Chapter 1242: Direct rising interception (the new January is about to begin, please ask for monthly votes first)
One week later.
8:35 AM ET North America.
NASA press conference scene, behind the scenes.
John Yambrick, the head of the press center, sat in the preparation room and began to sort out the documents filled with various materials and information as well as solutions to problems for the last time.
Over the past few years, he has maintained such cautious work habits, so he has never made any mistakes at a press conference.
According to the prearranged plan, this release includes the maintenance status of the "Hubble" telescope, the space shuttle retirement plan, the status of deep space scientific exploration, and a current space exploration code-named "Return to the Moon" plan.
These matters sound very high-profile, but they are basically reported to the media in advance, and some have even been featured in special reports, so they are not considered "news".
According to Yambrick's experience, there is a high probability that there will be no tricky problems.
What really worries him is a new piece of news suddenly released by NASA last Friday——
The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS), which has previously been confirmed to be retired at the end of its lifespan, will stop its orbital transfer and will temporarily remain in its working orbit at an apogee height of 585km until the next step is made.
This satellite is extremely large and some toxic fuel still remains. Therefore, since about two or three years ago, some people have been worried that it may eventually fall into a densely populated area after entering an uncontrolled state. area.
The sudden adjustment of the disposal plan will inevitably attract the attention of the outside world.
But he has repeatedly checked the Q&A draft in his hand and determined that there is no content related to this matter.
Under normal circumstances, this means that if the media asks, he can only give an answer such as "no comment."
Of course this is not a problem, it just makes the atmosphere more tense.
Thinking of this, Yambrick sighed slightly.
However, just when he was about to stand up, he suddenly heard the sound of the door axis turning behind him.
As the boss of the press department, Yambrick likes to be alone for a while before the press conference. This is something that the entire department knows.
So few people will bother you without opening your eyes.
What's more, he didn't even knock on the door.
He turned around with a little anger, but before he could say the question, the expression on his face had already turned into a smile.
The visitor turned out to be the top leader of NASA, Director Michael Griffin.
"Director?"
Yambrick quickly stood up to greet him.
Griffin, who had just entered the door, waved his hand to signal the other party to sit down again. He also pulled up a chair and sat next to him. He put a document and a USB flash drive in his hand on the table:
"Take a look at the news that has just been finalized, related to the UARS satellite."
After speaking, he yawned, showing a tired face.
It looks like there was a meeting all night long.
It is not uncommon to release new information temporarily.
But it was related to the UARS satellite, which just solved his urgent need for Yambrik.
So, the latter quickly opened the folder and quickly scanned the files in it.
Then, the expression changed from solemn to shocked.
"Director, I'm afraid..."
He never expected that such an "ordinary" satellite could actually interfere with the anti-missile interception test.
Griffin reached out and interrupted:
"Don't ask for too many details. The specific answers to relevant questions are all in this document. You just need to deal with them according to the content..."
… …
Yambrick’s prediction was almost accurate.
The first few contents are quite satisfactory and did not cause too much trouble. When he announced the general arrangements for the "return to the moon" project, the content was so brief that it didn't look like a serious plan. In the end, only three people raised their hands.
The first two reluctantly asked some innocuous questions, while the third reporter who was called directly chose to go off topic and asked about the situation of the UARS satellite.
“It can be seen that this reporter is very curious about this.”
Yambrick had a standard smile on his lips:
“But You’re right to ask, I do have some relevant news that I’m about to announce.”
Hearing this, the reporters below who were already drowsy woke up instantly.
"We will cooperate with the Air Force Space Command to conduct an in-orbit interception of the UARS satellite sometime between the end of this month and the beginning of next month..."
Waiting for the next moment After everyone reacted in an uproar, the projection screen behind Yambrick that originally displayed the NASA logo suddenly flashed white.
The above content has also become a three-dimensional satellite orbit diagram.
“According to the original plan, UARS will be adjusted to a configuration orbit at an altitude of about 200km in the next few months, and then fall into the atmosphere at some point in the next 5-6 years.”< br>
Following his introduction, the satellites orbiting the earth on the curtain lowered their orbits, and finally fell into the earth in an arc:
“However, there are a total of about 100 people living under the projection corresponding to the configured orbit. There are 14 million people. In order to ensure the safety of them and co-orbiting spacecraft, we decided to use technical means to intercept satellites and completely eliminate the possibility of debris causing damage to human settlements..."
"..."< br>
Big news.
Big news!
A group of veteran reporters quickly realized the explosive topic behind this matter.
Less than half a month ago, China publicly announced that it had successfully launched a new medium-range ballistic missile and accurately hit the target.
Now, almost immediately afterwards, the United States will conduct a satellite interception test in an orbit of 500 kilometers.
To say that there is no relationship between these two things...
Only a fool would believe it!
The press conference, which was lifeless two minutes ago, was pushed to a climax almost instantly.
The Washington Post reporter was the first to raise his hand, and not surprisingly, he was chosen by Yambrick to ask the question.
"As far as I know, this satellite is currently running in a nearly circular orbit at an altitude of about 585km. How can we ensure the success rate of interception at such an exaggerated altitude?"
Ling Others were a little surprised that he actually asked a question about technical tendencies first.
Yambrick naturally does not understand missiles, but the document in front of him just prepared an answer:
"The standard 3block1A interceptor used in this plan is indeed difficult to send the kinetic energy interceptor to an altitude of 585km for common-orbital interception. However, the cruiser USS Shiloh responsible for the interception mission is equipped with the latest BMD3.6.1 command system, which allows The interceptor does not enter orbit, but directly aims at the target using a direct ascent method. "
"At the same time, the satellite will make a final orbit change before intercepting. Entering an elliptical orbit with an apogee of 585km and apoapsis of 210km, to ensure that the fenced structure can fall in a controlled manner in the central Pacific Ocean, the estimated final collision height will be slightly lower than the apogee, approximately between 470-510km..."
Following his explanation, a slightly exaggerated missile suddenly appeared from the surface of the earth in the animation on the screen, knocking down the satellite that was undergoing an orbit change maneuver.
Perhaps because it was done too hastily, this clip even seemed a little funny, causing a burst of laughter below.
The Washington Post made a somewhat strange start, which led to three or four people in a row asking questions related to technology.
Yambrick, who came from an administrative background, was sweating for a while.
Until the British reporter from the Daily Mail stood up and began to show his instinct of being a troublemaker:
“We noticed that not long ago, China announced the launch A medium-range ballistic missile with a trajectory similar to that of the UARS satellite. I would like to ask if there are any hidden military considerations in your planned interception? "
A very pointed question, let me ask you. The originally relaxed and pleasant atmosphere suddenly became tense.
However, Yambrick has actually been waiting for this to happen from the beginning.
He straightened his tie slightly and replied sternly:
"All the behavioral norms for this test are implemented within the framework of "Peaceful Use of Outer Space Jumps". Shooting down a scrapped satellite that may be out of control is completely It has nothing to do with the military, but takes the initiative to assume international responsibilities. We also hope to use this as an example to other countries around the world to stop targeted provocations and embrace a bright future of international cooperation..."
"..."
( End of chapter)