You promised to build cars, so why did you go into the military industry?

"Pursuing a PhD?" Li Ran pointed to himself. "Me?"

Yes, you.

Perfect, let's use "Biosphere One" as your research topic for your master's and doctoral studies.

If all goes well, by the end of next year, people will be calling you Dr. Li.

Lu Xiangwen pointed to Qiu Cunming, who was participating in the discussion nearby.

"Professor Qiu is someone I mentored."

"So, how about it, want to come?"

To be honest, for a moment Li Ran was very excited. To pursue a doctorate under an academician—something he never dared to dream of in his past life—was just being offered up like this?!

But why use "Biosphere 1" as the research mission?

It feels like the big boss is afraid I won't put in the effort, and wants to use this method to forcefully bind me to him.

However, I never intended to cheat or shirk responsibility.

So it seems that pursuing a doctorate might not be a bad idea after all.

However, the postgraduate entrance examination...

Noticing the conflicted look on Li Ran's face, Lu Xiangwen smiled:

"To be honest, just based on the 43% thermal efficiency internal combustion engine, the 40% photoelectric conversion efficiency photovoltaic panel, and the first-generation lithium iron phosphate battery with an energy density of 150Wh/kg that you jointly developed, all of your R&D directors could have obtained doctoral degrees."

Not to mention the forging presses that made significant contributions, especially the 250,000-ton forging press, which was awarded the title of "hero".

So don't worry too much about it; this is one of the rewards you deserve.

However, the necessary procedures still need to be followed.

Upon hearing this, Li Ran felt much more at ease.

"Wang Bing and his classmates are only in junior college now..."

"It's easy. First, you can participate in a special training program to upgrade your associate's degree to a bachelor's degree, and then pursue a combined bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree."

By then, after publishing a few internal reference articles, I might get my doctorate even faster than you.

It's striking that a company that produces many excellent products has only associate degrees as its R&D directors.

Lu Xiangwen's casual remark made Li Ran a little nervous.

Seeing that Lu Xiangwen was still calmly drinking his tea, Li Ran composed himself and agreed on behalf of everyone.

After a while, the discussion gradually subsided, as if a consensus had been reached.

"Professor Zhao, Professor Qiu, one last question: When our Joint One satellite was launched, the overload peak occurred before the first stage shutdown, at approximately 3.42g."

I'm not worried about this overload on our structural materials, but the experimental materials…”

"The maximum overload of the Chang 2F-modified is close to 5g."

Since the Shenzhou spacecraft carrying some biological experimental materials experienced an overload of nearly 5g during its ascent, the experimental materials were still able to remain intact.

Then 3.42G on my side is no longer a problem; I can manage it.

Wang Bing nodded:

"I was worrying unnecessarily."

With the final question and answer session, the discussion came to a complete end.

After everyone returned to their seats, Lu Xiangwen spoke:

"Since there are no technical difficulties, I'll talk about some budget-related matters."

The total budget for this research project is 6.3 million yuan.

Including the development of platforms and payloads, biosphere system integration, ground testing and measurement and control, my initial budget is 5.5 million.

Therefore, the launch budget allocated to you is only 8000 million.

"So, is it acceptable?"

Although Li Ran's professional skills were falling behind Wang Bing and the others, he was extremely sensitive to money.

Because United Industries has not yet achieved reusable technology for rockets, it is difficult to reduce the total manufacturing cost of the United One single-launch rocket.

It's approximately 12600 million yuan.

However, if more than three are manufactured, the manufacturing cost can be spread out to around 11000 million yuan.

8000 million yuan is clearly not enough.

"The costs associated with logistical support during rocket transport and launch..."

"You'll have to pay for it yourself, but aren't you quite familiar with the Qilianshan Satellite Launch Center? You should be able to get a discounted price, right?"

Li Ran was in a dilemma when Wang Bing whispered a few words to her.

As Wang Bing spoke, Li Ran's eyes lit up.

"Academician Lu, let's be frank, the manufacturing cost of a single launch of the Joint One rocket is 1.26 million yuan."

If three or more pieces are manufactured, the manufacturing costs can be spread out, and the cost can be reduced to around 1.1 million yuan.

Honestly, the 8000 million you offered is far too little.

but……"

Inspired by Wang Bing, Li Ran decided to seek other forms of assistance.

"We can accept 8000 million yuan to support the country's space program."

However, we want to build a rocket launch tower in a nearby valley to reduce the pressure on rocket transportation and logistical support.

"Could you please join in supporting this?"

Lu Xiangwen glanced at Li Ran, then at Wang Bing, and fell into deep thought.

Jiangyang City has a permanent population of less than 80. The rocket launched from here travels southeast, passing through mostly mountainous and forested areas. Under the monitoring of the nearby military region, the overall risk is controllable.

However, there is no precedent for a private enterprise to build its own rocket launch tower.

Lu Xiangwen dared not make a decision on his own.

Seeing this, Wang Bing spoke up:

"Academician Lu, we have a 120,000-ton die forging press in our factory, which can be used to assist in the construction of the Biosphere One module."

With the intervention of this die forging press, it is estimated that the Biosphere 1 module can reduce its weight by at least 20% and its cost by about 30% while maintaining the same structural strength.

With our solar photovoltaic panels and energy storage array boasting a 40% photoelectric conversion efficiency, you can also add two more high-power experimental devices.

Seemingly noticing Zhao Feng and Qiu Cunming's interest, Li Ran decided to add fuel to the fire:

"As long as we have this rocket launch tower, we'll give you the rockets for free."

All things considered, this will save at least 140 million yuan. We can contribute some of that to make up the difference, and then we'll have the Biosphere 2 module.

First, launch the "Biosphere 1" module to collect data, then improve the "Biosphere 2" module. If all goes well, it could be launched into space by the end of next year.

Once docking with Tiangong-1 is completed, this small space station, capable of supporting long-term astronaut stays and even possessing some self-sufficiency capabilities, will be available.

By the way, how big is the interior space of the revamped Tiangong-1?

Upon hearing this, Qiu Cunming replied:

25 cubic meters.

"So the total volume of the 'Biosphere' module is 72 cubic meters, which, after deducting equipment, can provide approximately 17.3 cubic meters of free space."

Li Ran took out a calculator and started pressing the keys.

"25 plus 17.3 plus 17.3 equals..."

Wang Bing echoed from the side:

"59.6 cubic meters. In this space, astronauts won't feel as cramped as before when they stay for extended periods."

Zhao Feng and Qiu Cunming knew very well that what Wang Bing and Li Ran said was both true and false.

As the designers of the "Biosphere" module, they all understood that this module simply could not provide such a large amount of free space.

The combination of the three modules does indeed provide 59.6 cubic meters of free space.

However, a large portion of the 17.3 cubic meters of the Biosphere section consists of spaces that are not permanently occupied by equipment and are available for gas flow or maintenance.

Rather, it is not a space for people to move around.

These spaces are mostly narrow and irregular, with some gaps possibly only a few tens of centimeters wide.

However, with these two "biosphere" modules, Tiangong can accommodate three astronauts at a time, and the resupply frequency can be reduced to once a year.

Furthermore, the biosphere module can also serve as a place for astronauts to release stress in space.

Not to mention the scientific research value of the "Biosphere" module itself.

Under the intense gaze of Zhao Feng and Qiu Cunming, Lu Xiangwen gestured for them to calm down, then sighed:

"Your proposal is very tempting, but there is no precedent in China for a private enterprise to own its own rocket launch tower."

This involves too many complexities for me to make a decision on right now.

But I will report today's meeting content verbatim.