"Mad Mike" is the nickname of Mike Hughes, an amateur rocket builder and daredevil known for his unconventional approach to science and exploration. He gained attention for his attempts to launch himself in homemade rockets to prove his belief that the Earth is flat. Hughes constructed several rockets, often using salvaged materials, and conducted multiple launches in the California desert. Hughes's most notable launch occurred in 2018 when he reached an altitude of about 1,875 feet. His endeavors sparked discussions about flat Earth theory and the importance of scientific inquiry. Tragically, he died in a rocket crash in 2020 while attempting another launch.