Super Copy of Great Power Technology

Two more large planetary development ships for Mars base construction, and several engineering and transport ships for space dock construction, will subsequently depart for Mars to carry out follow-up construction work. This manned Mars landing, along with the subsequent construction of the Mars base and space dock, is expected to involve an investment exceeding one trillion yuan, a massive amount of resources, and directly involve over 100,000 people, with indirect involvement exceeding ten million. Globally, only a country with a national system like China possesses such boldness, execution capability, and technology. For Western countries, launching a Mars landing project would be a long and drawn-out process, often dragging on for months just in parliamentary wrangling. Subsequent stages—project approval, funding, bidding, research and development, production, testing, etc.—each present a hurdle, and given the nature of Western countries, these delays would be lengthy, with projects not being implemented until several years later. By then, China will have already been developing Mars for many years, and any mineral deposits with significant mineral content will already be occupied by Chinese mining bases. Even if Western spacecraft successfully land on Mars, they will find it difficult to achieve much.

Such a large-scale transportation of supplies and mobilization of personnel has a tremendous impact, making secrecy simply impossible. Therefore, even as the project was just initiated and entered the preparatory stage, it caused quite a stir domestically, with some true and some false information leaking through social media platforms like WeChat Moments, QQ groups, and other online media. Today's China is technologically advanced, possesses a rich cultural heritage, and is increasingly confident. It no longer likes to hide its actions; for example, this Mars development plan was not kept secret or subject to media control, although it wasn't publicized excessively.

Such a large commotion within China naturally drew the attention of Western countries, led by Europe and the United States. They immediately sprang into action, gathering information through various channels and even deploying some of their spies embedded in China. Thanks to the lack of secrecy surrounding China's Mars-related project, they obtained some intelligence immediately. Combined with the satellite detection of several spacecraft heading towards Mars a few days prior, it wasn't difficult to deduce that China's upcoming major project was definitely related to Mars. The blond president, sitting in the White House, immediately convened an emergency meeting with his staff and the heads of America's major technology companies after reviewing the intelligence.

"Have you all reviewed the information? As you can see, China, across the Pacific, has already begun its foray into Mars. Manned landing on Mars is just the first step; subsequent plans include building Martian bases, mining Martian minerals, and even constructing Martian cities for interstellar migration. They're practically ready to claim the entire planet for themselves. Such an arrogant plan—where does it place the United Nations? Where does it place our great America? I wonder what your thoughts are, but I certainly can't tolerate it. I plan to integrate all the high-tech companies and university research institutes across the country to launch our own manned Mars landing program. We'll plant our flag on Mars, seize territory, claim mineral resources, and take over any resource-rich areas, making them America's territory. You are all founders or heads of high-tech companies. The manned Mars landing project cannot be done without your support. What do you all think? Would you like to participate?" The blond president, swaying his blond hair, spoke eloquently, his gaze fixed on the CEOs of the large companies, observing their expressions.

"I wholeheartedly support a manned mission to Mars. To immigrate to Mars in my lifetime and be buried there after my death has been my lifelong dream. To achieve this goal, I founded SpaceX and invested a great deal of money and effort in aerospace technology research and development, achieving considerable success in some areas. If the President is to lead the effort, bringing together companies and research institutes to jointly advance the manned Mars mission, please include SpaceX. We will provide funding and technology."

When it comes to manned Mars landings, Elon Musk is undoubtedly the most excited among those present. This former world's richest man, since his university entrepreneurial days, has repeatedly stated his ultimate goal as landing on and immigrating to Mars. He has promoted his Mars colonization plan in numerous public speeches. After his entrepreneurial success, he immediately invested in and founded SpaceX, developing reusable rockets and Starship spacecraft to prepare for a Mars landing, earning him the affectionate nickname "Iron Man of Silicon Valley" among his fans. At its peak, SpaceX handled nearly half of the world's satellite launch business, becoming one of the most technologically advanced and profitable companies in the aerospace field. However, in the last two years, Rheda Aerospace has risen rapidly, launching a series of cutting-edge aerospace products such as anti-gravity engines, spaceplanes, spacecraft, and space docks, stealing some of SpaceX's satellite launch business and even stealing Musk's limelight. But even a weakened giant is still formidable; SpaceX's technological strength in aerospace should not be underestimated, firmly placing it in the top tier below Rheda Aerospace. Now that Musk has publicly expressed his support for the manned Mars mission, President Trump's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, can finally be put at ease a little.

This year is 2017. Elon Musk was just elected President America at the beginning of the year, and his second term is still far away. Elon Musk is not yet the "Factory Manager" he later became, the famous "childbearing" incident has not yet happened, and the relationship between the two has not yet soured. It is reasonable that Musk was the first to stand up and support President America's manned Mars landing plan.

"Very good. Mr. Musk is insightful and far-sighted, truly a Silicon Valley elite and an entrepreneurial role model. I also have faith in SpaceX's technological capabilities. The launch vehicle for the manned Mars mission will be entrusted to your research and development." The blond president, being a businessman himself, knew all too well the greedy and profit-driven nature of these capitalists. Therefore, while using persuasive words, he didn't forget to offer some benefits as bait, confident that these old foxes wouldn't take the bait.

Seeing an opportunity to profit, the group of financial tycoons who had been sitting on the sofa, whispering amongst themselves, seemingly indifferent and listless, immediately perked up. They all voiced their support for the manned Mars mission, while simultaneously trying to secure research and development or production projects for their own companies. These were all greenbacks, and they couldn't afford to be indifferent.

"Mr. President is right. Mars is a treasure belonging to all of humanity on Earth, and we cannot allow the Chinese to monopolize it. Our country's manned Mars mission is imperative. On behalf of Blue Origin, I announce our participation in the manned Mars mission. Our company has mastered mature launch vehicle technology and possesses considerable spacecraft R&D and production capabilities, and we are confident we can contribute to the project." (End of Chapter)