A scientist wants to prove that the Earth is flat. Mike Hughes, 61, is a flat-Earther – someone who believes that the Earth is not round. He taught himself how to make a rocket for $20,000. He will get into his rocket and fire it hundreds of meters in the air. It is powered by steam and can fly at 800 kmh. He told reporters: "I like to do extraordinary things….No one in the history of mankind has designed, built and launched himself in his own rocket."

Mr Hughes will take photos to prove that the Earth is flat. He said the Earth is land with walls of ice at the edges. He said his project will "shut the door on this ball-Earth" idea. He is a little worried and said the flight is, "as scary as hell, but none of us are getting out of this world alive". Hughes hopes his flat-Earth discovery will help him run for California Governor. The flight will be on his website on Saturday. He fed his four cats, just in case something goes wrong.