"We are heading to the moon!" On the Dragon spacecraft, Qiao Busi faced the camera and said excitedly: "I can already see the moon gradually getting bigger from the observation window, and finally occupies the entire field of view. This scene is really wonderful. !”
From the earth, the moon is just a disk, but if it gradually flies towards the moon, it will become larger and larger. After all, the diameter of the moon is one-quarter of the earth, and it is also a quite large celestial body in the solar system. !
Now, the entire field of vision is the moon. Due to the sun's light, the moon they see now is divided into two parts. One half is illuminated by the sun, emitting a cool light, and even some spots on it can be seen, while the remaining Half of it is hidden in the darkness and cannot be seen clearly.
"Qiao Busi, are you sure you are running towards the moon and not in the studio?" came a distant voice.
"How is it possible? I spent 100 million to buy the ticket. How could it be fake?" Qiao Busi said: "I can see the earth going away and the moon approaching. If it is really on the earth, In the studio, how could I be floating in the air?"
This feeling cannot be deceiving. Qiao Busi thought of something else: "I know you are talking about the authenticity of the Apollo project. I don't know this. However, when we are flying around the moon, we will pass by Apollo." Luo 11’s moon landing site is Jinghai. When the time comes, I will look below to see if I can see any relics of the moon landing.”
“Okay, then we are looking forward to your answer. This call is about to end. Is there anything else you want to say to us?”
“No, I will continue to see the moon.”
Zhao Dong and Deng Ming are working seriously.
Qiao Busi is a passenger. He can do what he wants to do on the spaceship. If nothing happens, he can have a video call with the following. But Zhao Dong and Deng Ming cannot. They must carry out the mission seriously according to the plan. Although Everything can be controlled by computers, but they still have to be careful.
The spacecraft is very tidy. The main interactive tool is the touch screen in front of it. At this time, one of the large screens is displaying orbit information. The theoretical orbit and the actual orbit fit perfectly. In their busyness, time passed little by little. The moon passed by and then began to move away.
"Why are we flying away?" Qiao Busi looked at the moon gradually receding in his field of vision, feeling very puzzled.
“Because our speed is too high, we will start to slow down. Mr. Jobs, please return to your seat and sit down.”
"Okay." Qiao Busi floated back skillfully, buckled his seat belt, and then felt the spacecraft change direction, move its tail forward, and then start the engine.
At this time, they had moved to the shadow area of the moon, and direct contact with the earth had been interrupted. Fortunately, there was the Queqiao relay satellite to forward communication information and operational instructions to them.
After 30 seconds of deceleration, the engine was shut down again, and under the pull of the moon's gravity, they flew towards the moon again.
"Moon, here I come!" Qiao Busi looked excitedly at the moon that continued to approach, and at the large and small scars on the back of the moon. Since this side has always faced the outside, it has not been blocked by the earth in the long years. How many times did it hit.
"Zhao, do you think we can land on the back of the moon in the future?" Qiao Busi suddenly said: "I really want to see that huge crater."
"Of course." Zhao Dong said: "We have the Queqiao satellite, and there is no problem landing on the back of the moon. The space heritage law introduced by the Americans is really funny. If we really follow this law, then the entire back of the moon will be is ours."
Because no one has landed on the back of the moon, it is still an undeveloped virgin land. If we land on it, half of the moon can become a starship company according to this law. What on earth is NASA thinking? With such a bad idea, there is probably nothing we can do.
Since the rotation and revolution periods are the same, the north side of the moon always faces away from the earth, giving rise to countless daydreams. Science fiction writers often like to set up alien bases on the back of the moon, and some even set up after the end of World War II. , the failed Mustache took his people to the back of the moon. I really don’t know how Mustache got there.
According to the science of many pseudo-experts, the back side of the moon is always completely black and mysterious because it always faces away from the moon. This is nonsense. The front side of the moon always faces the moon, but it does not always face the sun. On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, At this time, the front side of the moon completely reflects sunlight, and the back side is the darkest at this time. On the first day of the first lunar month, nothing can be seen on the moon, because the front side of the moon is completely black. At this time, of course, the back side of the moon is Fully lit. Both sides have the same chance of seeing the light.
The Americans' Apollo moon landings were all carried out on the front side of the moon. This was definitely not because the sun was not available, but because it was inconvenient. Before there was the Queqiao relay satellite, if they landed on the back side of the moon, it would mean From orbit to landing on the lunar surface, to take-off and rendezvous with the orbital station, during the entire process, no news was received from the lunar module. It was as if contact had been lost. If something unexpected happened, NASA experts would not be there at all. The only way to help solve the problem is to pray for them.
Our own side has the Queqiao satellite, front and back, so we can land wherever we want.
It is precisely because of the Queqiao satellite that in another time and space, Chang'e 5 went to the far side of the moon to land on the moon and take samples, bringing back 1.731 kilograms of lunar rocks and soil. Scientists analyzed and studied these samples and found that the mineral composition of the back side of the moon is completely different from the samples brought back by American astronauts: The American Apollo moon landing brought back 380 kilograms of lunar soil, and then gave us a gram , yes, just one gram.
However, the composition of these soils is different, which makes people think a lot. For example, the Americans did not actually land on the moon, etc. In fact, the composition of the front and back of the moon is different, and even the same side, on different surfaces. It is normal for the composition to be different in different places. After all, the minerals in different areas on the earth are also different. Moreover, the back side of the moon is often hit by meteorites, and it is normal to have foreign minerals.
Now, Qiao Busi looked at the scene on the far side of the moon with endless reverie.
Earth, capital, aerospace measurement and control center.
“Our spacecraft has finally entered the lunar orbit and is currently flying on the far side of the moon!”
Everyone applauded, Chang'e's flight to the moon finally reappeared, this is the glory of the East! Although it was launched by private aviation, it took off from Dongfang's land and was surveyed and mapped by Dongfang's space center throughout the entire process. It still used Dongfang's name and code. In the eyes of everyone, it has long belonged to Dongfang.
“What great news.” Max said: “Our Chang’e Project has been a complete success!”
"It seems like it hasn't been successful yet?" Qin Tao said, "They haven't come back yet."
"Yeah, they haven't come back, but I believe they will come back." Max said: "If you really can't come back, there is still insurance. At least our Dragon spacecraft has entered the orbit accurately. This is a worthwhile decision." When it’s time to celebrate, I really want to go have a drink!”
“Let’s wait for people to come back.” Qin Tao said.
It is still too early to celebrate now.
"All right."
“Mr. Qin, people from ESA are here and want to see you and Mr. Marx.”
"ESA? Is the official here this time?" Qin Tao was very curious: "Okay, let's go and have a look."
The French also came here a few days ago, but they came in the name of corporate representatives to participate in the Chang'e project, invest money, and plan to get a share of the future lunar mining activities. They are all optimistic about the prospects of Starship Company and are willing to do so. Investing funds, so far, this project has received huge funds, enough for Starship Company to carry out more than a dozen launch missions, and enough for Starship Company to establish a base on the lunar surface.However, private and official matters are still different.
So, what about ESA? What is their attitude? Do they want to be the lackeys of the Americans, or do they want to be independent?
“Let’s go and have a look.” Qin Tao said.
In the conference room of the Aerospace Measurement and Control Center, Qin Tao and Max saw the visitor: ESA sent five people, representing five countries, and the leader was Frenchman Joseph. After all, in ESA, the French He always plays the role of a leader.
“Mr. Qin, Max, it’s nice to meet you.” Joseph stretched out his hand: “We are shocked by the tremendous achievements you have made in the field of manned spaceflight. As peers, we are very envious.”
The Second World caused many European scientists to leave Western Europe to work in the United States. Even after the war ended, few of these people returned to Europe. The scientists who stayed in Europe found that if they relied on their own country, it would be impossible to compete with the two superpowers. So in 1958, the famous scientists Edoardo Amaldi and Pierre Auger proposed to join forces to establish a common Western European Space Agency.
At the beginning, they established two different organizations, ELDO responsible for launches and ESRO responsible for research. In 1975, the two organizations merged and were officially called the European Space Agency. At that time, there were ten major member states. .
However, even if they merge, ESA cannot compete with the two giants. For example, in the field of manned spaceflight, both giants are very good, but the Europeans looked at their pockets and decided to go with the United States. It's enough for them to build a rocket and launch a satellite to show their presence.
In their eyes, they look down on the aerospace power of the East. After all, the United States and Lao Maozi are in the first echelon, the European Space Agency is in the second echelon, and the East is in the third echelon.
For a long time, Dongfang's Long March 5 has only had a low-Earth orbit carrying capacity of ten tons, while their European Space Agency's Ariane 5 rocket has a near-Earth carrying capacity of 16 tons. After modification, it has reached 21 tons, far exceeding Dongfang's. s level.
But in the past few years, the East has developed too fast! Dongfang is transitioning to manned spaceflight, and Dongfang has launched a manned spacecraft! After Dongfang separated from their Galileo navigation project, they not only developed Beidou 1, but also developed Beidou 2, which has begun global networking. But what about their Galileo satellites? The first experimental satellite has not been launched yet!
They can't compete with the Eastern national team, but they won't cooperate with the Eastern national team. It's too shameful. However, Eastern private spaceflight is another matter.
Although Starship Company was registered in the East, there are a large number of veterans and Americans in the company. This company is global, this company is awesome, and it has now flown to the moon! Therefore, the European Space Agency cannot sit still anymore, and they also want to join in the fun!
Seeing Max, Joseph had mixed emotions. He was an amazing man. When he shouted the slogan of landing on Mars, everyone thought he was bragging. But now, no one will hold this idea anymore. Max We really want to turn this ideal into reality!
After some greetings, everyone sat down, and Max said: "Everyone, our time is precious. The Dragon spacecraft is still roaming in the lunar orbit. We need to pay attention to its situation at all times, so if you have anything to say, please say it as soon as possible. "
Stop talking in circles, we don’t have time to play with you!
“That’s right, we see your plan for lunar development, and we at ESA want to officially join your plan.”
"Of course." Max said: "How much do you plan to contribute? Currently, there are more than 20 companies that have invested more than 50 million."
"No, no, we are not planning to use funding. We are planning to join forces with you and we will do it together." Joseph said: "We at ESA are also a famous space agency in the world. We have advanced technology and we can work together." Cooperation, our relationship is equal..."
"I'm sorry, if it's not funding, then there's no need to talk." Max stood up: "We at Starship Company never like to join forces with others to do anything. We only like to do it ourselves. In our Eastern terms, It’s called three monks without water, do you understand?”
Joseph shook his head, expressing his confusion.
“Okay, let me waste a few more minutes. Take your Galileo navigation satellite as an example. The plan has been proposed for so many years, but why has it never been successful?”
Joseph's face suddenly turned red. This was too much. What do you mean by saying this?
"Because you have too many member states, and different countries have different ideas. Some want to do it, some don't want to do it, some don't want to spend money, and some want to spend less money. You can just solve the problem of funding sharing. After several years of discussion, a healthy snail can outperform you." Max said: "So, you have no competitiveness, and the frequency you originally selected will be taken advantage of by Beidou."
Joseph's expression was complicated. Out of face issues, he wanted to retort a few words, but he found that he couldn't say anything because what he said was right! If the member states hadn't been arguing with each other, they should have launched the Galileo navigation system long ago! If the progress had not been delayed, how could Dongfang have taken the lead and occupied the frequency?
"Our Starship Company has been developing at the speed of a rocket until now. Why? Because we only have one voice!" Max said: "Everyone has to listen to me. Whatever I say is what I say. I say it first. This operation has to carry people around the moon, and it has to ensure safety, so they have to follow my requirements. If you, the European Space Agency, join in, will you listen to me?"
of course not! At least not the proud French!
In the Eurofighter project, the arrogance of the French is clearly demonstrated. They heard that the other four countries wanted to develop fighter jets, so they shamelessly wanted to join. When they joined, they asked for leadership and had to listen to them in everything. When other countries objected, their self-esteem was hurt and they asked to withdraw. They originally thought that various countries would try to persuade them to stay, but they didn't expect that no one would pay attention to them, so they could only leave in despair and do their own thing.
Now, if ESA joins the plan and asks for cooperation, there is no doubt that they will demand dominance and dictate. They will use their rockets and launch sites. They will take two of the three people up there. Wait, as for money? Starship Company is so rich, of course they have to allocate funds.
"We in Europe are very democratic. We can hold meetings to discuss. If your opinion is correct, of course we will listen to you. If there are any omissions in your opinion, we can continue to make improvements." Joseph said.
Max smiled: "Who told you about democracy? Democracy is the most inefficient way. We are a private aerospace company, and everyone has to listen to me alone! I am the boss, and I still need to discuss with the employees? So, the meeting is still No need, you can go, by the way, when we come back around the moon this time, we will issue a souvenir and give one to each of you."
After saying that, Max stood up and planned to walk out.
Qin Tao was a spectator throughout the whole process and was speechless about the Europeans' visit. What were these guys thinking?
When a person is used to being self-righteous, he will think that the whole world has to revolve around him. ESA is nothing. Starship Company is now the global leader in aerospace, and neither the United States nor Lao Maozi can compare! I still want to cooperate with them and take the lead. This dream is too good.
If you want to dream, keep going back and dreaming, we don’t have time to accompany you.
“Mr. Qin, we are here with sincerity!” Seeing that Max was about to leave, Joseph became anxious and quickly asked Qin Tao for help.
Qin Tao smiled: "I think I can understand your so-called sincerity, but we don't need this kind of sincerity. Our Starship Company is a private enterprise. Everyone, private enterprises only allow one voice. We are not short of money, no If we lack technology, we have everything, we don’t need to cooperate, can you understand?”
“But we need to cooperate.”
This guy finally made his purpose clear. If you want to cooperate, do we have to cooperate with you?
"If you want to ask us for help, you can." Qin Tao said: "For example, we will carry out a manned mission to the moon next. If you want to send a detector up, we can help. Just give us Just pay the freight, and we can be your courier.”
After saying that, Qin Tao also stood up: "But if you want to cooperate, forget it. We really don't have this need. As for wanting to ride on us? That's even more impossible. After all, we are not only On behalf of myself, we also represent hundreds of investors around the world, among which more than 200 of the world's top 500 companies have invested in us."