In this touching scene, the tables turn. We’d expected Homer Sr. to praise his son: to compliment him on his rockets, and admit that he’s been secretly rooting for Homer all along. Instead, it is
Homer who compliments his father. Perhaps this suggests that there will always be a gap between Homer and Homer Sr.—and Hickam also suggests that Homer has finally reached a new kind of maturity. Instead of begging his father for approval, he now calmly praises his father, refusing to feel sorry for himself any longer. At the same time, Homer Sr. swallows his pride and allows himself to appreciate the beauty of his son’s work. Homer Sr.’s coughing at this moment is also symbolic, as suddenly he seems like the weak one, both physically and emotionally, while Homer takes on the role of maturity and strength.