America: My Time

Chapter 497 Neon's Worries

Chapter 497 Neon's Worries
"Mr. John, please forgive our intrusion in visiting us!" The Japanese guys said as soon as they saw John, their eyes filled with apology, but John couldn't sense any sincerity in them!
After welcoming these men inside and having them sit down, John sighed softly and said, "I wonder what brings you all here today?"

"Here's the thing, we're here about Hughes Aerospace. For a long time, Hughes Aerospace's development has slowed down, and we'd like to know if there's anything we can help with, or if there's a problem with Hughes Aerospace's research?" These guys didn't make any attempt to hide their concerns and directly expressed their worries. Before they came to see John, they had already thought about how to answer John's questions and how to start the conversation about Hughes Aerospace.

"There was indeed a minor mishap, but it's been resolved for now and won't affect you all. However, Hughes Space is slowing down for two reasons. First, we've made another technological breakthrough, and we need time to modify some parameters for our upcoming satellites and add some equipment. Second, the technological breakthrough has led to a shortage of funds. As you know, space research requires a significant investment, and even Hughes Space cannot afford such a massive expenditure. To be frank, this technological breakthrough has increased costs considerably, which is one of the main reasons for the slowdown."

Upon hearing John's words, the Japanese guys secretly breathed a sigh of relief. As long as they weren't blocked by the US government, that was good. However, they could also tell from John's words that Hughes Aerospace had indeed been obstructed by the US government before, but they had managed to overcome it, though at a considerable cost. They just didn't know whether the US government's actions were due to Japan or the influence of Middle Eastern tycoons.

Unfortunately, such matters cannot be asked, as they relate to US security. Asking would only cause unnecessary harm. It's enough to know that such an event occurred; everything else can be ignored. However, there will still be consequences. John's words indicate that Hughes Aerospace's research and development funding has been affected. Moreover, Hughes Aerospace has made a technological breakthrough this time, and perhaps the US government's obstruction is also related to technology.

Breakthroughs in aerospace technology are extremely important, especially in satellites, which is a key focus of national attention. Hughes Aerospace is now at the forefront and will inevitably be affected to some extent, especially since Hughes Aerospace is now very powerful in the field of satellite communications. The expansion of satellite television stations is the best proof of this. Both ATV and TV Tokyo have undergone qualitative changes, and ATV now covers the entire Asia region, which is the best proof of this.

Hughes Aerospace's contributions to the global satellite positioning system are now evident to all. The gradual improvement has even impressed the Japanese, who are eager to master the technology. However, this is impossible. Even if John agreed, the US government would not approve it, as the technology is of unimaginable importance.

"Mr. John, if there is sufficient funding, can Hughes Aerospace's development on the Global Positioning System be guaranteed smoothly? Can the network be successfully completed on schedule? After the network is completed, how much improvement will there be?" Soon, these guys asked a crucial question: Will this breakthrough in Hughes Aerospace's technology affect the network completion time, and how much will it improve the Global Positioning System?

"With sufficient funding, the network deployment timeline will not change. After all, Hughes Aerospace has the capability to catch up with the schedule. The previous delay was only due to the need for retrofitting subsequent satellites, but this will not affect the network deployment timeline. As for the improvement, I can tell you definitively that it is a qualitative leap. This time, our technological breakthrough has solved many problems, and it is precisely because of this technological breakthrough that some unnecessary troubles have arisen."

"I see. In that case, we can continue to invest one billion dollars in Hughes Aerospace's research and development. Hopefully, this will not affect Hughes Aerospace's network deployment timeline."

"I also don't want to see Hughes Aerospace delay the completion of the GPS network, but this isn't something I can decide alone. Since you've all brought this up, let me explain a bit more. Our original plan was to complete the GPS network by the end of 1989, begin full-scale operational testing, and then begin full-scale operation a year later. Unless there are strong external obstacles, this timeline will not change. Moreover, after my trip to Japan, I will need to go to the Middle East to discuss this with them. After all, this isn't just a matter for one side; we will continue to develop according to the original plan!"

John's purpose in going to the Middle East was naturally to seek financial assistance, a point that everyone had initially agreed upon. Moreover, they rejected John's suggestion, not wanting others to participate, so they would have to bear the cost themselves. Although Hughes Aerospace's financial expenditures were terrifying, their development speed was so fast that you could see the progress of this satellite positioning system with the naked eye and even see the physical product.

Japan now has GPS base stations, and they have a clear understanding of Hughes Space's development speed—this is undeniable. That's why the Japanese are so eager and willing to continue investing. Of course, they also know that Hughes Space must have used this funding for other research, but this is generally accepted. As long as Hughes Space doesn't go too far, neither Japan nor the Middle Eastern tycoons care. Both Japan and the Middle Eastern tycoons can access information about Hughes Space's R&D expenditures and see the immense costs Hughes Space has paid. It is precisely because of this that Hughes Space has been able to develop so rapidly; they even develop and manufacture their own launch vehicles for satellite launches—a testament to their audacity.

Of course, this cost is all factored into the Global Positioning System (GPS), which is why the funds were consumed so rapidly and at such an alarming rate. However, the other side's satellites were also constantly being launched into space. Even the disintegration of the US Space Shuttle did not affect Hughes Aerospace's progress and development. Moreover, prior to this, Hughes Aerospace and the entire manufacturing industry under Johns Hopkins underwent a major transformation.

"With Mr. John's words, we feel much more at ease. The funds will soon be in Hughes Aerospace's account!" With this exchange, the Japanese guys were finally able to relax. As for what was going on with the Middle Eastern tycoons, they didn't want to pay attention to it; they couldn't influence the Middle Eastern tycoons.

Although Japan has now completed its oil reserves, its demand for Middle Eastern oil continues to rise. Ninety percent of Japan's oil comes from the Middle East, putting them under great pressure in terms of energy. So, while they readily committed to a billion dollars in research and development funding, they have other ideas.

"Mr. John, I wonder how long it will take for Quantum Mining to complete its uranium production!" Nuclear power is a core energy strategy for Japan, so they naturally attach great importance to the source of uranium. Quantum Mining has gradually become a uranium mining giant, so they are also very concerned about this issue. They had previously tried to use Prince Paper to test John, but unfortunately, they gained nothing and instead caused a stir in the United States. Now that they have the opportunity, they naturally want to ask.

“We are not aware of this matter. You can inquire with Quantum Mining. Uranium production is no small matter. We need to take comprehensive precautions. And as you know, this takes time. It's not something you can rush. Please rest assured, we will trade according to the agreement, and there will absolutely be no problems.”

Uranium mines, as one of Quantum Mining's key assets, are naturally highly valued. Both Canada and Australia have massive mines with astonishing production capacity. With a client like Japan, Quantum Mining naturally attaches great importance to it. Given Japan's energy development strategy, such a client is of utmost importance.

Although Quantum Mining is currently shifting its focus to copper and gold mining, it will not abandon uranium mining. Uranium mining is now being operated separately by Quantum Mining, which engages in both mining and uranium refining. This is why the Japanese are so anxious; they are worried about unforeseen circumstances. After the incident in Russia, the world's perception of nuclear power is not good, especially in Europe, where there is considerable fear. The Japanese are concerned that this will affect Quantum Mining's uranium mining operations.

It's safe to say that the Japanese are overthinking things. Quantum Mining has no such intentions and will not change because of the Russian incident. Uranium ore is now a source of cash for Quantum Mining, so how could it possibly change because of this? Iron ore and uranium ore are both important export products for Quantum Mining, and this is also a testament to John's influence over Japan!
While these guys can still control the source of iron ore through other means, they can't control uranium ore at this stage. Moreover, Quantum Mining is now a true uranium mining giant that can influence uranium prices. How could they let go of such a powerful force? Naturally, they have to hold onto such an important mineral and not let it go.

As long as the energy supply in Japan remains relatively stable, their demand for uranium will continue to rise. At that point, they will need to rely on Quantum Mining and maintain a good relationship with John. After their success in iron ore, John also started thinking about uranium and had more ideas about it, eventually becoming the only company among all the mining companies that could refine uranium.

(End of this chapter)