In a small town in West Virginia during the 1950s, a young boy named Homer Hickam dreams beyond the coal mining that has dominated his family's life. Inspired by the launch of the Sputnik satellite, Homer and his friends discover a new passion: building rockets. Despite the pressure from his father, a mine worker who expects his son to follow in his footsteps, Homer immerses himself in the world of science and physics, supported by his teacher, who sees his potential and encourages him to pursue his dreams.
As the story unfolds, the group of friends faces various challenges, both technical and social, including a lack of resources and skepticism from those around them. However, their determination and friendship drive them to experiment and overcome obstacles. While Homer struggles to gain the support of his family and prove his worth, he must also confront the reality of his aspirations and the future he truly desires.
The film is a tribute to the power of dreams, education, and perseverance. Set against a backdrop of scientific discoveries and Homer's personal growth, it illustrates how a simple desire to explore can change the course of life. The shared experiences and lessons learned in this small town will resonate with anyone who has had a dream and fought to make it a reality.