As astronaut Zhai Zhihang successfully exited the cabin and left footprints on the familiar yet unfamiliar lunar surface, audiences from all over the world seemed to feel the same emotion and were very excited.

All scientific researchers in the Yanjing Flight Control Center and the command hall of the space launch site stood up and applauded.

This caused the venue to burst into warm applause.

Celebrating the great success of the manned lunar landing project.

Especially when Zhai Zhihang said, "I've left the cabin and feel good," the audience watching the live broadcast in front of the screen felt a surge of pride and honor in their bodies. The live broadcast room barrage paused for nearly ten seconds before it resumed refreshing.

But the number is dozens or hundreds of times more than before.

Everyone uses this method to express their feelings.

"Oh my god, I'm so excited. I finally witnessed our country's astronauts landing on the moon."

"The surface of the moon is indeed mysterious and beautiful."

"We succeeded."

"The thousand-year dream of flying to the moon has come true today."

"It's so touching. Thank you to all the space researchers and astronauts for their contributions and efforts."

"so good."

"I really want to experience the feeling of stepping on the moon myself. I wonder if I will have the chance to do so in my lifetime."

"I wish our motherland prosperity and strength."

"These are the footprints of the Eastern Dragon. No one and no country can ignore its existence."

"Let's first predict next year's college entrance examination questions. I can guarantee that they will include content about today's moon landing. Going to an unfamiliar alien planet to conduct scientific research is a great courage for human civilization. Today is destined to go down in history and be remembered by everyone."

……

Compared with the excitement of people on the ground, the original exploration mission on the lunar surface is still in progress.

After quickly adapting to the environment on the lunar surface, another astronaut also came out of the lunar module. The two of them put down the lunar rover together and drove the lunar rover to explore the surrounding area.

The moon is rich in resources, especially helium-3, which can be used as controlled nuclear fusion fuel.

Therefore, the astronauts are not here just to leave their footprints to make their presence felt, they also need to complete corresponding scientific exploration.

Fortunately, the performance of domestic lunar suits is superior enough. In addition to being able to cope with certain emergencies, it also allows astronauts to stay on the lunar surface longer than overseas.

This, combined with the domestically produced lunar rover, is enough to complete the exploration work within the scheduled time.

However, the two astronauts were driving on the moon, and even the speed was not very slow, which gave people a sense of disconnection no matter how you looked at it.

Some people even can't help but imagine that if the number of astronauts landing on the moon increases in the future, will the astronauts drive lunar rovers across the lunar surface?

I'm afraid it's not impossible.

It is worth mentioning that China’s lunar mission has attracted worldwide attention.

When astronaut Zhai Zhihang stepped on the moon, major overseas media reported it immediately during the day.

In particular, there are countless reviews from overseas users on relevant websites.

High praise was given to the success of this lunar landing mission.

Even if there are a few people whose jealousy is about to overflow the screen, they will immediately be ridiculed by others.

"They are truly a great country that supports the research of aerospace technology so much, which is conducive to the development of human civilization."

"Oh my God, they really went to the moon."

"This sleeping Eastern dragon has awakened and is showing its might to everyone. Anyone who disregards its arrogance will pay the price."

“I knew they could do it because they have the best scientists in the world.”

“They’re driving on the moon, that’s pretty cool.”

"We in Japan are so far behind. They must have stolen NASA's moon landing technology."

"My friend, there is no shame in admitting that others are strong. China is the only country in the world that can independently complete the moon landing, while NASA can only rely on SpaceX now."

"I hope the starship test will be successful as soon as possible, otherwise we will be further behind the enemy."

It is a very normal thing that a huge wave of heated discussion has formed overseas.

Because as long as we are human, we cannot resist the desire to explore extraterrestrial space.

Besides, it has been decades since the last moon landing.

It can be said that China's manned lunar landing project has successfully satisfied the young people's desire to not witness the historical moment of the moon landing.

The significance it brings is milestone-like.

Of course, for Xu Yuan, Chen Jianfang, He Luping and others in the command hall of the space launch site, they don’t know how lively the outside world is yet.

After a period of scientific exploration mission on the lunar surface, Zhai Zhihang and another astronaut.

The lunar module also needs to be returned.

The engine then reignited and took off, carrying the astronauts and the extracted lunar samples back into orbit.

Once again docked with the waiting Mengzhou manned spacecraft.

Carry out the return mission.

Although the astronauts have successfully landed on the moon and completed the corresponding scientific exploration missions.

But it is also necessary to ensure the safe return of astronauts to Earth.

If an accident occurs during the return journey, this manned lunar mission will also be imperfect.

It can't even be called a success.

After all, if the astronauts and the lunar samples obtained cannot return, then the moon landing will completely lose its significance.

For the astronauts to return, the first and most important step is also the first step.

The ascent module engine is ignited.

If the engine fails to ignite, the astronauts will not be able to return to near-moon orbit and dock with the Mengzhou manned spacecraft.

It is equivalent to staying on the moon until the end of your life.

For this reason, Xu Yuan and others were on high alert at this time, keeping a close eye on the various data sent back.

The level of seriousness is even higher than the previous moon landing.

"There are 81 difficulties, and now we have finally reached the most difficult moment."

In the hall, He Luping looked at the astronauts in the return capsule and couldn't help but whisper something. It can be seen that he was more or less worried about the upcoming ignition.

Mainly because of the complex environment on the lunar surface, even the most sophisticated and perfect aerospace equipment may suddenly encounter problems or issues.

This probability cannot be completely eliminated.

In fact, it was not just him. Chen Jianfang and Zhong Guotao, the person in charge of the space launch site, who were standing not far away, also looked quite solemn.

There are eighty-one difficulties in the journey to the West. The first eighty of them have already been overcome. If you were to fail at this last difficulty, you can imagine how you would feel.

No one wants to see this happen.

Xu Yuan noticed the changes in their expressions and knew what they were worried about.

But he is still full of confidence.

Then he smiled and took the initiative to take over the conversation and agreed with them, giving them a shot in the arm.

"Do not worry."

"The new generation of spacecraft is built by us, and we should have confidence in them."

"I believe they will be able to escort our astronauts back to Earth safely."

As Xu Yuan finished speaking, several people immediately relaxed their brows.

They all nodded in agreement.

"Xu Yuan is right. We should have enough confidence in Lan Yue and Meng Zhou."

“We will definitely be able to complete the mission successfully.”

Almost as they were saying this, Zhai Zhihang and another astronaut successfully returned to the lunar module and reunited with the astronauts stationed inside.

at the same time.

Soon, instructions were broadcasted in the hall.

Re-ignite the engine.

"The astronauts have returned to the lunar module and the engine is counting down to re-ignition."

"ten."

……

"three."

"two."

"one."

"ignition!"

When the ten-second countdown ended, the ascent module engine ignited successfully.

The flames ejected from the tail provided enough thrust for the ascent module to begin to leave the lunar surface.

Heading towards the near-moon orbit.

The Mengzhou manned spacecraft is also looking forward to it, waiting to be reassembled.

Everyone in the hall breathed a sigh of relief when they saw the engine ignite successfully.

The stone that was weighing on my heart disappeared in an instant.

His frown completely relaxed and a smile appeared.

At this step, the ascent module and the Mengzhou manned spacecraft are fully combined, and things become much simpler next.

It only takes a few maneuvers to get back to low Earth orbit.

Then the landing takes place.

We are very proficient in the technologies involved in these processes, so naturally there will be no problems.

that's it.

By the time the ascent module and the Mengzhou manned spacecraft successfully docked, it was already October 1st.

It happens to be the holiday, and giving everyone such a gift on this special day can definitely be called a huge surprise.

For a while during the day, almost all the mainstream media and television stations across the country were reporting the news that the astronauts completed the moon landing last night.

In addition, self-media accounts also reposted the video, and it became a major event discussed by the whole nation.

Especially in frequently used chat groups, if you don’t know about the Chinese people’s moon landing, you will definitely be informed by everyone in the group at the first time.

But as the saying goes, some are happy while others are sad.

The success of the manned lunar mission further contrasts the dismal failure of the Starship full system flight test.

Just after the astronauts completed the lunar exploration mission, far away at NASA headquarters in Houston, Texas, Bolsons still sat in his office and did not leave.

The whole person looked quite lonely. I thought that by relying on the starship flight test, we could counter the aerospace influence brought by the manned moon landing on the other side.

As a result, the Long March 10 was successfully launched as expected, but the starship disintegrated and exploded when the thrusters separated.

Now, not only can he not save face, he has completely lost his reputation.

The thought was just here when suddenly there was a knock on the door from outside.

"Please come in."

Setvi pushed the door open, walked to the desk, stopped, paused for a moment, and spoke.

"Just got the latest news. The other side has successfully landed on the moon and completed the scientific exploration mission."

When he talked about this incident, he was quite moved.

As the chief engineer of spacecraft orbital docking, just a few years ago he asserted that China would never be able to achieve a moon landing.

As a result, they not only independently completed the construction of the world's second space station, but also successfully developed a new generation of spacecraft and realized the manned lunar landing mission in just three or four years.

Looking back now, it still feels unreal.

It is obviously something that is impossible to achieve.

Even during their heyday in the aerospace field, they had never experienced such a speed of aerospace development.

He couldn't find any other word to describe it except miracle.

Of course, it is useless to think about these things now. After all, there is no medicine for regret in the world.

The other party has become the most technologically advanced aerospace power in the world today.

If the starship's test flight is successful, it may be possible to win the ring, but at the moment it is definitely a foregone conclusion.

Bolsons didn't react too much to the news, apparently he had already expected it.

Finally, he just nodded and said, "I understand."

The main situation cannot be changed, and they cannot launch a rocket to the moon immediately, so they can only remain silent for now.

Otherwise, if anything is revealed, it will probably be criticized by the outside world.

Even their own people.

The starship's full-power flight test has just failed, and it will definitely not be able to be carried out again in a short period of time.

So all we can do is wait.

Setvi seemed to want to say something after hearing this, but in the end he swallowed it back after moving his lips slightly. Given the current atmosphere, it was indeed not appropriate to talk about work again.

But just as he was about to leave, he suddenly stopped at the door.

He turned around and said to Bolsons again: "Chief, you need to rest."

"You go back first, I'll leave soon." Bolsons raised his head and waved his hand.

After hearing this, Setvi naturally said no more and left the office.

……

Time flies by like a fleeting moment.

Soon it reached the middle of the moon, and after several orbital corrections, the Mengzhou manned spacecraft assembly successfully returned to low-Earth orbit and landed safely in the designated area of ​​the Earth.

In the process of welcoming the astronauts home, CCTV also conducted a special live broadcast program.

The popularity, which had not dropped much, has once again reached a new peak.

But it is worth mentioning that at this point in time, what everyone is most looking forward to is not the astronauts returning home, but the upcoming report summary meeting on the moon landing mission.

According to previous experience of the aerospace system, each time a major space launch mission is completed.

A summary report meeting will be held every year. In addition to summarizing the mission and reporting to the public, the next stage of the space plan will also be announced.

You should know that it was at the launch conference of the new generation of spacecraft that Xu Yuan revealed the specific time of the moon landing.

Now that manned lunar landing has been achieved, subsequent space missions are naturally even more exciting.

Precisely because of this expectation, many netizens have begun to discuss the issue in the comment section of the video showing the astronauts returning home.

"Seeing the astronauts return home safely, the weight of my heart finally fell to the ground safely."

"Luyang sent a congratulatory message!"

"If I participate in the astronaut selection now, will I have the opportunity to experience the moon in the future?"

"As long as you can become an astronaut, I think the chances of participating in the moon landing mission are very high. Now that we can land on the moon, the moon landing plans will definitely be more frequent in the future."

"Is there going to be a summary report meeting in the next two days? I hope Academician Xu can reveal some information then."

"I feel like there will definitely be big news. I'm looking forward to it."

"The successful completion of the moon landing is already world-class news. I can't imagine what kind of event will happen next."

"Waiting for Academician Xu to announce a new space program."

No matter what people say online, it does not affect the normal holding of the aerospace system summary report conference.

In addition to Xu Yuan and others, Zhai Zhihang, the astronaut representative of this mission, was also present at the event.

2023 10 Month 19 Day.

Thursday.

At the Yenching Aerospace summary report meeting, Xu Yuan and everyone else arrived on time and sat on the podium.

The audience were naturally filled with journalists and news media, including overseas reporters.

It's about nine o'clock in the morning.

As the conference officially began, the same process continued, with the leader giving a speech first.

Later, Zhai Zhihang also gave a speech, telling the audience about his mental journey of stepping onto the surface of the moon.

As time passed and the process was almost completed, the highlight that everyone was looking forward to finally arrived.

"The above is a summary of the manned lunar landing project. Now, please allow Academician Xu Yuan to announce the development plan for my country's space industry in the next stage."

At this time, as Guo Dongxiao took on the role of host and then handed the right to speak to Xu Yuan, everyone at the scene suddenly became nervous and their eyes fell on Xu Yuan on the stage.

Xu Yuan was already familiar with the procedures of today's meeting, and naturally did not waste any more time after getting the right to speak.

He started explaining it immediately.

"The successful development of a new generation of domestic spacecraft has enabled us to have the technology to travel back and forth between the moon and the earth, and to successfully realize the manned lunar landing project."

"But the development of our aerospace industry will never stop because of this."

"In the next stage, we will carry out multiple lunar landing missions and build an international lunar research station on the moon."

"This research station will operate autonomously for a long time on the lunar surface, in lunar orbit, and in the cis-lunar space. It will also have short-term human involvement and will be a comprehensive scientific experimental facility integrating the earth and the sky."

"In addition, we also welcome the participation of other countries to jointly build this international lunar research station."

As Xu Yuan continued his explanation, the many reporters and audience members in front of the screen began to breathe faster.

I thought the manned moon landing was a feast, but it turns out to be just an appetizer.

The International Lunar Research Station is the real deal.

After all, manned lunar landings are only for scientific exploration on the moon, which requires the use of lunar suits and does not last long. However, the International Lunar Research Station allows astronauts to live on the moon for a short period of time.

This is equivalent to the first extraterrestrial settlement in human history.

The implications are unimaginable.

It plays a significant role in human civilization's exploration of outer space.

Almost not long after Xu Yuan finished speaking, one of the overseas reporters couldn't help but ask:
"Dear Academician Xu, hello. I would like to know if you are really willing to cooperate with other countries to jointly build an international lunar research station?"

It's not surprising that he asked this question. After all, when the International Space Station project was first being built, other members rejected China's participation. With this example, there would be no problem even if China chose to build it alone.

When Xu Yuan heard the reporter's words, his expression did not change.

Still maintaining his smile, he answered in a deep voice:
"The exploration of outer space and extraterrestrial life is the business of human civilization as a whole. We very much welcome other countries to join us in building this international lunar research station together."

Building an international lunar research station on the moon is a project that is much more difficult and requires more investment than a space station.

The time, resources and money required are astronomical.

If you choose to build it alone, it is obviously not cost-effective. The right approach is to unite partners who can participate in the construction together.

Anyway, the technology is in my hands, and the construction of the entire scientific research station is still led by me.

In addition, as long as enough money is given, even overseas astronauts can take the Dream Boat manned spacecraft to visit the surface of the moon.

Xu Yuan's answer undoubtedly made the reporter very excited.

After praising him several times, he calmed down a little and sat back in his seat.

In the following period, although the conference was held normally, the Internet had already begun to boil.

Especially after the official account released a concept video about the international lunar research station, audiences at home and abroad were very excited.

Having just completed the mission of the manned lunar landing project, we are now planning to build an international lunar research station.

This speed and efficiency is enough to make overseas space agencies ashamed.

But it must be said that the International Lunar Research Station project has indeed attracted the interest of many countries.

First of all, their aerospace technology is mostly backward and cannot be compared with the new generation of Long March 10 spacecraft.

And the speed of technological research and development is also very slow.

Now there is a sudden opportunity to curry favor with someone, and to establish an international scientific research station on the moon. If you miss such a good opportunity, it will be too late to regret it.

As relevant news spread around the world, people may have been hesitant at first.

It is unclear what the situation is.

It wasn't until Big Goose took the lead in issuing an announcement that it would join the International Lunar Research Station project that it was like a stone thrown into a pond, immediately making the originally calm surface become lively.

Almost on the next day, the Ouang Space Administration, the Neon Space Administration and others publicly expressed their intention to participate in the construction.

Hope to get the consent of the Chinese side.

To sum up, we should actively seek cooperation.

In the past, the country was begging to participate in international projects, but now the situation is completely reversed.

It can be considered an offensive and defensive type.

I'm afraid that many people regret having refused China's participation in the construction of the International Space Station. Otherwise, it's hard to say what the current situation in the aerospace industry would be like.

However, even in this situation, NASA, as the former leader in the aerospace field, has never made any statement.

It does not seem to intend to join the International Lunar Research Station project.

Bolsons did not expect that the other side's development in the aerospace field would advance so rapidly.

We are still conducting starship flight tests here, but others are about to build an international lunar research station.

If this continues, by the time the starship is successfully developed, people will have already landed on Mars.

It stands to reason that joining the International Lunar Research Station project under the current circumstances can be considered a good choice, but neither Bolsons nor members of the House of Representatives have any relevant ideas in this regard.

...(End of chapter)