Development of productivity started in 1981

Chapter 208 The global satellite communication network has begun to be established, and preparations are being made to study reusable rockets (asking for monthly tickets)

In the first two weeks of March 1984, the "Qihang" was hoisted from its base in northern Myanmar to an altitude of 3 meters every day, and then set off from there and entered space over the Bay of Bengal.

After circling the earth once or twice, it enters the atmosphere from southern XZ or over the Bay of Bengal, and then flies back to its base in northern Myanmar from an altitude of 3 meters using the thrust of a rotating detonation engine.

The first week was mainly spent on allowing operators to become proficient in the launch and recovery procedures, training the ground control team, and continuously collecting data for improvement.

The first thing that needs to be improved is the rotating detonation engine. The previous few times used the D-2 rotating detonation engine. Its biggest disadvantage is its short lifespan, which is only more than 3 hours. Although the total startup time for each launch and return is only about half an hour, it cannot be replaced until the end of its lifespan. It was replaced after using it for a little more than 2 hours.

This will not be feasible when carrying out a large number of launch missions in the future, and the engine life must be increased.

Fortunately, Wang Jiankun has superpowers. He will optimize the materials of one of the engines every time. Based on the data collected from the last flight, Zhizi will use its quantum computing capabilities to come up with new formulas and structures.

In this way, through continuous iterations, on March 3, the design of the new generation of rotating detonation engine was finalized.

It was named D-3 rotating detonation engine by Wang Jiankun. It weighs 500 kg, which is slightly lighter than D-2. Its length is still 1200 mm, and its diameter remains unchanged at 760 mm. Its thrust has increased slightly to 15.5 tons, but its lifespan has been greatly improved to 60 hours because its explosion chamber and nozzle use a large amount of ceramic materials, which have excellent high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance and wear resistance.

In fact, today's turbofan engines are also beginning to try to use some non-metallic materials such as carbon fiber composites, ceramic materials, etc.

The rotating detonation engine does not require blades, so its structure is greatly simplified and the number of moving parts is greatly reduced compared to a turbofan engine. Therefore, the use of ceramic materials can be resistant to high temperatures and will not result in insufficient strength due to the need for rotation.

Since the service life has reached 60 hours, this D-3 engine can be mass-produced in the future. So Wang Jiankun began to let the base's Materials Research Institute and Mechanical Research Institute work together to study how to use conventional methods to manufacture this rotating detonation engine.

There are two main research directions. One is to use 3D printing to form the parts in one step, and the other is to use a more traditional method, using extrusion molding and then high-temperature calcination to manufacture the required parts.

The method of 3D printing is mainly to find suitable abrasives and study how to make such abrasives.

Wang Jiankun's superpowers can play a big role in searching for abrasives. According to the elemental arrangement structure of the material, he used his superpowers to create hundreds of abrasive particles with different structures and sizes for the Materials Research Institute to test.

As for finding the right abrasive, how to manufacture it using conventional methods is something that the base's scientific researchers need to figure out. He doesn't have that much energy to carry out such exploratory research, and Zhizi's computing power can't play any role.

The method of extrusion molding and high-temperature calcination also requires continuous testing, because what kind of element ratio of the porcelain embryo should be used, how much the size should be relaxed, how much pressure is needed for extrusion, and what are the calcination temperature and calcination time respectively, these are all data that can only be obtained through continuous testing.

At this time, there are already hundreds of natural human researchers implanted with brain-computer chips in the base, and thousands of new human research assistants. Scientific research equipment has also been manufactured in large quantities by Wang Jiankun, so there are no human and environmental bottlenecks in conducting this kind of combination-based exploratory research. It all depends on luck.

……

After the "Messenger 1" communications satellite was launched into space, Wang Jiankun led researchers on the ground and high-altitude airship duty personnel to conduct a series of tests on it.

The first is the signal reception and transmission test:

Verify the satellite receiver's ability to receive satellite signals, including its adaptability to different frequencies, polarization modes, signal symbol rates and other parameters.

Test signal strength, quality, and stability under different environmental conditions to ensure reliable data transmission.

Communication technology verification:
For example, the Ka-band broadband communication technology test verifies the feasibility and performance of communications in this frequency band, laying the foundation for the upgrade of the next-generation satellite communication system.

Verify technologies such as radio communications and signal synchronization to ensure accuracy and timeliness of communications.

After completing the above two experiments, the feedback results were very good and in line with the expected goals of Zhizi Design.

This was followed by a series of other experiments on the MESSENGER 1 communications satellite.

Data transmission test: Test the satellite’s data transmission rate, bit error rate and other indicators under different data loads to evaluate its data transmission capability.

Signal processing test: Verify the performance of signal processing technology and equipment in the space environment, including testing of signal encoding, decoding, modulation, demodulation and other processing processes.

Function and performance testing: Comprehensive testing of the satellite’s overall functions, including the normal operation of satellite communications, broadcasting and television, data transmission and other services, as well as evaluation of the satellite’s reliability, stability, lifespan and other performance indicators.

Orbit and attitude control test: Verify the satellite's position maintenance and attitude control capabilities in orbit, ensuring that the satellite can accurately point to the target and maintain a stable working state.

Environmental adaptability test: Test the satellite’s adaptability in the space environment, including its ability to withstand temperature, radiation, vacuum and other conditions.

It took 10 days to complete the above tests, with the participation of airship duty personnel in the air and multiple stations on the ground, mobilizing a huge amount of manpower and material resources.

Fortunately, the test results were very good. The performance of this satellite far exceeded expectations. If it does not encounter a space meteorite, which is an extremely rare occurrence, it can stay in the 400-kilometer orbit for several years, far longer than the initially estimated half a year.

Because Wang Jiankun lavishly used a lot of graphene materials, the main body of the satellite is very tightly protected by this material, and the internal chips and electronic components are almost not affected by space radiation.

After completing all the test subjects, Wang Jiankun asked Zhizi to make some improvements to the originally designed "MESSENGER 2" polar-orbiting communications satellite and "MESSENGER 3" geosynchronous orbit satellite based on the experimental results.

The main thing is to reduce weight, because the first-generation communication network does not require such strong performance and such a long life. According to the current technological development speed, the first-generation satellite communication will need to be replaced in about three years, and by then their orbital resources will need to be given to the next generation of satellites.

After completing the weight reduction design, on March 3, Wang Jiankun asked the Aerospace Research Institute to equip and send three "Messenger 14" communication satellites into space to conduct the first phase of networking testing.

This period of time is a rare period of good weather in northern Myanmar, with very little rain. Once May arrives, the rainfall here will increase dramatically, and there will often be strong winds.

Therefore, during this period, not only was the base busy with construction and aerospace experiments, but a lot of construction was also going on outside the base.

My uncle was also busy coordinating with all parties and lifting various mechanical equipment that needed to be used in secrecy, so he seldom came to the base to see the communication experiments conducted by Wang Jiankun.

Therefore, before the experiment began, Wang Jiankun sent a message to his uncle, letting him know that the global satellite communication network was about to be established.

"Uncle, where are you?"

"Jiankun, I'm near the big copper mine here in Xinbeiting, checking the electric machinery to prevent the people below from leaking out."

"So nothing unusual happened?"

"I have checked and found that the power tools and graphene batteries you made are in good condition. There is nothing missing. However, some of the equipment is running out of spare parts. If they are used for a while, there will be no replacement parts. I need you to make a new batch."

"Okay, give me a list and I'll make a batch some time."

Wang Jiankun felt relieved when he heard that no electric equipment was lost. These devices used a lot of graphene and ultra-normal-temperature superconducting materials, which must not be leaked at present.

As for the wear and tear of many components, Wang Jiankun understands it very well, because the working environment of these electric equipment is relatively poor, and now people almost always rest while the equipment does not, so it is normal for wear and tear to occur. He can use his superpowers to manufacture a batch very quickly without spending much energy.

"Okay, I'll check it out and send it to you. Jiankun, is there anything you want to talk to me about?"

"Our global satellite communications network will be officially established tomorrow. This time, we will launch three polar-orbiting satellites. After completing the first phase of networking experiments, we will start launching them continuously and strive to complete the networking before May."

"Okay, that's good news. What time tomorrow will I see if I have time to come to the base?"

"It will start at 9 a.m., uncle. You can make your own arrangements. If you don't have time, you can also use the brain wave helmet to connect to the data link to watch."

"Okay, it depends on the situation. I'll go if it's not urgent."

……

Early in the morning on March 3, Wang Jiankun washed up and had breakfast, which consisted of rice porridge, fried dough sticks, and pork and scallion buns. After eating, he walked slowly to the distant Aerospace Research Institute.

Based on the execution of a series of previous launch missions, Wang Jiankun also referred to the command and control hall conditions displayed in news programs of the United States, the Soviet Union and China. In combination with the many technologies he has currently mastered, the command and control hall within the institute has completed a new deployment.

There is a large screen of about 50 square meters at the front of the hall. When the space shuttle or future rockets are launched, the large screen will be divided into three display areas. The middle area will display images, and the two side areas will display related data.

Before the space shuttle enters the clouds, the screen displays the actual tracking footage of the airship carrying the space shuttle as it rises. After the airship enters the clouds and cannot be monitored, a three-dimensional image will be displayed, as well as the images taken by the camera on top of the airship and sent back.

Opposite the big screen, there are three rows of operating desks, with 3 computers in each row.

The row closest to the big screen is the technicians' operation area, where they monitor the data and images on the big screen in real time. The second row is the operation area for the base's measurement and control and meteorological personnel.

The third row is the command and decision-making area. When a satellite is launched, the base chief commander and commander will direct the launch and make decisions here.

Before 8:, Wang Jiankun arrived at the command and control hall. When the commander-in-chief saw him coming, he hurried over to report to him.

"Reporting to the commander-in-chief, the take-off area is now securing the 'Departure' under the cargo hold of the airship. The surveillance images of the take-off area are on the screen."

"Very good, you give the orders according to the mission plan, I will just watch from the side and won't comment." After saying that, he walked towards the audience seats at the back.

"Yes." The commander-in-chief watched Wang Jiankun leave before returning to his seat and starting to use the brain-computer chip to exchange information with various systems and departments.

After Wang Jiankun sat down, he saw that the large screen in front of him was divided into four parts in the middle, showing the combined and fixed images of the "Qihang" space shuttle and the high-altitude airship taken from different angles.

At this time, the airship had been partially filled with helium and entered the hard-shell airbag in the middle part. It was suspended in the air, and the surrounding ropes pulled it to prevent it from floating up.

The cargo hold below is 10 meters from the ground, and the "Qihang" below is only a few dozen centimeters away from the cargo hold floor.

Ground crew members are using flexible connecting rods to connect the cargo hold with several fixed points on the back of the space shuttle underground. These flexible connecting rods are specially made and can withstand tens of tons of pulling force. They are very similar to the connecting rods used to launch aircraft on US aircraft carriers. This accessory used on US aircraft carriers was indeed referenced during the design.

A few minutes later, the ground crew completed the connection, and then several other groups of inspectors checked the connecting rods and connecting parts one by one in sequence.

"Countdown 10 minutes, the airship is ready for takeoff."

"Airship received."

At 8:50 sharp, the chief commander issued a 10-minute countdown as planned. After receiving the order, the airship turned on the three lift fans and kept them running at the lowest speed to ensure that it could take off on time after the take-off order was issued.

"One minute countdown, ground personnel evacuation confirmed, other units please make observation preparations."

"10, 9, 8, ..., 3, 2, 1, take off."

Very similar to the previous dozen missions, after the take-off order was issued, the fixed ropes on the airship were instantly detached, and the speed of the lift fan increased to 60%, carrying the "Departure" space shuttle below off the ground.

The four images on the large screen in front were combined into one. It was a picture taken by an optical tracking device on the hillside far away from the base. The airship was carrying the "Qihang" slowly into the sky.

When it was more than 1 meters above the ground, the images taken by the optical tracking equipment on the ground became blurry. The control personnel in front promptly changed the perspective and switched to the images taken from an airship flying in the distance.

Some data on both sides are also constantly changing, including altitude data, atmospheric pressure data, wind speed data, temperature data and so on.

"Jiankun, how's it going? Has the space shuttle taken off?"

Wang Jiankun was watching intently when someone patted his shoulder. He turned around and saw that it was his uncle.

"Uncle, you're here. I thought you didn't have time to come."

"There was a delay, but it was dealt with quickly. Is it still in the stage of taking the airship into space?" asked my uncle, pointing to the big screen in front.

"Yes, it's 9:25 now. The airship has reached an altitude of 3 meters. The space shuttle will be released in a few minutes."

"Well, this command hall is really sci-fi after you made it like this. It is many times more advanced than the ones shown by the three major powers on TV."

"They haven't mastered the LED blue light technology yet, and can't make such a large screen. They are still using projectors for projection, so it's really a lot lower quality than the large LED screens we use here."

"So when do you plan to start promoting this technology? You figured it out two years ago, right?"

"Let's wait a little longer. Currently, the cost of mass production is still relatively high, the production efficiency is relatively low, and there is no technological gap. If we start promoting it now, it will only benefit Europe and the United States. After our mass production technology has completed two or three iterations, we will promote this technology. Once Europe and the United States start to copy our technology, we will launch the next generation of LEDs with better performance, making their investment go to waste. After a few times, they will not dare to follow up with the investment."

"Your method is really special. Only you can use it. Others really can't use it."

"That's right. It took me a long time to come up with this idea. Our starting point is too low. We won't be able to beat them if we don't use some crooked tricks."

"Space Shuttle Release Countdown Prep."

While Wang Jiankun was chatting with his uncle, time unknowingly came to 9:. The commander-in-chief saw that the airship had arrived at the designated location and all meteorological data and the monitoring data of the space shuttle met the take-off requirements, so he issued a countdown order for take-off.

At this time, the control personnel in the front row all began to sit upright, with their hands on the operating panel or mouse, waiting for the countdown to end.

"10, 9, 8, ..., 3, 2, 1, release."

At this time, it can be seen on the big screen that the end of the connecting rod is separated from the space shuttle, and the skin at the fixed point is quickly closed. After descending more than 100 meters, the two solid rocket engines under the wing ignited first, emitting a large amount of white smoke. The three rotating detonation engines at the tail were also successfully ignited afterwards, spewing out three long blue tail flames, pushing the "Qihang" space shuttle to fly to higher airspace.

After rising to an altitude of 6 meters, the optical tracking equipment on the airship could no longer be seen clearly, and the large screen in front switched to the animation of the "Qihang" and the images captured by the external camera.

Near the Karman line, the two rockets separated from the space shuttle after boosting the Voyage to the first cosmic speed. The external camera on the space shuttle captured a clear picture of the rocket debris leaving.

"Jiankun, do you think this rocket can be recovered? You see, every time it is launched, two of these rockets are thrown into the Indian Ocean. Isn't that a bit wasteful?"

"Rockets can be recovered? There's no need. The structure of this solid rocket is very simple. The main technical value is the shape of the grain and the nozzle at the tail. But the grain has been burned out, and the nozzle is also designed to be disposable. It can no longer be used after burning out."

"Is that so? Then what about future liquid rockets? Can they be recycled?"

Wang Jiankun was really stumped by the question. He had never considered recycling rockets because in his concept, rockets are disposable. The rockets designed and manufactured by several other major countries in the world are also disposable. Why did the United States develop the space shuttle? Wasn't it because it took into account that rockets would be scrapped after each use and the cost was very high, so they thought about using the space shuttle. Could it be reused?

He did not rush to refute, but asked Tomoko to conduct a technical simulation of rocket recovery.

In less than half a minute, based on some known conditions, Sophon concluded that it is indeed possible to recover the rocket. The technical difficulties are as follows

High-precision attitude control: When returning to Earth, the rocket needs to accurately control its descent speed and angle to avoid violent aerodynamic forces causing the rocket to lose control or be damaged. This requires the mastery of precise navigation technology and landing control systems to ensure that the rocket accurately returns to the target area.

Speed ​​control: Rocket engines need to be able to start multiple times and adjust thrust over a wide range so that the speed can be precisely controlled during the reentry process.

Response to thermodynamic loads: When re-entering the atmosphere, the rocket will experience severe atmospheric friction and high temperatures, so it is necessary to develop high-temperature resistant materials and take effective cooling measures to ensure that the rocket can withstand the thermal pressure in a high-temperature environment.

Precise navigation and landing: Successful recovery of rockets requires an accurate navigation system to determine the landing point and achieve accurate landing control. The selection and accuracy of the landing point are crucial, and environmental factors such as wind speed and terrain will also affect the landing process, requiring real-time adjustment and adaptation.

Fuel storage and reuse: In order to achieve recovery, the rocket needs sufficient fuel reserves to restart and hover when returning to Earth. This requires not only a reasonable rocket design that can accommodate enough fuel, but also the development of economical and effective fuel storage and reuse technology to ensure that the cost of recovery is reduced and the carrying capacity is increased.

Reliability and safety: Recovery failure may cause the rocket to crash or cause other dangers, posing a threat to the safety of personnel and equipment, so reliability and safety are issues that cannot be ignored in rocket recovery.

After reading the technical difficulties given by Zhizi, Wang Jiankun found that with his superpowers, it was very possible to complete these technical challenges.

"Well, uncle, you are quite smart. I roughly calculated that these liquid rockets are indeed worth recycling. The most valuable parts of each liquid rocket are the engine, control system and rocket body. If they can be recycled and reused, then the existing satellite launch costs will be greatly reduced."

"Really? I just had a sudden thought. Jiankun, I don't think the space shuttle can be displayed to the public in the short term. But as for the rocket, after we complete the unification, we should have the ability to make it. How about we make a reusable rocket?"

Facing his uncle's proposal, Wang Jiankun thought for a few minutes and then replied: "Okay, I will change the subsequent rocket research project and add the recyclable one."

In this way, the reusable rocket was created in this command and control hall. Wang Jiankun asked Zhizi to start designing the first reusable rocket based on the existing conditions and his superpowers.

However, his main focus at present is still on the global communications satellite network. During the time he was talking to his uncle, the first "Messenger 2" communications satellite had been launched by the "Qihang" into a 780-kilometer polar orbit.

Now the "Qihang" is flying to the next drop point, preparing to launch the second "Messenger 2" communications satellite.

(End of this chapter)