Chapter 47 - Sol Five, Lonely Radio Wave (1/2)

Tang Yue and Tomcat sat opposite each other. Between them were pen and paper.

The dim lights shone from above, illuminating the duo’s faces. Tang Yue wore a solemn expression, but not as solemn as Tomcat’s.

“Completely eliminate the intermediary orbit and abandon the 280 kilometers orbit. We accelerate only once and let the Eagle go from a parking orbit straight into the space station’s orbit for the rendezvous and docking. Would that work?”

“Yes, but the risks are great.”

“How great?”

“Going from a height of 280 kilometers to 380 kilometers, it requires one acceleration and one deceleration. It uses up large amounts of propellant.”

“How many rendezvous attempts do we have left with the remaining propellant?”

“None.”

“This means that no matter which strategy we use, there’s only one chance for a rendezvous?”

“Yes.”

“Then, which strategy results in more remnant propellant?”

“I need to do the calculations.”

Tomcat sat on the chair and closed its eyes as though it was in meditation.

Following that, fumes emitted from its orifices.

Half a minute later, Tomcat opened its eyes and took the pen and paper. It began writing and drawing. “If we give up the plan of having two intermediary orbits with two orbital maneuvers, and use the strategy of directly jumping into the space station’s orbit, we will be able to save 10% of the propellant, as well as four hours… But the maneuvering required from jumping into the space station’s orbit is much more difficult. It needs the Kunlun Station’s remote guidance.”

“It saves 10% of the propellant?”

“10%.”

Tang Yue slammed the table. “That’s it! That’s our Plan B! Let the lander directly jump over! Let’s not waste even a second! We won’t even burn a gram of propellant! Tomcat, you will be in charge of the guidance! I’ll be in charge of getting you that signal!”

Tang Yue felt an unfounded sense of confidence. He had decisively chosen the plan, leaving Tomcat stunned. When did this wimp find his guts? It didn’t know how Tang Yue had roused himself. He was jaded and depressed just minutes ago.

“We are already dead,” Tang Yue said.

Tomcat was taken aback, confused as to what he meant.

“We are already dead,” Tang Yue repeated. “The launch of the Eagle is already a failure. Mai Dong is definitely dead… but the heavens have given us a 2.477% chance. Can you understand what that means?”

Tomcat immediately understood what Tang Yue meant.

They had never been forced into a corner.

They had always been in a perilous situation! From the moment Earth vanished, Tang Yue and Tomcat already had all means of retreat cut off.

The failure of the Eagle’s orbit entry should have been a guaranteed failure, a situation where death was certain, but a strong rocket engine had hoisted up that last sliver of hope for them.

Desperate times called for desperate solutions.

“When is the nearest orbital maneuver window?” Tang Yue asked.

“The nearest one was five minutes ago.” Tomcat looked at the time. “The next one is in seventy-five minutes.”

Tang Yue turned around and dragged the Radiant Armor EVA suit. “I’ll go set up the antenna. Leave the signal problem to me. I’ll definitely allow you to connect to the lander before the next orbital maneuver window! Go drive that powerful Russian space tractor and let it do a super drift at the apoapsis! I believe in your driving skills… You are Mt. Akina’s 1 pram racing god!

“Don’t worry! I’ll make sure to drive the tractor like it’s a Lamborghini! Watch me perfectly reverse into position!” Tomcat raised its paw’s thumb. “Good luck!”

Tang Yue donned the Radiant Armor, lifted the antenna, and walked out with wide strides. He roared, “Dear Comrade RD-0172! Russia is vast but there is nowhere to retreat. It’s Moscow behind us! Hurrah—!”