543 Wait, where is the third stage rocket? (1/2)
Chapter 543: Wait, where is the third stage rocket?
Translator: _Min_Editor: Rundi
Celestial-1, the red letters were engraved onto the body of the rocket.
The declared launch project was a meteorological satellite. The use of meteorological satellites as the first launch was undoubtedly easier compared to other launch projects. But even so, for a small country without fundamental space technology, the first launch with satellite would be considered difficult to begin with.
Not only did the United Nations sent observers, but about thirty local or foreign journalists were also invited to the launch site as this exciting moment should be shared by people around the world. They were specifically allowed to enter the barracks, stand on the sentry tower, and film the launch process
For Xin, it was bound to be a historic moment.
An aerospace superpower?
The uneducated islanders never thought this would be a reality, but when they saw their new neighbors from all around the world discussing the problem with looks of disbelief, the original settlers of Pannu Islands felt a strong sense of proudness.
How is a country unity formed? It is through witnessing one's own country achieving things that other countries wouldn't believe and completing the unthinkable feat.
Who would have thought that a small sea island country that just finished a regime change with a total population of less than one hundred thousand people could become one of the few countries that possessed the ability to launch satellites independently? It was unbelievable.
But this unbelievable moment was destined to be recorded in history.
”A launch pad 30 meters in height? Are you joking? Mr. Calvin.” Henry scanned the rocket outside nervously before looking toward Calvin, who was completing the last inspection with the workers.
30 meters high launch pad and Henry visualized the height of the rocket which was 32 to 34 meters or so. Celestial Trade would obviously not provide them with the specific design drawings of the rocket, but with his experience in the field of aerospace, he could deduce the specification of the rocket.
The miniature launch vehicle was not non-existent, but there was no way Henry believed that this tiny could have the capability to launch a miniature launch vehicle. Taking into account the rocket fuel push ratio, as well as the size of the rocket engine nozzle, to estimate the rocket thrust, he didn't think the rocket design was scientific at all.
Disregarding if the rocket could accelerate to the speed to overcome the Earth's gravitational pull or not. Henry was skeptical if the rocket could even fly out of the atmosphere or not.
To respond to the skepticism of the United Nations' observer…
”Do you think I'm joking with you?” Calvin raised his eyebrows and looked at the observer.
”Based on the structure of the rocket, I know this thing won't even lift off.” Henry scorned.
”That just means you're ignorant. You will never know our rocket engine—”
”Ahem.”
When Calvin heard Jiang Chen coughing, he immediately stopped talking. The NDA of Celestial Trade was no joke, and he realized he almost leaked some information.
Jiang Chen then looked at Henry.
”Mr. Henry, I remember you are an observer of the United Nations and not the technical consultant hired by Celestial Trade. If you think the firecracker outside the window won't fly up, you can go back on the boat. I promise, when you go, there won't be any soldiers stopping you.”
Henry's expression changed indefinitely with a mixture of emotions appearing.
Obviously, he won't run back to the boat now, or the media outside would capture his facial expression and put it on the headlines tomorrow along with the name scaredy cat. If the rocket launch failed, there would be no problems, since it would just mean that he had the foresight. But if the launch really succeeded, he would have slapped his own face.
Since Jiang Chen dared to stand there, that meant even if the launch were to fail, safety was not of concern. So Henry recollected himself and no longer spoke.
If Jiang Chen knew what he thought, perhaps he would burst out laughing.
There were no precautionary safety measures at all. The reason he dared to stand there because he was not concerned with the launch failing.
But some people obviously thought otherwise.
Henry shut his mouth, but the other observers were still whispering amongst themselves exchanging opinions.
”I can guarantee that this thing won't reach the stratosphere. The first stage launch vehicle is too short, even with NASA's technology, it would be impossible to do this. I suspect that they may have been off by a decimal during the design phase and no one realized it even after the rocket was built,” A slightly chubby man turned his head and whispered to his colleague.
”Ah ha, other than the first part of the sentence, we share the same opinion,” A female with curly hair spoke in a grave tone.
”The first part? You think they could fly it out?” The man in disbelief raised his voice by a notch.
”At most troposphere, if the launch experiences no technical difficulties.” The woman mocked.
”Haha—”
Calvin glanced at the United Nations observers with infuriated flames in his eyes. Although he didn't design the rocket, it still took him a lot of effort to understand the technology behind it. As a researcher that seek the truth, he would not permit anyone to humiliate this launch technology with monumental meaning.
Calvin clenched his fists and was just about to go off at them.
But then, Jiang Chen patted him on the shoulder.
”Prove to them. Remember you are a scientist, not a boxer.”
When Calvin heard Jiang Chen's words, he realized he was too emotional. Seeing Jiang Chen nod at him, he took a deep breath, forced the discontent out of his mind, walked to the control panel, and turned on the radio.