Rebirth 99 to become a car giant

"Masco, can SpaceX consider building its own space station in the future?"

"If you use Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy rockets to launch various components of the space station, the launch cost should be much lower than that of the International Space Station."

As the director of NASA, Griffin cannot accept the situation where the United States is surpassed by China in the aerospace field.

This is not only closely related to the position under his buttocks, but also to the messages he has received since childhood.

China, a country that can't even afford tea eggs, has now surpassed the United States in the aerospace field.

This matter is obviously unacceptable.

But he also knows that if NASA relies on its own strength to build a space station, there is a high probability that there will be no way to get the relevant departments to review and approve the huge funds.

And in terms of construction efficiency, there is absolutely no way to compare with Venus Technology.

Within three months, all components of the Chang'e Space Station were launched into space, completing the construction of the space station.

This speed far exceeds the construction speed of any previous space station.

According to his understanding, the Chang'e Space Station will take at least three years to complete.

How come it was done in three months?

"Building a space station is not completely impossible for our Space Exploration Technology Company."

"But the space station only conducts some basic technology research, which is not really consistent with the development direction of our company."

"Relatively speaking, is it more worthy of everyone's expectation to invest limited funds in the research and development of various rockets and then directly aim at Mars?"

Going to Mars is in itself Musko's wish. He hopes to die on Mars in this life.

Originally, this desire was a bit illusory, but under the stimulation of Venus Technology, Musk has regarded it as the key direction of the next technological development of Space Exploration Technology Company.

The Falcon Heavy has basically been successfully developed. Like Venus Technology, it can focus on the development of super-large recyclable rockets. They will also study starships.

As long as the starship is successfully developed, the dream of going to Mars will be one step closer.

"Going to Mars is the goal in the next twenty years, but in the next ten years, should we first set the goal of going to the moon?"

"And whether you are heading to Mars or the moon, it is actually necessary to have a space station or even a base in outer space, right?"

Griffin will definitely not give up the opportunity to convince Masco easily.

If even the Space Exploration Technology Corporation has no idea of ​​building a space station, then other companies in the United States must not have the idea either.

Companies like Boeing do have capabilities in this area.

But no one is willing to spend tens of billions of dollars to build a project that has no way of bringing economic benefits in the short term.

So Griffin doesn't have any confidence that it can convince Boeing.

On the contrary, the situation at Space Exploration Technology Company is quite special, and is similar to the situation faced by Daystar Technology.

The competition between these two families is what many people want to see.

"I specially arranged people to conduct research on Daystar Technology's Chang'e Space Station project."

"Not to mention that our rocket launch costs are much higher than others. Just the production of the space station itself, our costs are also much higher."

"And for some high-end carbon fiber composite materials, our technology is not as good as others."

"In terms of gallium nitride solar panels, no domestic company is involved."

"That would make our space station program a lot more difficult."

Musk actually thinks that building a space station is not completely out of the question.

However, the Space Exploration Technology Company cannot raise all this funds by itself.

If NASA is willing to fund a part of it, even if it means providing full technical support, that is negotiable.

But so far, Gryffin hasn't pulled out a single hair.

In this case, how could he let go?

"These problems are actually easy to solve."

"Venus Technology has already set an example for everyone. We just need to innovate appropriately based on them."

"Hexcel can already produce most of the high-end carbon fiber, which can fully meet the needs of space station construction."

"As for solar panels, the technical difficulty is actually not that high."

"If that doesn't work, we can find a way to purchase the basic materials for solar panels from China, and then process them domestically and transform them into specifications that need to be used on the space station."

"Anyway, China's gallium nitride solar panels have begun exporting and can be purchased on the market."

"In terms of other technologies, the threshold should not be that high. With our years of technology accumulation, it is completely possible to produce them."

"In order to reduce the financial pressure on the Space Exploration Technology Company, I am prepared to hand over all NASA's rocket launch missions in the next few years to you."

"The cost of various launches only needs to be cheaper than what we launch ourselves."

Griffin knew that Masco would not let go unless he came up with something useful.

So he didn't hesitate anymore and started talking about the conditions directly.

"Although NASA has extensive experience in the construction of space stations, SpaceX's main focus was previously on rocket development."

"We have no experience in space station design and production."

Once the material conditions are met, it is natural to consider the technical conditions.

After all, the aerospace industry is a capital- and technology-intensive enterprise.

Without deep enough technology, there is simply no way to make the project successful.

For projects in the aerospace field, the error tolerance rate is very low.

As long as one launch fails, the space station project may be completely ruined.

Griffin is relatively clear about this.

"We at NASA can help with the design and construction of the space station."

"The only one currently operating in orbit is the International Space Station. I can make the decision and provide you with all the drawings and information."

"At the same time, I will also arrange for those technical personnel involved in the design and production of the International Space Station to join the Space Exploration Technology Company."

"At that time, you only need to combine the technology development direction of China's Chang'e Space Station on the basis of the International Space Station and strive to finalize the plan within this year."

"Then the space station will be produced within next year, and launch and assembly will begin the year after next at the latest."

Gryffin had already said it for this reason, and Masko knew it was hard for him to refuse.

However, such a major matter definitely needs to be discussed within the Space Exploration Technology Company at a meeting.

Relying on own funds is not enough, so it is necessary to discuss raising funds with shareholders.

Fortunately, NASA was behind it and it was able to obtain some subsidy funds from relevant American departments. In the end, the project was officially approved soon.

With the American way of doing things, now that this project has been approved, it must be bragging to the outside world.

Therefore, the news that the United States will start building a new space station when the service life of the International Space Station reaches the end soon spread.

NASA and the Space Exploration Technology Corporation even jointly held a press conference to answer many questions for many domestic media.

These contents were naturally collected and sorted out by China as soon as possible.

"Mr. Cao, I feel that the United States is trying to provoke a new round of space race."

"They will do whatever we do, and they will do it on a larger scale than us."

"Looking at what they said at the press conference, it seems that the space station they want to build will always be the most advanced in the world."

"Not only is the space station larger than ours, it also has more complete functions than ours."

Qian Junfeng has been actively communicating with Cao Yang during this period.

Either come to Venus Technology for on-site visits and exchanges, or communicate on the progress of many projects over the phone.

Especially when he knew that the H-20 project between Daystar Technology and AVIC was progressing very quickly, he became even more enthusiastic.

Aerospace technology cannot fall behind.

"Let's just compete. We have nothing to worry about."

"But according to my understanding of the United States, if the Space Exploration Technology Company really wants to build a space station larger than our Chang'e Space Station, it will be absolutely impossible to complete it without tens of billions of dollars."

"In terms of initial funding, maybe everything is easy to say."

“But it’s hard to say whether we will be able to raise that much funding on time.”

"And the United States now dominates the operation of the International Space Station. How to distinguish the positioning of the International Space Station from the newly built space station will also be a problem for the United States."

"If the International Space Station project is directly stopped, it is estimated that there will be many different voices in the country. After all, it is a product that cost hundreds of billions of dollars to build."

"But if we don't stop, it will be another waste of resources for the United States."

"All kinds of questions are enough for them to drink a pot of water."

Cao Yang is not particularly worried about the American space station project.

Historically, China's space stations have been officially operational, and the United States has not begun to implement the construction of a new generation of space stations.

Although the current situation has undergone relatively big changes, the situation in the United States has not actually changed much.

There are many rentiers in each interest chain, resulting in the cost of many things being very high.

Even with the help of NASA, it is very difficult for space exploration technology companies to obtain large financial subsidies.

Based on Musko's character, if the space station project is not necessary, it is entirely possible to sacrifice the space station in the future in order to do a good job in the project he wants to do.

Of course, if there are too many things happening to China's Chang'e space station in the future, the attitude of the United States may also change.

After all, most Americans cannot accept the fact that they are surpassed by China in space technology.

"Daystar Technology launched the Starlink satellite project, and the United States followed suit."

"Daystar Technology is also engaged in starship projects to prepare for future landings on the moon and Mars, and the United States is following suit."

"Now that Daystar Technology has built a space station, the United States is also planning to build its own new generation of space station."

"This situation where we are leading and the United States is catching up has subverted many people's perceptions."

"Mr. Cao, when the Chang'e Space Station is in the process of being established, we must be careful to prevent the United States from causing trouble."

Qian Junfeng feels that even if you have the intention to harm others, you must also have the intention to guard against others.

Who knows if the United States will come up with any disgusting plans.

This thing is completely possible.

"Americans have no bottom line when doing things, so you really need to be careful."

Cao Yang didn't think what Qian Junfeng said was a joke at all.

He even felt that this reminder was very necessary and meaningful.

Venus Technology also needs to consider preventive measures in this regard when designing related products.

For example, several reconnaissance satellites are deployed near the space station to monitor various conditions in the surrounding airspace.

Venus Technology is very good at this aspect of work.

Or just place some laser weapons on some satellites and use them when necessary.

As for some anti-interference electronic equipment, or electronic interference equipment, they can also be combined with special satellites for layout.

The so-called intention to harm others must not exist, and the intention to guard against others must not exist.

It’s not too late to start preparing for this work now.

…

All the work of Daystar Technology is relatively planned.

Last week, officials announced the launch plan of the Chang'e Space Station. This week, Venus Technology used the Venus 9 MAX to launch the core module of the Chang'e Space Station from the Qiongzhou launch site.

Although the number of launches of Venus 9 MAX is far less than that of Venus 9, the related launch technology and recovery control technology are also very mature.

Naturally, there were no accidents in this launch.

Moreover, Daystar Technology conducted live broadcasts on the Nanshan Film and Television website and APP as always.

"Our Chinese space station, I didn't expect it to start from Venus Technology. It's amazing!"

"Chang'e, this name is really well chosen. I am even more looking forward to Venus Technology's next move to the moon."

"Just do it. I am now looking forward to the next few launches of Venus Technology."

"If the Chang'e Space Station is built within three months, how embarrassing will it be for the staff of the International Space Station?"

"The rendering of the Chang'e Space Station is really awesome. It looks like science fiction. I never thought that China would be able to produce something like this one day."

"Produced by Nanshan, it must be a high-quality product! Netizens are sincerely deceiving me!"

"When the Chang'e Space Station is launched, will it be considered the most advanced space station in the world?"

…

Various comments naturally put "Chang'e Space Station" on the hot search list without any surprise.

Countries like the United States that think they have the strength to compete with China on the space station have naturally accelerated their various layouts.

But for some places that have ideas but limited capabilities, people begin to consider other plans.

"Welner, China has officially begun to build the Chang'e Space Station. The first launch successfully sent the core module weighing more than 25 tons to the designated location, and the rocket was also successfully recyclable. use."

"Before, everyone thought that their declaration of launching the space station twelve times in three months was a propaganda strategy."

"Now it seems that people are probably really planning to do this, because next week Venus Technology will conduct the second launch of the space station."

As the director of the European Space Agency's Technology Center, Joseph is naturally very concerned about the development of the Chinese Space Station project.

Except for the recent announcement by the United States that it will launch its own space station, before this, only one project, the International Space Station, was still in operation.

Other countries don’t even have accurate plans for building space stations.

In this case, naturally one cannot have too high expectations.

Although many countries from the European Union are also involved in the International Space Station, they are all based on soy sauce.

The United States cannot arrange all its own scientific research projects, so it naturally does not want to hand over the space station to the European Space Agency for operation.

Even if there is an occasional astronaut from Europe, many of the experimental projects they are actually engaged in are arranged by the United States.

This certainly does not satisfy the European Space Agency.

The reason why various European countries established the European Space Agency back then was to compete with the United States and polar bears in the aerospace field.

Now it is slowly becoming less and less influential.

"Joseph, if you have any thoughts on this matter, just say it directly."

"Anyway, regardless of whether it works or not, there is no problem in everyone communicating."

Werner was not stupid. When he saw the posture of his subordinates, he knew that he had something to tell him.

So he didn't beat around the bush and made it clear.

"The construction of the International Space Station cost hundreds of billions of dollars, and the cycle lasted a very long time."

"With our current strength, there is definitely no way to build a brand new space station independently."

"But many experimental projects must be carried out on the space station to achieve the best results."

"In this case, I think we can consider some cooperation with China on space station experiments."

"Otherwise we will have less and less experience in this area in the future."

Joseph didn't hesitate and just said what he thought.

In 2014, cooperation between Europe and China was relatively close.

Some of their ideas are different from those of the United States.

"Cooperating with China?"

Werner thought for a while and felt that this could be done, but he was also worried and said: "We have not spent any funds on this project. All design and operation work is led by Venus Technology."

"If we go directly to them to discuss cooperation, I guess they won't nod easily, right?"

There is no free lunch in the world.

At that time, the European Space Agency provided people and money for the International Space Station, but because its contribution was not as great as that of the United States and polar bears, it had almost no say.

Now China's Chang'e space station project has nothing to offer. It will naturally be more difficult for them to have any say.

"I think things are not necessarily as pessimistic as we think. We are not asking China to hand over the leadership of the space station to us. It is just some cooperation between the two sides."

"For example, arranging for our astronauts to enter their space station and conduct some space experiments together. I think this is entirely possible."

Joseph continued to speak his thoughts.

Based on his understanding of China, he feels that the other party should be easier to deal with than NASA and other agencies.

As long as you give the other party enough face and some financial benefits, the other party may make major concessions.

Many companies and institutions that often deal with China have slowly figured out this point.

"If we must cooperate with the other party, we may have to discuss the content of the cooperation before the official establishment of the Chang'e Space Station is completed. That would appear more sincere."

"Otherwise, all parties may want to cooperate with China later, and some of our conditions will appear unattractive."

This is not the first day Werner has dealt with China, so he naturally has some experiences of his own.

On this point, he and Joseph's views are highly consistent.

"Indeed, we have some cooperation with Daystar Technology on the Starlink project, and there is no problem in directly communicating about cooperation on the space station project."

"But I think contacting the authorities through the authorities at the same time may have better results."

"Especially last year, there were relatively high-level interactions between the two countries, and our relationship is considered to be in a relatively good period."

As Joseph spoke, he added some of his own thoughts.

He attaches great importance to this cooperation.

Whether the European Space Agency can conduct more experiments in space depends on this cooperation.

Otherwise, there seems to be no better choice in the next ten years.

I have to say that this situation is also quite cruel.

The European Space Agency can recognize this, and Daystar Technology is no exception.

Rare things are worth living in, and this is true in many fields.

Ordinary small countries may not have any interest in space stations or anything like that. They only care about whether their stomachs are full.

But those European countries think they have relatively high aspirations.

Moreover, their research in basic subjects such as natural sciences is considered to be at the forefront of the world.

This destined them to be full of interest in various new test platforms and equipment.

Venus Technology will naturally make good use of this information to strive for the greatest benefits for itself.

It is obviously impossible to prostitute the "Chang'e Space Station" for free.

Even if aerospace technology comes to act as a lobbyist, it won't work!

Cao Yang is not stupid!