October Sky is a 1999 film produced by directed by Joe Johnston, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper and Laura Dern. It is based on the true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes, and eventually became a NASA scientist.

Title

"October Sky" is an anagram of "Rocket Boys", the title of the book on which the movie is based. It is also used in a period radio broadcast describing Sputnik as it crossed the "October sky". Homer Hickam' 'stated that women over 30 would not go to see a movie titled "Rocket Boys",Homer Hickam official Web site - October Sky/Rocket Boys, The Keeper's Son so Universal Pictures changed the title to be more inviting to a wider audience. The book was later re-released with the name October Sky in order to capitalize on interest in the movie. The movie takes place in the late 1950's after Sputnik is launched.