The Grandmother in the Siheyuan

Chapter 574: The record can be checked
“Academician Liu is bolder than me.” The leader said with a smile, “We initially estimated it would take about twenty years, but Academician Liu only predicted half of that time. Academician Liu, what were your reasons for making that judgment?”

“Quantitative change leads to qualitative change.” Liu Hua smiled and said, “Our scientific research and development has been going on for 55 years. All the foundations have been laid very solidly, especially after opening up. Our scientific development has been progressing by leaps and bounds. Although we were poor for a period of time at the beginning, it did not prevent us from climbing the tree of science and technology. What we lack now is an opportunity, an opportunity to cause a qualitative change.”

What do you think could be the catalyst for a qualitative leap in our technological development?

"The 2008 Olympics were an opportunity, the Shenzhou spacecraft was an opportunity, the great development of our navy was an opportunity, and our fifth-generation fighter jet was also an opportunity."

Liu Hua said with a smile: "Since the opening up, the United States has transferred a large number of its supply chains to my country, and we have already gained an advantage. Any external condition could trigger a qualitative change. Now the world advantage is in our hands. Apart from us developing, other countries are stagnating or even regressing."

“But what you’re saying is biased. How can you say that we’re constantly developing while others are stagnating?” Another expert objected, “Your words will make our scientific and technological personnel lower their guard.”

"Ah, that's not what I meant. You've misunderstood." Liu Hua waved his hand. "What I meant was that we should take this opportunity to accelerate our development."

“I understand what you mean, but your words are ambiguous. Also, your assessment of the great United States is too frivolous. I think your prediction is too optimistic. Although our space program is developing well, we do not have any advantage at present. I look forward to the qualitative change you mentioned, but so far, I have not seen any opportunity for a qualitative change.”

Liu Hua nodded: "You haven't seen through the phenomenon to the essence. You still have a sense of punishment in your hearts. You think that the country with the most brain beauty is the strongest and most technologically advanced in the world. Tranquility is a mountain in people's hearts. You haven't removed this mountain."

"Then tell me, where has the US space program regressed?"

Liu Hua asked with a smile, "They suspended their moon landing mission in 1972, and it's been over thirty years now. Do you think they still have the technology to land on the moon?"

"As long as the blueprints are there, what's wrong with that?"

Liu Hua smiled and shook his head: "The previous generation of industrial workers is over thirty years old now, and they should all be retired. Whether the new generation of industrial workers can carry out production is still a mystery. As I said before, they have moved their entire supply chain to our country. You know, there are some small spare parts that don't require much technology, and their country doesn't keep them. Some industries don't even have industrial workers anymore. If they go back to the lunar landing program, do you think they will still have the corresponding parts to build the spacecraft?"

Everyone was startled; it seemed that it really was true.

Liu Hua continued, "Although technology is highly advanced now, we must also understand one thing: the passing down of skills among workers is extremely important. Take Mitsubishi in Dongyang, for example. To this day, each of its military workshops still produces a certain number of tanks every year, even though it's not needed. Why? Isn't it to ensure the passing down of technology?"

"Even so, retraining industrial workers is not a difficult task."

Liu Hua shook his head: "It's not difficult for others, but it's actually very difficult for Americans."

The leader, intrigued, asked curiously, "Why is it so difficult for Americans?"

"Their education has become polarized. Either children from ordinary families receive a 'happy education' that produces children who know nothing, or they receive an elite education for children from wealthy families. Those children are not trained to be industrial workers; they are trained to work in those highly profitable industries." Another leader was pleased to hear this, but still remembered to chair the meeting: "We've gone off-topic. We're talking about our development of the space station, not the regression of the great Americans."

“That’s right.” Liu Hua nodded: “We’ve gone off-topic, but he hasn’t transferred the entire industrial chain here. The advantage is with us. We can produce basic parts now, and with the qualitative development, we can get involved in high-end industries. The space station is just a matter of time.”

The expert objected seriously, saying, "However, this does not mean that our space station will be successful within ten years."

"Take a look at the Ministry of Education's arrangements for universities. How many science and engineering students have graduated each year over the years?"

"What does this prove? It means that not everyone with a science or engineering background is suited for aerospace."

Liu Hua shook his head: "You're wrong. Aerospace is actually the highest branch of the technology tree. The more basic engineers we have, the higher the level of my country's industrial development will be, which will inevitably include aerospace engineering."

“This shows the big picture from small details.” The leader agreed, “With more engineers, our industrial development level will naturally be higher. Aerospace engineering is a combination of several industrial branches. As the tide rises, all boats rise, and aerospace engineering will inevitably benefit.”

Another leader nodded in agreement: "I agree with Academician Liu's statement. It has further strengthened my confidence in our space station. What do you all think?"

Everyone present raised their hands in agreement. The expert who had just opposed the idea said, "Even if our technology hasn't reached that level, I think we still have to build a space station."

The leader at the head of the table smiled and said, "You are all chief engineers of the national aerospace project, and you are all authorities. Now that we have reached a consensus, let's discuss the task allocation for the space station."

Liu Hua raised his hand and said, "Our company is researching a 200-ton rocket booster, as well as a Hall thruster with even greater thrust, so we will take on the task of developing the booster."

"Our institute is also researching rocket propulsion systems. Why should this task be assigned to you?"

There are several research institutes in China that are engaged in rocket propulsion research, and their directors and chief engineers are very excited right now.

Liu Hua slammed his fist on the table: "This satellite launch uses a rocket booster with a thrust of 150 tons, which is our company's product. If you're going to compete with me for the rocket booster task, then come up with one that's more advanced than 150 tons."

My track record speaks for itself; you can check it. If you want to compete with me, you first need to be more advanced than me.

Liu Hua immediately pledged: "When the space station is ready to launch in the future, my rocket boosters will not be less than 400 tons."

(End of this chapter)