Chapter 915: NASA Is Stimulated, and the Space Race Enters a New Stage

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

"If the Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy rockets are used to launch the 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, Granfin cannot accept the situation that the United States is surpassed by China in the field of aerospace.

This is not only closely related to the position under his buttocks, but also related to the information he has received since he was a child.

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

This is obviously unacceptable.

But he also knows that if NASA relies on its own strength to build a space station, it is highly likely that the relevant departments will not be able to review and approve the huge amount of funds.

And in terms of construction efficiency, it is absolutely impossible to compare with Venus Technology.

All components of the Chang'e space station were launched into space within three months to complete the construction of the space station.

This speed is far faster than the construction speed of any previous space station.

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

How did it get done in three months?

"It's not impossible for SpaceX to build a space station."

"But the space station is more about basic technology research, which is not so compatible with the development direction of our company."

"Relatively speaking, is it more worthwhile to invest limited funds in the development of various rockets and then directly aim at Mars?"

Going to Mars is Musk's wish. He hopes that he can die on Mars in this life.

Originally, this wish was a bit illusory, but under the stimulation of Venus Technology, Musk has regarded it as the key direction of SpaceX's next technological development.

Falcon Heavy has basically been successfully developed. In the future, it can focus on the development of super-large recyclable rockets like Venus Technology. They also need to 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 for the next 20 years, but should we set the goal of going to the moon first in the next 10 years?"

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

Granfen will definitely not give up the opportunity to persuade Musk easily.

If even SpaceX has no idea of ​​building a space station, then other American companies will definitely not have it either.

Companies like Boeing do have the strength in this regard.

But no one would be willing to spend tens of billions of dollars to build a project that cannot bring economic benefits in the short term.

So Granfen has no confidence in convincing Boeing.

On the contrary, the situation of SpaceX is quite special, and it is also similar to the situation faced by Venustech.

Letting the two companies compete with each other is a situation that many people hope to see.

"I have specially arranged people to do research on the Chang'e space station project of Venustech."

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

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

"In terms of gallium nitride solar panels, no domestic companies are involved."

"This will make our space station project much more difficult."

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

But the funds cannot all be raised by SpaceX itself.

If NASA is willing to fund part of it, even if it provides all-round technical support, it can be discussed.

But up to now, Griffin has not pulled a hair.

In this case, how could he let go?

"These problems are actually easy to solve."

"Venus Technology has already demonstrated to everyone, we just need to innovate appropriately based on them."

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

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

"If it really doesn't work, we can find a way to purchase the basic materials of solar panels from China, and then process and transform them into the specifications required for the space station in China."

"Anyway, China has already started exporting gallium nitride solar panels, and they can be bought on the market."

"For other technical aspects, the threshold should not be that high. With our technical accumulation over the years, we can completely produce them."

"In order to reduce the financial pressure of SpaceX, I plan to hand over all NASA's rocket launch missions in the next few years to you."

"As long as the cost of various launches is cheaper than our own launches, it will be fine."

Granfen knew that if he didn't come up with some solid stuff, Musk would probably not give in.

So he didn't hesitate and started to negotiate conditions directly.

"Although NASA has rich experience in building space stations, SpaceX's main focus before was on rocket research and development."

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

With the material conditions, it is natural to consider the technical conditions.

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

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

The tolerance rate of projects in the aerospace field is very low.

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

Granfen is quite clear about this.

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

"The only space station currently in orbit is the International Space Station. I can provide you with all the drawings and materials."

"At the same time, I will also arrange for the technicians who participated in the design and production of the International Space Station to join Space Exploration Technologies Corporation."

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

"Then produce the space station within next year, and start launching and assembling it the year after next at the latest."

Granfen has said this, and Musk knows that he can't refuse.

However, such a major matter must be discussed in a meeting within Space Exploration Technologies Corporation.

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

Fortunately, with NASA's promotion behind the scenes, it can also obtain some subsidies from relevant American departments. In the end, the project was officially established soon.

With the American style of doing things, since this project has been established, it must be well boasted to the outside world.

So the news that the United States was going to start building a new space station when the service life of the International Space Station was at the end soon spread.

NASA and Space Exploration Technologies 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 at the first time.

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

"Whatever we do, they will 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 are going to build will always be the most advanced in the world."

"Not only is the space station larger than ours, but its functions are also more complete than ours."

Qian Junfeng has been very active in communicating with Cao Yang during this period.

Either he came to Venusstar Technology for a visit and exchange, or he communicated on the phone about the progress of many projects.

Especially when he knew that Venusstar Technology and AVIC's H-20 project were progressing rapidly, he became more enthusiastic.

Aerospace technology cannot lag behind.

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

"But according to my understanding of the United States, if SpaceX really wants to build a space station larger than our Chang'e Space Station, it will definitely not be completed without tens of billions of dollars."

"In the initial funding, everything may be easy to say."

"But whether it can raise so much funding on time later is hard to say."

"And the United States is now leading the operation of the International Space Station. How to distinguish the positioning between the International Space Station and the newly built space station is also a problem for the United States."

"If the International Space Station project is stopped directly, 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 it is not stopped, it will be a waste of resources for the United States."

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

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

Historically, China's space station has been officially operated, and the United States has not started to implement the construction of a new generation of space stations.

Although the current situation has changed significantly, the situation in the United States has not changed much.

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

Even with the help of NASA, it is difficult for SpaceX to obtain a large amount of financial subsidies.

Given Musk's personality, if the space station project is not necessary, it is entirely possible that he will sacrifice the space station in the future in order to complete the project he wants to do.

Of course, if there are too many things that happen to the Chang'e Space Station in China in the future, perhaps the attitude of the United States will change.

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

"Venus Technology has done the Starlink satellite project, and the United States followed suit."

"Venus Technology can also do the Starship project to prepare for landing on the moon and Mars in the future, and the United States will follow suit."

"Now that Venus Technology has built a space station, the United States will also follow suit to build its own new generation of space station."

"This situation where we are ahead and the United States is catching up has also subverted the cognition of many people."

"Mr. Cao, when the Chang'e Space Station is being built, we must prevent the United States from causing trouble."

Qian Junfeng feels that even if you can't have the intention to harm others, you can't be without the heart to guard against others.

Who knows if the United States will come up with some disgusting plan?

This is entirely possible.

"Americans have no bottom line when doing things, so we really need to pay attention."

Cao Yang didn't think Qian Junfeng was joking at all.

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

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

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

Venus Technology is very good at this kind of work.

Or directly deploy some laser weapons on some satellites and use them when needed.

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 should not be there, but the intention to guard against others must be there.

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

...

Venus Technology's various tasks are highly planned.

Last week, the launch plan of Chang'e Space Station was officially announced. This week, Venusstar Technology used Venusstar 9 MAX to launch the core module of Chang'e Space Station at the Qiongzhou Launch Site.

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

Naturally, there were no accidents in this launch.

Moreover, Venusstar Technology, as always, broadcast live on the Nanshan Film and Television website and APP.

"We didn't expect that China's space station started from Venusstar Technology. It's amazing!"

"Chang'e, this name is really very good. I am more looking forward to Venusstar Technology's next moon landing action."

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

"If the Chang'e Space Station is built within three months, how embarrassing it will be for the people in the International Space Station."

"The rendering of this Chang'e Space Station is really awesome. It looks full of science fiction. I didn't expect that China will be able to produce such a thing one day."

"Nanshan products must be fine products! Netizens are not lying to me!"

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

...

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

For example, countries like the United States that think they have the strength to compete with China in the space station have naturally accelerated their various layouts.

However, for some places with ideas but limited strength, they began to consider other plans.

"Werner, China has officially started to build the 'Chang'e Space Station'. The first launch successfully delivered the core module weighing more than 25 tons to the designated location, and successfully recycled the rocket."

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

"Now it seems that they are probably really preparing to do this, because Venus Technology will launch the space station for the second time next week."

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 the International Space Station project was still in operation.

Other countries do not even have an accurate plan for the construction of the space station.

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

Although many countries in the European Union are also involved in the International Space Station, they are all just there to make up the numbers.

America can't arrange all its own scientific research projects, so naturally it doesn't want to hand over the space station to the European Space Agency for operation.

Even if there is an astronaut from Europe occasionally, many of the experimental projects actually carried out are arranged by the United States.

This will definitely not satisfy the European Space Agency.

The reason why European countries established the European Space Agency in the past was to compete with the United States and the polar bear in the field of aerospace.

But now its influence is gradually becoming weaker and weaker.

"Joseph, if you have any ideas about this matter, just say it directly."

"Anyway, no matter whether it works or not, there is no problem for everyone to communicate."

Werner is not stupid. Seeing the posture of his subordinates, he knew that he had something to say to 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 for a very long time."

"With our current strength, there is definitely no way to build a 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 cooperating with China in space station experiments."

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

Joseph did not hesitate and directly expressed his thoughts.

In 2014, Europe's cooperation with China was relatively close.

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

"Cooperate with China?"

Werner thought about it for a while and felt that this could be done, but he was also worried. He said: "We didn't spend any money on this project. All the 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.

Back then, the European Space Agency contributed manpower and money to the International Space Station, but because its contribution was not as much as that of the United States and the polar bears, it had almost no say.

Now, they have not contributed anything to China's Chang'e space station project, so it is naturally more difficult for them to have any say.

"I don't think things are necessarily as pessimistic as we think. We don't want China to hand over the dominance of the space station to us. We just want the two sides to cooperate."

"For example, arrange for our astronauts to enter their space station, and we will carry out some space experiments together. I think this is entirely possible."

Joseph continued to talk about his thoughts.

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

As long as you give them enough face and some financial benefits, they may make major concessions.

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

"If we must cooperate with each other, we may have to discuss the content of the cooperation before the official establishment of the Chang'e Space Station, so that we appear more sincere."

"Otherwise, all parties may want to cooperate with China in the future, and some of our conditions will seem unattractive."

It is not the first day that Werner has dealt with China, so he naturally has some experience of his own.

On this point, he and Joseph have a high degree of agreement.

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

"But I think that contacting through the official at the same time may have a better effect."

"Especially last year, there was a relatively high level of interaction between the two countries, and the relationship between everyone was in a relatively good period."

Joseph said, while adding some of his own ideas.

He attaches great importance to this cooperation.

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

Otherwise, it seems that there will be no better options in the next ten years.

It has to be said that this situation is also quite cruel.

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

Rare goods are valuable, and this is a truth that exists in many fields.

Ordinary small countries may not be interested in space stations or anything like that, and they only care about whether they can fill their stomachs.

But those European countries think they have higher aspirations.

And their research in basic disciplines such as natural sciences is also at the forefront of the world.

This means that they are destined to be full of interest in various new test platforms and equipment.

Venustech will naturally make good use of this information to gain the greatest benefits for itself.

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

Even if Aerospace Science and Technology came to lobby, it would not work!

Cao Yang is not stupid!