Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 250 Before Rocket Launch

"Then why did you agree to him selling his shares to me?" Pony then asked.

Lin Ran smiled and thought to himself that because Aldrin was loyal enough to be a devoted soldier in both timelines, he should leave him some money for retirement after you appeared, so that he wouldn't have to participate in activities to earn money when he was ninety years old.

Of course, this couldn't be said on the surface. Lin Ran thought for a moment and explained, "Because we haven't gone up yet."

Therefore, the shares belong to him, and it is his prerogative to sell them.

Pony was inwardly impressed by Lin Ran's magnanimity; these shares were worth thirty million US dollars on paper right now, and he just gave them up without hesitation.

If Tencent has acknowledged it, then the value is at least this much.

Lin Ran was indeed unlike any other young person he had ever met.

"Professor Lin, since Baz has agreed to your request, I will agree to yours as well."

If the Apollo moon landing is successful, I will unconditionally transfer all 30% of my shares to you.

After listening, Lin Ran asked, "You don't want to invest in Apollo Technology anymore?"

"No, if you really can land on the moon, and if, as you say, your goal is to lead humanity out of space, then you will definitely need to invest more."

"I'll invest in you then. I might not be able to help you with anything else, but I certainly don't lack money." Pony said this with an air of dominance.

Lin Ran thought about it and realized it was true. Relying on players across the country to create a whirlwind of Honor of Kings to contribute to humanity's journey into the universe, could this be considered a "space tax"?
No wonder Tencent has a much better reputation in the investment field than Alibaba; its style alone is quite impressive.

"Okay." Lin Ran reached out to Pony.

“It’s a deal, I look forward to witnessing your success!” Pony said as he shook hands with Pony.

"It's truly spectacular! The official videos and photos are terrible; they don't capture the grandeur of the scene at all," Bi Dao complained.

After arriving in Jiuquan and making some initial arrangements, they were greeted by Bilibili staff for a preliminary tour.

"It's normal. Haven't you seen the comparison pictures of aircraft carriers? This level of quality is already the best they could do."

We should make the most of this shoot and try to convey this feeling to the audience in a better way.

I think its greatest advantage is that it allows us to realize both the insignificance and greatness of humanity, and awakens our yearning for the universe.

If Earth is an embryo of the universe, then humanity has not yet emerged from this embryo and grown into an adult.

Every human endeavor in space exploration is an attempt to break through the process of this embryonic birth. Tim echoed this sentiment.

Bi said, "I only have one feeling: only after visiting this place in person will I realize the importance of spaceflight to mankind."

In the past, my understanding of aerospace was mostly limited to news reports. Whether it was news reports or expert interviews, they mostly talked about how important what we were doing was.

The initial claim was that we were the next country after America, France, and Russia to master this technology, thus joining the ranks of advanced nations.

Then, slowly, by the time I entered high school, only America and Russia remained among those countries. The other countries had disappeared. In recent years, only America remained, and the things we did were only done by America.

Now we're even starting to do things that America hasn't done before. I know it's important, and I know that China's aerospace industry is progressing very quickly, but this feeling is actually very abstract. It lacks a real anchor to give me a concrete concept.

After visiting this site, I felt we needed to film a sufficiently interesting video to convey our feelings to the audience.

After listening, Tim laughed and said, "Of course, we assembled the best team to film this video, just to make it as interesting as possible."

This is just like the Olympics. At first, any gold medal was enough. Later, the goal was to be number one on the medal table. Then, ordinary gold medals no longer mattered, and people started to pursue quality.

Only a gold medal of sufficient value can excite the entire nation.

Niche projects rarely make a splash. Who remembers how proud the whole nation was when Xu Haifeng won his gold medal?

Today, shooting gold medals wouldn't even crack the top ten on Weibo's trending topics.

Both of them were racking their brains to shoot videos that were interesting enough. Compared with the wildly growing self-media, official media were doing too well. Without the pressure of performance targets, they naturally lacked this kind of motivation.

The documentary team that Bilibili officially hired also falls into this category.

Anyway, everyone's just doing things for money.

There are ready-made templates abroad for shooting space-related documentaries; you can just follow them and you're good to go.

Whether it's good or not, whether it's exciting or not, has nothing to do with my filming team.

“Every time official media outlets shoot these kinds of videos, they are simply reciting a script to complete their tasks.”

First, the camera shows the entire spacescape, then slowly zooms in on the launch tower. A short introductory narration then explains the significance and importance of this event.

During the launch, there will be another interview with the engineers at the control tower, where they will talk about the difficulties encountered during the process and the pioneering work done.

Finally, there's a 3D animation of the rocket entering orbit.

This combination of tactics leaves you speechless. You'll see it on Douyin and quickly swipe past it. Even if you support it, you'll just give it a like and won't want to learn more about it.

"Just leaving a comment: 'China's aerospace industry is awesome,' that's all. This kind of video really doesn't interest viewers," Bi Dao complained.

Tim said, "That's a good critique. Let's do it again later. I'll have the cameraman film this and edit it in."

Bi Dao waved his hands repeatedly: "You're kidding me, don't get me into trouble. I still want to make a living in China. If this gets out, they'll probably put my video under all sorts of scrutiny."

Director Bi continued to complain, "Even when you're filming this kind of thing, I know the formula. First, build a scene of a launch tower, preferably a one-to-one replica."

Then you appear in front of the camera wearing a spacesuit and give an opening speech, something like, "I am honored to witness the rise of yet another private aerospace organization."

I also wore a spacesuit to join in the fun, hoping to make everyone feel more immersed in the space.

The whole place is a high-class tent, with lots of props inside.

They also subtly implied that the America moon landing was filmed in a studio, hoping to win over conspiracy theorists.

Finally, let me show off my skills one last time. Whether it's editing or model-making techniques, the whole video has your signature style.

Tim burst out: "Holy crap, how do you know me so well?"
How many of our videos have you watched? I never even thought of that joke about setting up a film studio and linking it to the American moon landing conspiracy theory.

"Thanks, I stole the idea."

"Forget it, once I figured it out, you wouldn't know how to use it anymore. But you'll never guess how I'll film it," Director Bi complained.

Before the rocket launch, a staff member surnamed Qian came to give them an introduction.

That's right, Apollo Technologies was so short-staffed that they had to have astronauts do the work of narrators.

This wasn't Qian Fei's first time visiting Jiuquan.

To be precise, this is the Nth time I've come here. I came when I was participating in the selection process, and I came here on my own later. I also came here recently ahead of schedule. There are also a few astronaut training facilities in Jiuquan, Gansu.

"Hello, both of you. My name is Qian Fei, and I work for Apollo Technology. I am 46 years old, which makes me a few years older than you two."

You can both just call me Brother Qian.

After Tim and Bi Dao introduced themselves, Tim asked first, "Brother Qian, would you mind asking what you do at Apollo Technology?"

What are the specific responsibilities?
Of course, if it's inconvenient, you don't have to say anything.

Qian Fei waved his hand generously: "Of course, I'm a prospective astronaut at Apollo Technology."

The reason we say "preparatory" is because there are 14 astronauts competing in our batch.

Perhaps only one or two people will ultimately become official astronauts.

After hearing about the prospective astronauts, Tim and Bi exchanged glances, both seeing a look of eager anticipation in each other's eyes.

"Brother Qian." Tim's address of Brother Qian was even more sincere. "So, Apollo Technology is really going to go to the moon?" Qian Fei nodded matter-of-factly. "Of course, otherwise why would we be called Apollo Technology? It's a tribute to the Apollo moon landing fifty-two years ago, and also a relay race. We took the torch from the Apollo moon landing in the last century and are leading humanity to continue into the universe in this century."

After Qian Fei finished speaking, he realized that in addition to the two of them, Tim's staff had a camera pointed at him, and Bi Dao was holding a filming device himself. He was a little embarrassed, scratched his head, and added, "This is what Professor Lin told us in the company."

Qian Fei continued, "I know you might think we're arrogant and that such a goal is incredible, but we're serious about landing on the moon."

Otherwise, I wouldn't have given up my job as a captain at a state-owned airline to come to Apollo Technology.

Qian Fei added a few more words to try and salvage the situation. He knew these words might be broadcast, and if he didn't say anything more and they were broadcast like this, some people would think he didn't trust President Lin.

Tim couldn't help but ask, "Brother Qian, you just mentioned that you're a captain for a state-owned airline?"

Qian Fei nodded: "Former captain, now an astronaut trainee for Apollo Technology. Before becoming a captain, I was an Air Force pilot for fifteen years, reaching the rank of colonel. I participated in the selection of China's second batch of astronauts and successfully entered the second round."

He said this with a hint of disappointment in his tone: "But that's all there is to it."

I thought I'd never have the chance to go to space again in my life, but Apollo technology has given me a new opportunity.

Tim and Bi Dao were immediately filled with respect when they heard Qian Fei's resume. A 15-year veteran is no joke, and being selected as an astronaut and making it to the second round is an outstanding achievement for an ordinary person.

"We salute you and thank you for your contributions to the blue skies of our motherland." Director Bi's tone was formal and his expression serious.

Tim then asked, "So you are very confident that Apollo technology can land on the moon?"
After all, you just mentioned that you are 45 years old now. If it takes ten years to go to the moon, you will be 55 years old in ten years. It might be difficult to carry out such a difficult mission as going to the moon then, right?

Anyone would think that the Apollo moon landing would take at least ten years.

After all, when America decided to go to the moon, it took about ten years from Kennedy's moon landing speech to Armstrong's "One small step for mankind, one giant leap for the moon."

Qian Fei said, "Yes, but that doesn't mean that only lunar landings require the participation of astronauts."

Before the Apollo moon landing, there were manned spaceflights, aerial rendezvous and handshakes between spacecraft, and lunar orbiting missions.

The whole process will be very long, and there will be many steps that require the intervention of astronauts.

Although computer technology is becoming increasingly advanced, and many tasks can be accomplished through automated systems, the role of astronauts cannot be replaced in the short term.

Director Bi nodded and said, "What you said makes a lot of sense."

Qian Fei continued, "Like the Burning One rocket we are about to launch, it has a payload of 8 tons, which is enough to send a spacecraft into low Earth orbit."

This payload is something that other private space organizations cannot and will not do.

For most aerospace companies, their primary goal is to make a profit; only after they are profitable can they discuss further development.

Building such a large rocket would be very cost-effective, and most aerospace companies wouldn't make that choice.

Tim asked, "Brother Qian, could you explain in more detail?"

Qian Fei said, "Of course, the reason I came to receive you two today was to answer your questions."

I also hope that through your channels, I can answer questions for young people about what we should do, how we should do it, and why we should do it.

Because currently, space exploration worldwide is still primarily government-led, supplemented by private space organizations, even in America.

Government space agencies already have all sorts of rockets, each with different functions.

The role of private aerospace organizations is to supplement this.

Taking China's aerospace industry as an example, what private aerospace institutions do is fill the gaps that China's aerospace industry does not have.

Many civilian launch needs, such as launching a scientific research satellite or a remote sensing satellite, are characterized by their light weight and frequent but not concentrated transmission frequencies.

This means that, as you can see in public statements, the government says it will support commercial space agencies, citing their flexible mechanisms, cost-sensitive nature, rapid innovation, and short launch cycles, which allow them to respond more quickly to market demands and flexibly adjust their R&D direction and project layout.

These are highly general statements. In reality, it means that China's space program does not include this aspect, so private space organizations will take over.

Because the main purpose is low-altitude launch, it needs to have the characteristics of high frequency, light launch weight and low cost, so everyone is actually rushing to make low-altitude rockets with low payload.

This approach is easy to implement and requires minimal initial investment. Once you've established a viable model, all you need to do is find orders, gradually build profitability, and then explore reusable rockets like SpaceX to further reduce costs.

We started by building a large rocket with a payload capacity of 8 tons.

Of course, strictly speaking, it's at best a medium-sized rocket, but compared to other rockets successfully developed by private aerospace organizations, it's definitely a large rocket.

Qian Fei is very eloquent. Back when he worked at the airline, he could talk for two hours straight without repeating himself when giving meetings to his colleagues.

After listening, Tim asked, "So why don't you follow the same path as other organizations? Why do you want to take a different route?"

Qian Fei said quietly, "Because the moon is there. Humans have been there before, but it's been a long time since we've been there. We want to go and see it."

Bi Dao continued, "With China's aerospace industry making efforts, why are you, as a private organization, doing this?"

Qian Fei said, "The professor talked to us about this issue during our internal meeting."

China's aerospace industry is China's aerospace industry, and we are ourselves. Just like during the Age of Discovery in the 15th century, Spain and Portugal sent explorers like Magellan and Columbus to discover and explore the world and expand new boundaries.

However, during the same period, there were also organizations like the London Merchant Adventurers' Company that spontaneously explored new geographical areas.

We hope that when the interstellar age arrives, we will be able to explore space using our own capabilities.

For Qian Fei, the more he trained under Aldrin, the more he longed for space.

Because Aldrin always liked to talk about his moon landing experiences, he would often take out his treasured photos that couldn't be found on the market to show off, and he would often reminisce about the past and marvel at how fascinating space is and how interesting the moon is.

They had only known each other for less than six months, but what Aldrin was saying was still very new and exciting, and it really sparked the curiosity and desire for exploration in these prospective astronauts.

They even put in extra effort when learning orbital mechanics calculations.

The instructor asked, "Who is the professor?"

Qian Fei said, "Oh, Professor is General Manager Lin. We often call him Professor, but calling him General Manager Lin is fine too."

After listening, Tim clapped and said, "That makes sense. The moon is indeed there, and someone has to do it."

Just as NASA exists, but America also gave birth to SpaceX, and SpaceX's launch missions are even surpassing NASA's.

As they talked, Qian Fei led them to the warehouse where Burning No. 1 was stored.

However, they naturally could not go down to the ground floor; they could only visit from the viewing corridor.

In the visitor area of ​​the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the two men's eyes were quickly drawn to the rocket in front of them.

Because it's so big, the most direct feeling is that it's big.

The first stage of the rocket is the main body of the entire rocket. It is about 3.35 meters in diameter and is made of aluminum alloy. Its surface is as smooth as a mirror and reflects a dazzling light in the sunlight.

Seven YF-102 liquid oxygen-kerosene engines are mounted side by side at the bottom, their nozzles poised to fire.

"Look, gentlemen, the engines here are arranged in a hexagonal symmetrical pattern, with one in the center and six around the perimeter. This layout is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also maximizes the balance of thrust."

The second stage of the rocket is located above the first stage, slightly smaller in diameter, and topped with a streamlined fairing made of lightweight composite material with a smooth surface to reduce air resistance during high-speed flight.

The rocket body is densely covered with various sensors and cables, which are like the rocket's nerves and blood vessels, connecting various systems to ensure stability and safety during flight.

Then Qian Fei pointed to the booster connection point reserved on the rocket body and said, "Although Burning-1 does not use boosters, its design leaves room for future upgrades."

However, Tim and Bi were most interested in the advertisements on the rocket.

　To add a point, collaborating with Bilibili actually makes sense in reality. The fact that Bilibili was chosen as the advertising platform for rocket launches, just like the Soviet Union's choice of a Japanese private television station as a sponsor for rocket launches, is essentially the same logic. Media outlets have the greatest enthusiasm and motivation to advertise on rockets.

　　If people think that the protagonist's collaboration with Bilibili lowers their social standing, then wouldn't it be even lower if the Soviet space agency advertised with a private Japanese TV station? The Japanese private TV station's revenue, profit, market value, and influence are far inferior to Bilibili's at the beginning of 2021.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)