jake Mosby
Mr. Dantzler
Valentine Carmina
Coach Gainer
Jensen
Lenny
Trooper One
Kid
Neighbor
Neighbor
Neighbor
Anderson
Roper
Basil Thorpe
Corvette Guy
Corvette Girl
Vernon
Reverend
Rescue Worker
Chemistry Teacher
Doctor
Barney
Fred Smith
Moonshiner
Man at Mine
Miner
Miner
Quentin's Mom
Judge at Welch
Union Official
Union Official
Mr. Morris
Ivy League Girl
Ivy League Boy
Judge at Indy
Head Judge
Tom Webster
Jack Palmer
Wernher Von Braun
Miner in Elevator
Man in Crowd
Nurse
Locomotive Engineer