The irony of rocket science
The saying goes, "This ain't rocket science." Well, actually, this time it is rocket science, literally, that Sonny finds himself passionately pursuing. Why does the reader know this to be ironic? Because everyone in the book is constantly reminding the boy that his "pipe dream" isn't a normal path for Coalwood boys. To them, he might as well have said he was literally going to space; his idea is out of this world.
The irony of talent
Even though folks in his hometown don't believe in him, Homer is ironically talented. Just as his father rose quickly to the top of his coal mining company, so also Homer, Jr rises quickly to the top of rocketing, partially because he is a smart kid, partially because he works so diligently for so long, and partially because of his father's demonstration of power and tenacity. This irony leads to a public demonstration of his power to his community, gathering crowds for his rocket launches.
The irony of parents
Although parents are typically understood to be responsible for helping their children succeed, there is an ironic instance of the opposite in this book. This father wants Homer Jr to try things in the Coalwood way before he gives up on the small town, but inadvertently, he becomes his own son's biggest inhibition. By proving his father wrong, he simultaneously earns his pride and approval.
The irony of Russian help
Homer literally depends on the academic resources of the entire globe (just imagine what a Virginia man like Homer Hickam Sr might have felt seeing Russian and German books lying around). This global awareness is at odds with the social opinion of Hickam's town, but by learning from the experts without regard for their ethnic or political background, he gains true resources that help him.
The irony of football
Everyone says there is only one way out of Coalwood: work hard from a young age in the mines to get strong, and perhaps a college will recruit the young man with a football scholarship. Ironically, the townspeople understand the idea of scholarship, but only in regards to competition and sport. The word "scholarship" itself stands ironically against those ideas. Football is awesome, but of course students can open doors with physical skill and mental, technical skills alike.
