RNP #443 - Chapter 443 is still on the PPT, how to steal it? Satellite launch is not the purpose!
#443 - Chapter 443 is still on the PPT, how to steal it? Satellite launch is not the purpose!
Sean O'Keefe.
Director of the North American Aerospace Administration.
"Mr. President, something bad has happened!"
Sean's face was unsightly, his expression flustered: "China… China is launching rockets, four launches at once!"
"Is there a problem?"
The President frowned, taking a slurp of hot coffee: "China has already notified us, and besides, it's only four. I remember… last time they launched 35 rockets at once—those madmen!"
Four?
What does that count for compared to 35?
"It's not that…"
Sean took out a few photos: "It's late at night in China, so we can't use satellites to monitor…"
The darkness also has its advantages.
For example, especially bright objects can be seen more clearly.
The first photo.
Was taken by a North American satellite, showing the glow of the rocket as it ascended.
Only the light is visible, not the rocket itself.
"Is there a problem?" the President retorted.
"This photo was taken about 40 minutes after launch!" Sean flipped out another one from below.
"Just get to the point!"
The President was getting a little angry.
I'm not an aerospace professional, what's the use of showing me this?
Who knows what you're trying to say?
"Look!"
Sean pointed to a patch of bright light on the photo: "According to the timeline, the rocket debris should be falling at this time, but their rocket… the debris has already fallen, so why is it still glowing?"
"What are you trying to say?!" The President was truly angry.
"Their rocket… flew back."
"What do you mean flew back?"
"It should be…"
Sean's voice was strained: "Rocket recovery technology!"
The President was stunned for a moment, then angrily said: "No one understands China better than I do! Those damned people, did they use spies again to steal our technology?"
Sean's lips trembled.
After a long while, he stammered: "Mr. President, this technology… we're still at the PPT stage."
What?!
The President's hand shook.
The scalding coffee spilled onto his hand.
"F*ck…"
He yelped and shook his hand vigorously, but he couldn't care less about the pain: "Damn China! Impossible! How could they possess technology that even we don't have? Sean! Are you mistaken?!"
First, North Korea forced the North American troops out of South Korea.
Then China notified them about launching carrier rockets.
In his opinion, these were related: announcing the launch of carrier rockets was, frankly, a form of demonstration.
But!
The deterrent was limited.
Just like the last time warships passed through the strait, didn't China also strongly condemn it?
Just impotent rage!
But now…
He realized that it didn't seem to be the case.
"It's impossible to be mistaken!" Sean shook his head repeatedly.
"How could it be…"
The President frowned.
Within a year, many fields in China have seen the emergence of various technologies that surpass North America.
Some technologies North America doesn't even have.
He had a feeling that China was developing rapidly in multiple fields at an astonishing speed, and a small portion had already crushed North America, the problem is…
China's technological weakness is a global consensus.
How could it suddenly be so strong?
It doesn't make sense!
It's illogical!
At this moment, Sean's phone rang, and he quickly pressed the answer button.
After a moment, his face was strange, and he stammered: "Mr. President, China… has launched another round, another four rockets!"
What the hell?
The President's expression became even more unsightly.
Although each round only launched one rocket at the four major launch centers, far less than the 35 rockets launched at Wenchang last time.
But…
It just felt wrong!
…
Wenchang Launch Center.
The second heavy-lift carrier rocket ascended.
At the same time, on a large open space, the tail of the first rocket spewed out streams of cyan flames.
Bang!
The ground shook.
The rocket landed steadily.
"Success!"
Sun Jingliang's eyes lit up: "Comrades! The first rocket recovery has been successfully achieved!"
This was a small step for them.
But a big step for China's space program!
Successfully recovered rockets, as long as a series of inspections are carried out, and then re-filled with liquid fuel, they can be reused—greatly reducing launch costs!
Of course, it won't be used tonight.
Inspection and refueling waste time.
The four major launch centers will continuously launch 6 new rockets, instead of just one rocket being repeatedly used back and forth.
"Well…"
Chen Hao recalled his wife's instructions: "Everyone, continue to be busy, I'm going to sleep."
What?!
A group of senior executives were dumbfounded.
This is a historic moment!
Going to sleep?
Although Chief Chen is responsible for technology and doesn't need to direct the scene, but… as the leader, as everyone's spiritual idol, shouldn't he be at the scene?
Isn't he excited?
Can he really sleep?
Chen Hao didn't care about these things, and went straight to leave the main control room.
Launching a satellite?
Was not the purpose of his trip.
It was now past ten o'clock at night.
After sending a few text messages to his wife and saying good night to each other, he fell into a deep sleep.
Nothing happened all night.
The entire launch center stayed up all night in busyness and excitement.
Early the next morning.
Chen Hao went straight to the cafeteria, ate his fill, and went to the ground station, and made two phone calls.
The people who received his call, however, didn't sleep all night.
For example, Lin Shun.
Rocket launches are not within his scope of work, but he still stayed in the command center.
He was so excited that he couldn't sleep at all!
"Principal Wang, General Lin, good morning."
Chen Hao was full of energy.
"…"
Wang Shenghong and Lin Shun were listless.
"Chief Chen!"
At this time, two more people ran over.
Zhang Haiyuan?
Sun Jingliang?
Chen Hao was stunned: "You… why are you here? Aren't you going to sleep?"
"Chief Chen!"
Old Sun said with a smile: "Do you have other work to do?"
After the launch was completed in the morning, he and Zhang Haiyuan discussed it.
Something's not right!
The heavy-lift carrier rocket taking off, as well as one rocket carrying 95 satellites and recovery technology, what exciting achievements?
But Chief Chen was calm throughout the whole process.
It seems…
That his attention was not on the rocket launch.
Then, what did he come to Wenchang for?
There must be other things!
What he wants to do is likely to be even more exciting than these epoch-making initiatives!
"Okay, let's go together."
Chen Hao walked in front, heading straight for the newly built, upgraded version of the ground station.
Soon, they arrived at the main control room.
Chen Hao looked at the few people, his expression serious: "Everyone! What we are going to do next is more confidential than rocket launches, leaking secrets is equivalent to treason!"
Everyone was stunned.
He had never been so serious about such a great initiative last night.
Next…
What big thing are we going to do?
"Yes!"
Everyone said in unison.
Nervous, but also excited.
Chen Hao took out his mobile phone and dialed General Wang's number: "General Wang, issue a statement."
After saying that, he hung up.
"Chief Chen, what statement are we issuing?" Lin Shun couldn't help but ask.
"North America."
Chen Hao narrowed his eyes and sneered: "Destroyed the satellites we just launched!"
Huh?!
Old Sun was startled: "Our satellite was attacked? Quick… everyone, go check!"
"Old Sun, don't get excited, it wasn't attacked," Chen Hao turned and smiled.
"This…"
Everyone was dumbfounded.
You just said the satellite was attacked, and now you're saying it wasn't.
What's going on?