Let's make this birthday one to remember.

82 years old (Born on February 19, 1943)

Happy Birthday, Homer Hickam! May your day be filled with more excitement than launching rockets in Coalwood and fewer mishaps than Sonny's early experiments. Your memoir "Rocket Boys" continues to inspire dreamers everywhere—proving that even backyard explosions can lead to NASA greatness.

From exploring lunar adventures in "Back to the Moon," diving deep into history with "Torpedo Junction," or capturing hearts again through stories like "Sky of Stone," you've shown us all how imagination truly has no limits. Here's hoping this birthday propels you toward another year full of stellar achievements—and perhaps a cake that's out-of-this-world delicious!