Cataclysmic Era: I can unlock the tech tree

Chapter 84 Target: The Moon

"Ahem!"

"The project site is located in the Taklamakan Desert."

"Once the project begins, you'll need to spend several years within a man-made ecosystem. Have you thought that through?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the professors in front of him patted their chests and said, "Don't worry, Professor Lü, we thought about this when we came here!"

"We'd live there for the rest of our lives if we could conduct research on our artificial ecosystem project!"

"That's right, that's right!"

"After all these years, we're finally about to see the light at the end of the tunnel!!"

"..."

Listening to the professors in front of him remarking one after another, Lü Yongchang wore a wry smile.

……

As the meeting concluded successfully, Xia Guo News immediately reported on this historic event.

"According to our station, the research seminar held at Sandaokou University officially concluded this evening."

"During the meeting, Director Lü had a long discussion with the academicians and professors about Xia Guo's future research direction for several hours."

"During the meeting, Director Lü announced that the Xia Kingdom would immediately launch the Lunar Palace Project, and at the same time, the Xia Kingdom would restart the Biosphere 2 Project in the Taklamakan Desert!"

The moment the news from Xia Guo broke, the netizens on Weibo went wild.

"Holy crap, holy crap, holy crap?! Is today April Fool's Day?"

"So, Professor Lü was serious about the Moon Palace project he mentioned before?"

"Upstairs, judging from the current situation, let alone the Moon Palace Project, I reckon the Southern Heavenly Gate Project is serious as well."

"Damn, this isn't just a matter of strategic deception! This is practically a strategic intimidation agency!"

"I'm not saying anything more, I'm going to eat two Xizhilang jelly pieces now, I want to be an astronaut too!"

"Hahahaha, damn it, are you trying to make me laugh to death?!"

"Seeking answers to the psychological trauma the US is currently experiencing 23333."

……

The psychological impact on the United States is difficult to estimate.

But at least, Albert was indeed quite traumatized at this point.

"WTF??!"

"Bang! Bang! Bang!" A series of sounds of slamming the table came from inside the presidential office.

"William Blair!" Albert's face flushed red, and his blond hair swayed up and down as he slammed his fist on the table, looking quite dashing.

"Holy shit! Didn't you guys say that Xia Kingdom's three plans were all a hoax?!"

Albert extended a slightly chubby finger, pointing tremblingly to a document in front of him: "Tell me, what's going on here? Why did Xia Kingdom launch the Moon Palace Project?!"

Faced with the president's furious roar, William Blair and Anthony exchanged a glance, then said with a wry smile, "Your Excellency, we didn't expect that Xia's plans were serious..."

"However... according to NASA's predictions, it will be at least five to ten years before China can even begin to realize the Lunar Palace project."

Hearing this, Albert's expression relaxed slightly.

But having learned from his previous experiences, he became much more cautious.

He looked at Morton with a suspicious expression: "Chief Morton, is this true?"

Morton shrugged and spread his hands, saying, "I don't know."

"This is the conclusion drawn by those scientists."

Morton learned his lesson and shifted the blame onto his scientists.

Albert took a deep breath: "When can Project Pathfinder begin?"

"What I mean is, when exactly will those three rockets be able to launch?"

Hearing this, Morton's expression grew even more bitter: "Your Excellency, the biggest problem right now is not the hardware."

"What do you mean?"

Morton sighed deeply: "As of now, the Saturn VI launch vehicle and the Mars lander are ready, but... there's a problem with our astronauts."

"WTF?! What problems could astronauts possibly have?" Albert gestured dramatically. "Do they have to go home and say goodbye to their parents?"

"...Sir, it's probably even worse." Morton paused for a moment, then said softly, "Currently, no astronauts within NASA are willing to participate in this project."

"They think going to Mars now is practically suicide."

Albert's face stiffened: "Can't we force them to participate in the project?"

Morton shrugged, looking at Albert with an expression that suggested he was an idiot. "What do you think?"

"Fxxk!" Albert cursed through gritted teeth, "A bunch of cowards! Useless trash!"

"Why is NASA keeping such a bunch of junk?!"

Morton: "..."

I feel offended.

He hesitated for a moment, then shrugged: "How about... you go up and give it a try?"

Albert's cursing stopped abruptly.

"...Cough cough!" Albert coughed forcefully. "Isn't there any other way?"

"Of course, we can recruit volunteers from the public."

"..."

Albert stared speechlessly at Morton in front of him.

Is this a method that a human could come up with?

When will NASA astronauts be able to recruit volunteers?

……

early morning.

Inside an unnamed slum in Washington, D.C.

Andrew was awakened by a jarring alarm clock.

Looking out the window at the still somewhat dim sky, Andrew sighed deeply.

He needs to go work at the construction site next door.

As a Black man, Andrew suffered various forms of injustice from a young age.

It was precisely because of his skin color that, even though he was more hardworking than most Americans, he could only live in this dirty and chaotic slum.

The only consolation is that God did not discriminate against him because of his skin color.

At this time, Andrew already had an understanding wife and a quirky daughter.

Therefore, Andrew did not complain much about his living conditions.

At least, as long as he works hard, he can still barely make a living.

Based on his current salary, if he works for another twenty or thirty years, he might be able to get his family a better place to live!

"Andrew, our daughter... will be of school age next year."

At breakfast time, a remark from his wife pulled him out of his reverie.

Andrew's face turned pale instantly.

How could he have forgotten that question?

My daughter is of school age now.

Studying in the United States is no easy task!

At least for Andrew, this is difficult!

"I...I'll handle it."

Andrew parted his pale lips slightly and said bitterly.

It seems I need to find a part-time job.

With a heavy heart, he turned on the old, worn-out television set beside him.

"We have an urgent news briefing."

"The U.S. authorities announced that they will launch a Mars landing project within a month, codenamed Pathfinder."

"This project aims to create a second habitable home for all of humanity."

"At that time, NASA will launch three Saturn VI Heavy rockets to transport three astronauts and a Mars lander to Mars."

"Three astronauts will conduct survival research on Mars for three months."

"Currently, due to unforeseen circumstances, NASA is facing a shortage of astronauts. NASA is now specifically seeking volunteers across the country who are willing to go to Mars to expand the territory of the United States."

"The project is highly dangerous. NASA will award each selected volunteer with $500,000. In addition, the children of volunteers will have priority admission to US public schools with free tuition..."

What was said on the other end of the TV screen is no longer important.

Andrew stared at the television in front of him, his breathing becoming increasingly rapid.

Isn't this a project tailor-made for him?

Priority admission, full tuition waiver, $500,000 award...

He swallowed hard and turned to his wife beside him: "Amy, I want to participate in this project."

Amy's expression changed drastically, and she said in a low voice, "Andrew! Are you crazy?!"

"This thing looks completely unreliable!"

"Launch a rocket to Mars within a month? When did the US acquire such advanced technology?!"

Andrew gritted his teeth, a glint of ruthlessness flashing in his eyes: "Amy, this is a NASA press release; the prize money is definitely substantial!"

Even if I fail, you and the child can still…

Amy wanted to say something more, but Andrew stopped her with a gesture.

He carefully looked at the registration address on the TV, then took out his phone and made a call.

"Boss, I need to take the day off today!"

The phone line was filled with the hum of machinery.

A gruff voice followed: "What? Taking a day off? Damn it, Andrew, there's no one else to cover for you today!"

Andrew did not speak.

"You can take leave, but I'll deduct three days' pay from your salary!"

Before Andrew could speak, the call was disconnected.

Looking at the phone in his hand, Andrew's expression grew increasingly determined.

He'd had enough of this kind of life!

……

Xia Kingdom.

The third day after the meeting ended.

7:30 in the evening.

The National Aerospace Research Institute of Xia was brightly lit, and every researcher's face was filled with tension. Even the air inside the institute seemed particularly heavy.

Outside the research institute, the all-black Xuan Nu No. 1 sat quietly on the runway.

The flashing signal lights on the runway seemed to foreshadow something big that was going to happen tonight.

Inside Xuan Nu No. 1.

The three drivers sat solemnly in their seats.

"Are you all ready?"

Bai Yixuan stared intently at the front of the plane and murmured softly, "We are about to become the first Chinese to land on the moon."

"call……"

Upon hearing Bai Yixuan's words, Hong Fan let out a deep breath, then reached out and vigorously rubbed his stiff face.

Upon seeing this scene, Xia Wanyi's lips twitched slightly, revealing a somewhat stiff smile.

"What? You can't handle the pressure already?"

Hong Fan rolled his eyes in annoyance, took a few deep breaths, and said softly, "I'm just a little slow to react."

"Who would have thought that Professor Lü would assign us a mission to the moon the very next day after his meeting? They didn't give us any time to prepare at all!"

Hearing Hong Fan's complaints, Bai Yixuan gave a wry smile.

Not to mention Hong Fan, even he didn't expect it.

Although he had long known that Xuan Nu No. 1 would eventually land on the moon, he never expected that day would come so soon!

"Hiss... hiss..."

A static crackled through the radio.

The next moment, a clear voice came.

"Mysterious Maiden Number One, please respond."

Bai Yixuan's expression shifted slightly as he reached out and pressed the radio communication button.

"Mysterious Maiden Number One received, please speak!"

Lu Yongchang's voice quickly came through: "Xuan Nu No. 1, attention! There are 15 minutes left before takeoff."

"receive!"

As Bai Yixuan responded, he reached out and pressed several buttons on the control panel in front of him.

A low, buzzing sound came from the soles of my feet.

On the instrument panel, the fluctuating values in the neutron dose detector indicate that the fusion reactor has begun to operate.

"Everyone, relax a bit," Lu Yongchang chuckled. "It's just a trip to the moon."

A bitter smile flashed in Bai Yixuan's eyes.

So it's just a trip to the moon?

That's easy for you to say...

"Professor Lü, may I ask you a question?" Xia Wanyi's voice came through the radio.

"Hmm? You tell me!"

As takeoff approached, Lü Yongchang's attitude softened considerably, trying to avoid putting too much psychological pressure on the pilots.

Hearing Lü Yongchang's calm voice, Xia Wanyi gently bit her lip and whispered, "Professor Lü, may I ask, what is the success rate of this lunar landing...?"

"Wanyi!"

Bai Yixuan's expression changed slightly, and he hissed, "What are you saying!"

Was this question asked before takeoff?

He turned and glared at Xia Wanyi to his right before quickly apologizing to Lü Yongchang: "Professor Lü, I'm sorry, Xia Wanyi is under a lot of pressure, and what she just said..."

Before he could finish speaking, Lü Yongchang interrupted Bai Yixuan, saying, "It's alright, I understand."

"After all, this is the first time that China has sent a manned crew to the moon, so it's normal to be nervous."

After a moment of silence, Lü Yongchang's voice rang out again: "Wanyi, in the aerospace industry, there is never a 100% success rate. I'm sure you know that better than I do."

Upon hearing this, Xia Wanyi's eyelashes trembled slightly.

That's right.

Even the Xia Kingdom suffered a lot in the process of developing its aerospace industry.

"While I can't give you a precise success rate, I can tell you something with certainty."

"Xuan Nu-1, and this lunar landing mission, have been verified by all of us repeatedly."

"At least, in theory, you won't encounter any danger."

Lu Yongchang's steady and powerful voice entered the ears of the three drivers through their earpieces, bringing a little peace to their slightly restless hearts.

Bai Yixuan glanced at the time on the control panel and the values on the various instrument dials, and took a deep breath.

"Report!"

"Xuan Nu No. 1 is in normal condition and ready for takeoff at any time!"

Upon hearing these words, Lü Yongchang's expression suddenly turned serious!

An aura of authority, emanating naturally from him, was unmistakably powerful!

"Takeoff approved!"

"Thirty-second countdown begins!"

"..."

"3!"

"2!"

"1!"

"take off!"