Chapter 299: Date set, the focus of all mankind

The successful test run of the full-scale power system of the Long March 10 carrier rocket is undoubtedly a shot in the arm for the manned lunar landing project. The Space Technology Research Institute and the Shanghai Aerospace Technology Research Institute have also accelerated the manufacturing of the Mengzhou manned spacecraft and the Lanyue lunar lander.

Xu Yuan participated in the test run of the Long March 10's power system, and the other two companies will certainly not be absent.

After the new year, various industries officially resumed operations, and Xu Yuan's main job became running back and forth between the two aerospace research institutes.

Ensure the development of Mengzhou and Lanyue.

Among them, the Mengzhou manned spacecraft, according to the design plan, adopts a two-cabin configuration: a return capsule and a service module.

The total length is about nine meters.

It is positioned as highly reliable, highly secure, low-cost and livable.

The spacecraft adopts a modular design and can adapt to a variety of missions such as low-Earth orbit flight, manned lunar exploration, and manned deep space exploration.

Given that the Shenzhou manned spacecraft was independently developed in China, its various technologies have become very mature.

It has accumulated rich experience for the aerospace scientific research team.

At least when it comes to the design and development of manned spacecraft, the Shanghai Aerospace Technology Research Institute is definitely professional.

What's more, Xu Yuan has optimized the design of Mengzhou and solved some technical problems, which makes the pressure on the Magic City Aerospace Technology Research Institute less than that on the Space Technology Research Institute.

There is basically no chance of any accidents.

And this is indeed the case. A few months after the successful test run of the Long March 10 power system, good news came from the Shanghai Aerospace Technology Research Institute.

The manufacturing of the Mengzhou manned spacecraft was successfully completed.

This is the end.

The manned lunar landing project only has the most important lunar lander left.

Previously, in the field of lunar exploration, the most advanced spacecraft in China's aerospace technology was the lunar rover.

But compared with the lunar lander, there are still many gaps.

After all, this is an important spacecraft that ensures astronauts reach the moon and return safely.

There must be no mistakes.

This means that the Space Technology Research Institute, which is responsible for this, dare not be careless at any time.

It is completely normal to lag behind the other two houses in progress.

Fortunately, as Xu Yuan came over frequently, the progress was not significantly affected.

……

2022 5 Month 5 Day.

Thursday.

Although the holiday has just passed, the Space Technology Research Institute, especially the project members of the lunar lander, have been working overtime for several days in a row.

no way.

After investing so much effort, we finally completed the manufacturing of the Lanyue lunar lander.

It's impossible for everyone to relax at this time.

We will conduct simulation tests after the holiday.

The most suitable method is to conduct a final simulation test on the lunar lander first.

The so-called simulation test imitates the environment on the lunar surface and specifically tests the performance of various functions of the lander.

Only by passing this test will you be eligible to board the Long March 10.

Go on a mission to the moon.

Therefore, this is of great importance to project members.

After all, if any sudden, unknown special situation occurs during the test, it means that the lunar lander has failed the inspection and needs to be re-investigated and the problem needs to be solved.

Under normal circumstances, this situation would be acceptable, it would just take a little more time.

But now, the Long March 10 and Mengzhou manned spacecraft have passed various tests and been successfully accepted, leaving only their lunar landing project still lagging behind.

We certainly don’t want the moon landing to be postponed any further.

"Are you all ready?"

In the morning at the Space Technology Research Institute, in the simulation space laboratory, Chen Jianfang looked serious and asked Xiao Xinbin in a deep voice about the simulation test of the lunar lander.

Today, Xiao Xinbin was wearing a blue aerospace engineering uniform, and his face showed a hint of excitement when he was asked questions.

"Reporting to Director Chen, everyone should be prepared at all times. The lunar lander has been sent to the simulation environment experiment area."

"well done."

"Then it's up to us."

Chen Jianfang nodded when he heard this, and he looked relieved.

Followed by.

Just as the simulation test was about to begin, a familiar figure pushed the door and walked into the control room.

It was Xu Yuan who came here specially.

"I'm not late, am I?"

He learned that the Space Technology Research Institute had decided to conduct a simulated space environment test on the lunar lander today, so he rushed over directly.

Thinking about the Long March 10 and Mengzhou manned spacecraft, both of them completed acceptance under my witness.

The same will certainly be true for the lunar lander.

Otherwise you will always feel regretful.

When Chen Jianfang saw Xu Yuan coming, he was naturally very happy.

He immediately greeted her warmly, "You came at the right time. With you here, I am more confident about today's test."

"Everyone has seen the development process of the lunar lander. I believe it will be a complete success." Xu Yuan walked over and responded with a smile to Chen Jianfang's words.

This undoubtedly touched Chen Jianfang's heart, and the smile on his face suddenly became even bigger.

"makes sense."

"You helped so much in the development of the lunar lander, how could it fail in the test?"

"Then let us wait for the results."

Done.

He immediately turned his head to look at Xiao Xinbin beside him and gave orders decisively.

"Let the test begin."

"It's Dean Chen." Xiao Xinbin nodded in response.

In the following time, the lunar lander was officially launched in the simulation environment.

Testing of various functions is being carried out.

The lunar lander consists of two parts: the lunar module and the propulsion module.

The lunar module is equipped with solar panels on both sides and can accommodate multiple astronauts.

In addition to verifying the functional integrity under special conditions, this test also tested the condition of the solar panels, as well as thermal and force experiments, to ensure that Lanyue can cope with various problems.

This is also the greatest guarantee for astronauts after landing on the moon.

It is also worth mentioning that the lunar lander also uses the latest niobium alloy aerospace materials in some places.

Greatly improve the adaptability of the lander in the lunar environment.

Since the experimental process was rather complicated and took a lot of time, Chen Jianfang did not remain silent during the break. Instead, he took the initiative to chat with Xu Yuan in a very relaxed manner.

"The lunar lander has finally entered the testing phase, and I can finally feel a little relieved."

“It’s been really stressful these days.”

"Although Lao He and Lao You are making faster progress, our Space Technology Research Institute is just as good."

Xu Yuan listened to Chen Jianfang's words and didn't know what to say.

I didn't expect that these three people in their fifties would compete like this.

But it must be said that this situation does help to speed up the progress of the project.

Of course, while ensuring quality and quantity.

"Compared to the five years we had expected, this is progressing very quickly."

Xu Yuan thought about it and responded with this sentence.

He was absolutely right. Originally, the timeline given to the public was to land on the moon within five years.

It caused a huge uproar at the time and excited people at home and abroad.

I can't even believe the date.

Because even NASA, which has already carried out the moon landing mission, does not dare to say that it will land on the moon again within five years.

Musk's space exploration technology may have this plan, but that will have to wait until the Starship is completely successful.

But now, according to the research and development progress of the new generation of spacecraft, it seems that it will take less than five years. It is no exaggeration to say that if everything goes well in the future, it is possible that the manned lunar landing project will be officially implemented next year.

This is equivalent to just over three years.

"Speaking of this, thanks to your help, otherwise the lunar lander would not be able to conduct the test today."

Chen Jianfang still did not forget to praise Xu Yuan, and there was no trace of stinginess in this matter.

Mainly, what he said was true.

In just a few months, Xu Yuan successfully developed a new niobium alloy aerospace material.

Successfully solved the material needs of the new generation of space vehicles.

Later, he actively participated in the manufacturing of manned spacecraft and landers, and helped solve many technical problems. If not, let alone today's lunar lander test, I'm afraid the Mengzhou manned spacecraft would still be in the development of prototype products.

Xu Yuan listened to everything Chen Jianfang said, but he did not refute anything.

He just uttered these words calmly.

"It's all for the development of our country's space industry. Who wouldn't want to see our astronauts land on the moon as soon as possible?"

"You're right, this day won't be too far away." Chen Jianfang patted Xu Yuan's shoulder and said solemnly.

that's it.

As time passed, all tests on the lunar lander finally ended.

Because there were no problems during the entire process, even though the detailed test report has not yet come out, everyone basically had happy and excited smiles on their faces.

Knowing the results will definitely not disappoint them.

Especially when I think about my hard work during this period, I am finally rewarded.

The originally taut string finally relaxed a little.

Dozens more minutes passed.

As Chen Jianfang and Xu Yuan were waiting together, Xiao Xinbin walked over quickly with the report.

Before he even finished speaking, the result was basically revealed from his facial expression.

"Director Xu and Director Chen, the test report of the lunar lander has come out. Please review it."

After he approached and stopped, he handed over the report and responded. Although Chen Jianfang had an idea in his mind, he did not delay at this time and immediately took the report and quickly read it.

His eyes stayed on the content for two or three minutes before he looked away, a bright smile appeared on his face, and he did not forget to hand the report to Xu Yuan.

"You should also take a look."

"The test performance of the lunar lander basically exceeded expectations."

"This means that the Moon Landing Project has reached the standard for moon landing."

Xu Yuan didn't say much after hearing this. He took the report, took a look at it, and then responded to the topic with a smile.

"This is indeed good news. Our new generation of spacecraft has finally been assembled."

At this time, Xiao Xinbin on the opposite side could not control his inner excitement and agitation.

Hearing the voice, I subconsciously asked.

"So can we land on the moon right away?"

Chen Jianfang raised his eyes and said with a smile: "You are quite anxious."

Xu Yuan undoubtedly expressed his understanding of Xiao Xinbin's question. After all, this has been the dream of the Chinese people for thousands of years.

Now that my dream is about to come true, you can imagine how I feel.

Xu Yuan did not keep anyone in suspense on this question. He looked at Xiao Xinbin and gave an answer.

"Although our new generation of spacecraft has been successfully developed, it will take some time to perfect it before it can be launched and carry out its mission, so it is impossible to see the moon landing this year."

When Xiao Xinbin heard that the moon landing mission could not be carried out this year, disappointment was visibly evident on his face.

But this disappointment did not last for two seconds, and Xu Yuanxin's voice suddenly came to my ears again.

"But I think it will be no problem to carry out a manned lunar mission next year."

"Next year?... It's really exciting." Xiao Xinbin nodded and started imagining the scene.

Chen Jianfang and other aerospace researchers nearby also had happy smiles on their faces.

-

soon.

When the news of the successful test of the lunar lander spread within the aerospace system, the Rocket Technology Research Institute and the Shanghai Academy of Space Technology were the first to send congratulations.

At the discussion meeting of the Aerospace Science and Technology Group, it was decided to hold a press conference to launch the new generation of spacecraft.

This plan has also received full support from above.

So, the next week after the successful test of the lunar lander, officials including the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and the Space Office announced that

Officially release the announcement to the entire network.

It said that a press conference will be held this Friday to launch the domestically-produced new generation of spacecraft.

At that time, the press conference will announce the new generation of launch vehicles, the new generation of manned spacecraft, and the new generation of lunar lander.

After this news spread quickly on the Internet, it was like a bombshell that hit without warning.

This shocked netizens as they had never expected it.

The main reason is that the technical difficulty of the new generation of spacecraft is there, and it is still earlier than previously estimated. In the perception of netizens, the new generation of spacecraft should still be in the research and development process.

Now they are suddenly told that a press conference for the launch of a new generation of spacecraft will be held this week.

Doesn’t this mean that a new generation of spacecraft has been successfully developed?

The speed is a bit too fast.

However, after the shock, surprise followed, which made everyone excited.

Not only did multiple related topics quickly top the hot search list, many people even lost the mood to go to work, and they openly slacked off and actively discussed this big news with everyone.

Even in the major chat groups that we usually use, eight out of ten are forwarding related news.

"Brothers, check out the big news! Our new generation of spacecraft has been developed."

"real or fake?"

"This speed is too fast. Isn't it said that our original spacecraft is far behind the new generation? How come in the blink of an eye, a new generation of spacecraft is about to be released?"

"If I hadn't seen that it was officially released, I would have thought it was a marketing account trying to gain publicity."

"It is indeed true. It will be broadcast live on the platform this Friday morning."

"To those who don't know, the chief designer of our new generation of spacecraft is Academician Xu. Now this news makes sense, right? With Academician Xu here, there is no technical problem that cannot be solved."

"This is indeed the biggest news of the year. I have to wait and see the live broadcast on Friday."

"I wonder what our new generation of spacecraft will look like, but it must be good enough to be used for landing on the moon."

"A new generation of spacecraft is already available. Does this mean that we will be able to land on the moon soon?"

……

Netizens have an inexplicable obsession with the moon landing. In the past, due to technical and other reasons, they could only hope in their hearts, hoping that they could live to see that day.

But now, because of Xu Yuan’s existence, a new generation of spacecraft was developed so quickly.

This is just one step away from landing on the moon.

Under such circumstances, everyone naturally stopped hiding their thoughts and started calling for a moon landing.

I hope this day comes as soon as possible.

As for overseas, compared with the support of ordinary people, NASA, the Ouang Space Administration and the Japanese Space Agency have doubts about this. They can't believe that anyone can master the new generation of spacecraft technology so quickly.

However, since the chief designer was Xu Yuan, they had no choice but to learn from previous lessons.

There was no public expression of doubt.

It's just that people inside don't believe it.

Of course, no matter what attitude either side has, what is certain is that the launch of this new generation of spacecraft has become the focus of attention of the whole world.

They are all eager to know what kind of new generation of space vehicles China has developed.

To what extent has it reached?

Whether the manned lunar landing mission can be completed.

In the following days, online discussions on this matter not only did not decrease but intensified further.

Even overseas users are paying attention to the results of this press conference.

In this situation, time always passes quickly, and in the blink of an eye it is the day of the press conference.

The press conference was held in the aerospace office as the last time. The main attendees included Guo Dongxiao, Chairman of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, as well as Chen Jianfang, He Luping, You Kairong and others.

Among them, Xu Yuan participated as the chief designer.

In the morning, as reporters from all walks of life entered the venue and the live broadcast equipment was debugged, the press conference was officially held.

After Guo Dongxiao and the leaders of the Space Office finished reading the opening speeches, the right to speak was handed over to Xu Yuan, who launched and explained the new generation of spacecraft.

"It is an honor to be here today to host the launch of China's new generation of spacecraft."

……

"Through the joint efforts of many aerospace workers, we have successfully completed the research and development of the new generation Long March 10 carrier rocket, the new generation Mengzhou manned spacecraft, and the new generation Lanyue lunar lander."

"And the above-mentioned spacecraft have all passed the test and acceptance."

"Now I will introduce to you our new generation of spacecraft."

Almost at the same time Xu Yuan finished speaking, models of the Long March 10 carrier rocket, the Mengzhou manned spacecraft and the Lanyue lander appeared on the large screen behind him, with their specific sizes and related data parameters marked.

At this moment, the netizens who were watching the live broadcast were instantly attracted by these parameters.

After completing all the observations, I truly discovered the superior performance of the country's new generation of spacecraft.

It is by no means the product of casual fooling around.

Whether it is the three-and-a-half-stage Long March 10, which is more than 90 meters in length and has a takeoff thrust of more than 2,600 tons, or the reusable Dream Boat manned spacecraft that can be used for lunar exploration and near-Earth space operations, they can definitely be called a new generation of spacecraft.

As for the most important lunar lander, it instantly attracted a large number of fans.

Some people on the Internet were worried that the new generation of spacecraft developed so quickly might only be slightly better than the original ones in terms of performance.

I'm afraid none of them can support a manned lunar mission.

But now that I have seen the detailed data, I realize how naive and stupid this idea was.

The barrage in the live broadcast room refreshes so fast that the specific content cannot be seen with the naked eye.

"It is indeed the Long March 10. The parameters are too strong. It can definitely support the transfer of the Earth-Moon orbit."

"I wonder who dares to say that this is not a new generation of spacecraft."

"Whatever Xu Shen produces must be of the highest quality."

"It would be great if the Dream Boat manned spacecraft could be reused."

"The most noteworthy thing is that these spacecraft have already completed their tests."

"I can reach the moon in the sky. I am so looking forward to it."

"When will we land on the moon? I can't wait."

Xu Yuan did not look at the comments in the live broadcast room, but just by looking at the expressions of the reporters below the stage, he knew that this press conference was a complete success.

Everyone was completely immersed in the shock brought by the new generation of spacecraft.

Although Chen Jianfang, He Luping and You Kairong, who were on both sides of the stage, did not make any public speeches, their faces showed joy and happiness in the current atmosphere, and they were proud of being aerospace workers.

Soon after Xu Yuan finished his explanation, some reporters in the audience could no longer wait to ask questions.

Although the other party was a young reporter he didn't know, Xu Yuan still gave him the opportunity to ask questions.

"Hello, Academician Xu, I am a reporter from CCTV. Today I would like to ask you a question that everyone is concerned about."

"Please speak." Xu Yuan encouraged with a smile.

The reporter adjusted his mindset before continuing his speech.

"We all know that the country's new generation of spacecraft has been successfully developed. So when will it be able to carry out its mission?"

"Will the previously announced moon landing time be advanced?"

After hearing the reporter's questions, Xu Yuan was not surprised. After all, this is indeed what everyone is most concerned about.

So he waved his hand to signal the other person to sit down, then put on a bright smile and began to answer.

"The research and development of the new generation of spacecraft is going very smoothly, which has exceeded our expectations to a certain extent. Our new generation of spacecraft is now capable of landing on the moon."

"So it's natural to carry out the launch mission."

"In fact, today's press conference not only officially unveils our new generation of spacecraft to everyone."

"The specific time for manned lunar landing will also be announced."

It is no exaggeration to say that when Xu Yuan said this, both the reporters in the audience and the audience in front of the screen subconsciously held their breath and looked forward to the next part.

Unexpectedly, surprises came one after another.

Xu Yuan did not keep anyone in suspense about this. He just paused for a moment and then directly told the specific time.

"After discussion and research, we have decided that we will launch the Long March 10 in late September next year to carry the Mengzhou manned spacecraft and the Lanyue lander to the lunar orbit and complete the manned lunar landing project."

……

(End of this chapter)