Chapter 835: When Human Stars Shine (Second update, please subscribe)
In the evening, the white rocket stood quietly on the launch pad, and the red sunset dyed the rocket body red. The launch pad, rocket and the sea in the distance formed a beautiful scenery, which has never been seen before.
Many people were fascinated by this scene.
In the safety area southeast of the launch pad, there were many engineers standing, and Gan Fukang was among them. He just stared at the rocket quietly.
More than a month ago, influenced by the speech on entering space, he came to Nanyang with other scholars from Tangshan, although he was under surveillance and even under house arrest in the United States.
However, the embassy came forward to help him solve all the problems.
Just like friends say. Nanyang is an ally of the United States. Americans still have concerns about Nanyang.
In addition, he has turned his research direction to other aspects in the past two years. After the embassy came forward, the United States quickly agreed that he and his family could come to Nanyang.
There was no obstruction at all. Even the academic notes he had accumulated were allowed to be brought back, unlike the previous obstructions.
“Look, this is our Wanhu Model 5, the most powerful rocket in the world!”
Wu Yaozu on the side looked at his old friend and said.
"When you first came here, I thought you had changed your research direction. After all, your research is now very respected among universities in Nanyang. Unexpectedly, you still chose rockets. "
Despite what he said, how could Wu Yaozu not understand his friend? That direction was just a cover-up for him to deceive others. In fact, after he came to Nanyang three years ago, he would write to his old friends whenever he had free time. Although he could not discuss Nanyang's rocket technology in his letters due to confidentiality restrictions, he could discuss some academic issues with him. In a word, the question above was to do everything possible to arouse his interest in Nanyang and encourage him to come to Nanyang to show his talents.
After all, the most regrettable thing in this world is that geniuses are buried. Wu Yaozu, who thinks that he is just a mediocre person, certainly does not want his old friend's talents to be buried. He is a real genius.
Thankfully, in the end, the old friend came to Nanyang. Although he came a little late, it didn’t matter. After all, Nanyang’s economy is now more developed, its industry is more advanced, and it is better able to give full play to the old friend. The talents of friends, after all, cannot be made without rice. Only with a better industrial foundation can they give full play to their talents.
"Well, I should be relatively good at this. The research I conducted before was just my personal interest."
Qian Fukang nodded, and then said,
"It's just, When I came here, I didn’t expect Nanyang Technology’s rockets to be so advanced.”
This sentence comes from the bottom of his heart. When he was in the United States, due to safety reasons, Qian Fukang had never been exposed to rockets. , but I still have a certain understanding of the overall rocket level of the United States. Of course, we also know the value of the Wanhu series rockets.
“This should be the most advanced rocket in the world. Well, although many rocket engineers in Nanyang are of German origin, their talents have been fully utilized and no one has been buried. , they are like this, not to mention us, we are all compatriots after all.”
Looking at his thoughtful old friend, Wu Yaozu said.
“Rehabilitation, here at least we don’t have to look at Americans’ faces and act at every turn like we did in the United States in the past. Do you think so? In the United States, even if we achieve some achievements, they are for American wedding dress."
"Indeed, I know it after seeing your achievements in various fields."
Although I want to return to Tangshan deep in my heart, After all, he came here. After all, returning to Tangshan seemed to be far away.
And what about here?
At least people from the Tang Dynasty are here, and they will not be ostracized from all aspects, nor will they be mistrusted. Friends who came here more than ten years ago have achieved corresponding achievements in various fields, and some of them are even famous in academia. Here, each of them can learn something and use it. It is indeed not easy!
Thinking of this, Qian Fukang looked at the rocket in the distance and said.
“Nanyang’s rocket technology is indeed at the leading level in the world at present. But I think it still has its shortcomings. As far as the Wanhu Type 5 is concerned, it is qualified as a rocket. If it is For intercontinental missiles, such a bundled structure is obviously inappropriate. The bundled structure restricts its performance. In comparison, it is more suitable for space exploration. "
As a rocket expert. Gan Fukang, who just came to Wanhujiao more than a month ago, came into contact with the Wanhu 5 rocket, and also learned about the practical application of this rocket - intercontinental missiles. Although Nanyang's missile technology was originally developed from The purpose was to explore space, but it eventually turned to military use. After all, the military needed carriers to transport atomic bombs.
This is actually the most helpless part of science. Just like von Braun, he was only able to realize his dream of marching into space with the support of the military, and then his invention was used by the Nazis. for war.
"On the contrary, Wanhu Type 4, a single-body multi-stage rocket, is more suitable for use as a ballistic missile. Therefore, our next research should be in this direction."
Although it has just been It didn't take long for Wanhujiao to be mentioned, and it had just obtained the security level a month ago. However, with his understanding of rocket engineering, Qian Fukang discovered the advantages and disadvantages of the Nanyang rocket at the first time.
"Indeed, the military feels the same way, but for now, this is our only option. After all, the thrust of the engine is there, just relying on one rocket engine, and a single rocket is It can’t fly 10,000 kilometers.”
The old friend’s words made Qian Fukang nodded in agreement.
Then he said.
"Next step, we should develop a rocket engine with more powerful thrust, which can not only be used in ballistic missiles, but also in space exploration. Space...well, as your Excellency said, we must enter space , marching into the depths of space... This requires a rocket engine with greater thrust."
Qian Fukang added after thinking about it.
"Eugene and I have discussed this issue and the plan has been come up."
Eugene is the chief engineer. After Qian Fukang came to Nanyang, the first person to visit was Eugene, then he took his wife and children to Wanhujiao. Before he could settle down, he had already started working.
"Haha, recover, look. What I said is correct, right? As long as you come to Nanyang, people's talents will definitely not be buried."
Wu Yaozu patted his friend's shoulder and said.
"Although you are a little late, it's good that you are here. Just come and let them see what we Tang people are capable of."
"Haha, it seems that you are interested in Eugene. They are not very convinced.”
“Either they are not convinced, or Nanyang’s space program cannot always be controlled by Germans. Many people say that Nanyang’s scientific progress is entirely based on the third party. On the basis of the empire, some even say that the difference between Nanyang and the Third Reich is the difference between Nanmen Double Star and Ten Thousand Words. In the field of science, the Nazis used a shell of Nanyang. Some even say that Nanyang is "banana technology". In short, in their view, all our achievements today are for the benefit of the exiled German scientists and have nothing to do with the Tang people."
Of course Gan Fukang has heard of the complaints from his old friends. "Banana technology" means yellow on the outside and white on the inside. It is not very harmful, but it is extremely insulting. In a word, it denies the contribution of hundreds of thousands of Chinese scholars and engineers in Nanyang. In fact, Nanyang has only attracted tens of thousands of German scientists, scholars and engineers...
"I understand."
Nodding, Qian Fukang understood the "grievance" in his old friend's heart, and also understood why scientists and engineers of Tangshan origin in Nanyang worked so hard, just for Prove to the world that Nanyang’s technology is not “banana technology”. It is due to the achievements of the Germans as well as the achievements of the Tang people.
While the two people were talking, the clearing bell rang, and people near the launch pad began to evacuate to a safe area.
"...3, 2, 1, ignite!"
As the countdown echoed, the atmosphere at the entire launch site gradually became tense. People held their breath, and their eyes were fixed on the rocket that was about to take off. At this moment, it was as if the whole world had stopped, leaving only the ever-shortening numbers beating, pulling everyone's heartbeats.
Finally, when the countdown reached zero, five blazing flames suddenly burst out from the bottom of the rocket. With a deafening roar, it cut through the sky like a bolt of lightning and shot straight into the sky. The firelight reflected excitement and anticipation on people's faces.
The rocket rose rapidly, passed through the atmosphere, and gradually disappeared into the blue sky. All that was left was the fading tail flame and the roar that echoed in his ears.
"Success, success!"
Facing the missile flying into space...no, it should be said to be flying thousands of miles away, Li Yi'an raised the corner of his mouth slightly, expressing to people While congratulating him, he turned his gaze to space and the distant universe.
The Wanhu Type 5 rocket tested today is just a small step towards Nanyang's march into space.
Of course, it also has another function - that is, it gives Nanyang long-range nuclear strike capabilities. Nanyang has become the third country with long-range strategic nuclear strike capabilities after the United States and Soviet Russia, and is also the only country in the world with intercontinental ballistic missiles. country. "Should we notify the United States?"
When leaving Wanhujiao, Li Yian was inevitably a little entangled in his heart, although he made up his mind to have a fight with the United States. "Bomb deal", that is, exchanging intercontinental missiles for American hydrogen bombs. After all, the United States is now the only country with hydrogen bombs.
However, the Americans’ hydrogen bomb technology is now very mature!
Two years ago, on November 1st, the hydrogen bomb they tested on Bikini Island was a large canister weighing 65 tons. It could not be carried by airplanes or missiles, so it had no actual combat value. It was just to prove the hydrogen bomb. feasibility.
On March 1, the United States tested the first practical hydrogen bomb on Bikini Island, code-named "Castle Bravo". Its explosive yield was as high as 15 million tons of TNT, which was equivalent to 1,000 times the Hiroshima atomic bomb. This hydrogen bomb is only 3.8 meters long, 0.6 meters in diameter, weighs about 4.5 tons, and can be dropped by a bomber.
It can also be carried by Wanhu Type 5 missiles and sent to a distance of 10,000 kilometers.
"What if missiles are exchanged for tickets to jointly develop hydrogen bombs?"
Li Yian is calculating this possibility in his mind. In terms of the habit of cheating allies, the United States is definitely worthy of being Britain's biological son. Although the United Kingdom contributed a lot to the "Manhattan Project", the United States still had reservations about certain key data. In the end, the British atomic bomb was tested in a short period of time with the help of Nanyang's technology. Now that they want to exchange ballistic missiles for hydrogen bombs, will the Americans have any reservations about technical cooperation like they did with the British?
In fact, in the past two years, Nanyang and the United Kingdom have been cooperating in the research of hydrogen bombs. Although some progress has been made, the progress is not obvious. Therefore, Li Yian is full of desire for American hydrogen bomb technology at this time, but will the United States transfer its technology?
In fact, in order to bring the United States into the space race, as long as the United States opens its mouth, even if they do not provide hydrogen bomb technology, they are still willing to provide certain help in rocket technology.
Who told him that the United States and the Soviet Union should engage in a space race that would go further than in history?
If the United States is left far behind, will it lead to the United States directly breaking through its defenses and then choosing to mess up?
Of course, this possibility is almost zero.
After all, even a third-rate country like India knows how to seek its own place in space.
What's more, what about the United States, which considers itself number one in Blue Star?
But what is certain is that if the United States cannot make a breakthrough in a short period of time, the possibility of the United States getting involved in the competition and catching up will be greatly reduced. What Li Yian needs is for the United States to rush into this track like a mad dog!
So, this matter is a bit difficult!
Just when Li Yi'an returned to Chang'an from Wanhujiao, he was thinking about not only wanting the United States to enter the track, but also getting some benefits from the United States. This day is destined to be recorded in history.
October 7, 1954.
On this day, in the semi-desert area of southwestern Kazakhstan, the Baikonur Launch Center, a launch site invested heavily by the Soviet Union, was originally intended to be used for missile launch tests, but from this day on, it was destined to enter the world. Within sight, it is destined to usher in its glorious era in the future.
On this day, almost all the big names in the Soviet rocket field were welcomed here. Except for one of the most authoritative teams of rocket experts in the Soviet Union such as Sergei Pavlovich Korolev, Vasily Pavlovich Mishin, and Mikhail Kuzmich Younger. In addition, there are some rocket engineers from Germany.
They are all here today to witness the most glorious moment in human history.
At this time, the area around the launch site was already being guarded by guards from the Ministry of Internal Affairs. These soldiers carrying the latest AK47 assault rifles looked as if they were facing a powerful enemy.
“Comrades, today we will bring mankind into a new era.”
As the general person in charge of the project, Korolev said to everyone present in the command room.
“Today must be a moment that will go down in history. For the first time, we humans have sent products we built into space and conquered space. This is just the first step we have taken...”
< br>At this time, Korolev was very excited. Although he presided over the design of the R7 ballistic missile, for him, the deeper desire in his heart was space and entering space. As for ballistic missiles, it was just him. It's just a by-product of achieving this goal.
At this point, Korolev and von Braun have a common language, but the latter does not know the existence of Korolev. After Korolev’s death, Von Braun only learned his name and deeds, and he said with respect, "It turns out that he has always been a person."
Yes, Korolev almost single-handedly supported the aerospace industry of Soviet Russia. With Korolev’s unfortunate death later, Soviet aviation came to a standstill and was gradually overtaken by the United States. The Soviet Union The dream of stars and sea is gradually shattered.
The people present, whether they were Soviet experts or German experts, all admired Korolev greatly. After all, he was indeed a genius! Without Korolev, the Soviet Union would never have made such rapid progress in the rocket field. This respect is completely from the heart.
Afterwards, Korolev said to others,
“The party and the country are waiting for the news of our victory. This launch is of great significance to all mankind. The Soviet people are eagerly waiting for our good news.”
At the same time, thousands of staff from various departments at the launch site are making final assessments of the launch and looking for the most suitable weather conditions. . The whole process was methodical and orderly.
As the no-questions-answers from various departments were passed into the command room, Kolyrov’s face still looked very solemn. The mandible that was broken in Siberia was slightly collapsed. With a serious expression, he was so tight. Frowning.
This launch is of great significance because they are not launching a missile, but an artificial satellite. If successful, what they create will not only be the first for the Soviet Union, but also the first time that humans have extended their tentacles into space, and this will also be the beginning of human exploration of space.
From now on, the destiny of all mankind will be profoundly changed. What changes will exploration of space bring to mankind?
Korolev doesn’t know yet, but he can vaguely realize that this change will be unprecedented, and it will definitely change the future of all mankind!
"There is no abnormality in "Sputnik 1"."
"The rocket has been inspected and there is no abnormality."
"The weather conditions are good, and the window time is suitable for rocket launch missions."
...
Listening to the reports from various departments, Korolev said into the microphone.
"Allow launch."
"Start countdown to launch!"
The countdown began, and with every second that passed, the atmosphere in the entire launch center became more tense.
"...3, 2, 1, launch!"
The rocket ignited!
With the deafening roar, driven by the rocket engine, the rocket slowly rose, its red tail flame lit up the night sky, and its speed became faster and faster until it broke through the atmosphere and kept flying. To space, the entire launch process was very smooth.
“The rocket enters the predetermined orbit!”
""Sputnik 1" was successfully released!"
After more than 190 tense and long seconds, the satellite was successfully launched into orbit!
"Time, October 7, 1954, 22 hours, 32 minutes and 32 seconds..."
With the sound coming from the command center's broadcast, the entire command center immediately Fall into the ocean of joy.
While people were hugging each other and celebrating, Korolev just stood there. He once again picked up the aluminum tea cup brought from Siberia, took a sip of tea, and then, He just looked ahead quietly.
"Now, the whole world should have received the signal from "Sputnik 1"!"
At this time, Korolev even had a bad taste in his heart. He was very curious. When humans receive radio signals from space from the earth, how will they react?
Is it fear?
Still curious?
(End of this chapter)