Although the Starship Company is owned by the Mingzhou Group, it operates independently. In addition to the funding from the Mingzhou Group, the Starship Company will also receive some other investments. For Max, no matter what kind of money it is, all comers are welcome. , after all, playing aerospace is burning money.

Even if this Starworm test is successful, it will burn millions, and it will not be profitable. Next, we have to continue experimenting and improve, and it will cost a lot of money.

This time Max was illegally detained by the Yankees and gained sympathy from many people. Many people donated to the Starship Company, which gave Max a lot of funds on hand.

"Money is not an issue. Even if there is no investment, our Mingzhou Group will continue to invest in the Starship Company. On the road to conquering space, we will continue to overcome obstacles and move forward bravely." Qin Tao said: "And we must have more Lots of projects.”

Max’s eyes lit up: “Mr. Qin, what other projects do you have for us?”

“Yes, I recently watched a video of a comet hitting Mars. The scene was spectacular and very shocking. Fortunately, there is a giant planet like Jupiter in our solar system to attract various celestial bodies. Otherwise, the earth would be in big trouble.”

“Yes, the destruction of the dinosaurs came from the impact of an extraterrestrial meteorite.” Max said: “Dangers in space may appear at any time.”

“Can we find a way to stop this threat?”

Max became serious: "Mr. Qin, what do you want to say?"

“When we discover that an extraterrestrial meteorite is in danger of impacting the Earth, can we launch a rocket up and hit it at a suitable angle, so that the extraterrestrial meteorite can change its flight trajectory to avoid impacting the Earth?”

Max's eyes radiated with brilliance: "Of course, in space, aircraft run very fast. Even if the mass of the aircraft is not large, the impulse generated by the impact is very strong. The earlier the impact, the better, so as long as If you give the target a slight change in speed, it will miss you by a thousand miles, which is enough to widen the distance from our earth. Mr. Qin, do you want to support our Starship Company in this kind of project? "

"Humanity has only one Earth, and the Earth is humanity's home. We must protect our home, so now, we can put forward this plan first. Our Starship Company serves the interests of all mankind. We want to explore the outside world world, we must protect the earth." Qin Tao said: "Let's put it together with this Star Bug external press conference."

Max nodded: "Okay!"

At this time, Max had no idea of ​​the true meaning of the project Qin Tao mentioned. After all, he was not a military strategist, he was just a scientific madman. What he thought about was how to protect the earth, and definitely not how to use these things to threaten certain countries.

 That afternoon.

"Everyone knows what happened to me. After I come back, I can only work harder and use our successes to slap NASA in the face. It is a backward organization that only knows how to fight for power and profit. They have long lost the ability to explore space. The driving force behind the mission, the heavy responsibility of exploring the universe and protecting the earth in the future can only fall on our Starship Company!" Max began his speech in front of a group of reporters, which he was also familiar with.

"Today, we successfully conducted the Starworm's 150-meter jump test flight project. This test flight is of great significance. Although there is only one engine, it verified the key technology of our starship: recycling! In order to enter space at a low cost, our Starships need to be recycled and reused. After the starworms have completed multiple tests, we can build larger starworms, and even directly use the starship MK1 to verify the recycling technology. In the field of low-cost entry into space, we It’s serious! Now, please watch the video of our successful test.”

The TV behind Max showed a picture of the test at that time. A thing that looked like a thermos bucket ignited and took off, flew sideways, and then landed at the other end. As for the accident that happened during the landing, it was deliberately blurred.

 Seeing that this thing could actually fall down on its own, the people below were all excited.

“Excuse me, will your future starships adopt this vertical landing method?”

“This method is so new, I can’t believe you actually have this ability!”

 “This is the beginning of a great era!”

"For us, this is the only way to fly to Mars. However, we not only want to fly to Mars, we also have to do more meaningful things. Everyone, we all know that meteorites and even comets Impacting the Earth would cause terrible disasters to us, so our Starship Company decided to launch a new project."

It was quiet down below, everyone was waiting for Max's announcement.

"Our starship has the largest carrying capacity currently, sixty tons in low-Earth orbit and fifteen tons in synchronous orbit. Even if it flies out of the earth, it can carry a load of ten tons. We can definitely use this ten-ton mass to go Directly impact the extraterrestrial meteorite to change its orbit and avoid threatening the earth. We will set up a dedicated team to study this project, and we call it Project Zeus."

At this point, Max is still leaning towards the West. The name of the plan he proposed is a character from Western mythology. However, he directly used Zeus, which is enough to show the power of this plan. At the critical moment, it It is to protect all mankind!

 There was a commotion down there.

 Far across the ocean, NASA headquarters.

 Several of the people who were sprayed have already resigned, and even the top leaders have resigned to avoid turmoil. Now, the person leading NASA's work is Sean O'Keefe. At this time, he looked at his subordinates with a serious face: "Starship Company's development momentum is too strong, we must contain them!"

The people under his command did not speak. Now they only need to follow the leader's arrangements to avoid getting into trouble.

"I decided to launch a space launch as soon as possible! So far, Starship Company has only launched Starship MK1 once. This kind of launch is like a baby just walking back. Our space shuttle is the most important tool for entering space! "O'Keefe looked at everyone: "The construction of our International Space Station is too slow! We must speed up and use the space shuttle to transport the next Destiny test module as soon as possible!"

What? Everyone present was dumbfounded.

Flight Director Wayne Hal had to speak: "Sir O'Keefe, you probably don't know that the space shuttle is different from a taxi. You can't just fly whenever you want. Our space shuttle needs to undergo a lot of maintenance work before taking off. There are no flight missions this year yet, and the recently scheduled Columbia will not be launched until next year."

"No, we can't wait that long. Now, we, NASA, have become a joke around the world. It seems that our most famous space agency in the world is about to fall from the altar. It is not as good as an Eastern one that has just been established a few years ago. Private airlines! We must use an excellent launch to prove that we are the strong ones in this field!"

 This is the tragedy of laymen leading experts.

 Sean O'Keefe had no aerospace experience at all. In 1978, O'Keefe received a master's degree in public administration from the Maxwell School of Syracuse University, and then went to White House as an intern. After that, he worked in various departments, and the most senior one was when he became the top leader of the Navy in 1997. Before being transferred to NASA, he served as deputy administrator of the Office of Management and Budget.

　　What kind of **** came up with the idea of ​​letting a person without any aerospace experience be the top leader of NASA?

Now, everyone still has to think of a reason.

"Although the Destiny test module has been built, it still needs a few months to test." said the companion on the side.

When the space shuttle was developed, it was mainly used for space science experiments, but now it has become a transportation tool, used to assemble the International Space Station and transport supplies, which makes them a little helpless.

“Yes, our space shuttle is mainly used for scientific experiments.”

"Yes, scientific experiments. Are there any scientific experiment projects currently?" O'Keefe opened his mind.

Now no one can veto it.

 Scientific experiments have always been carried out. Many applications have been filed for several years and have not been carried out.

 “Bring me the science experiment project and let me see it!”

O'Keefe became serious. Even though he was a layman, he was still the leader. Soon he found one: "This is an experiment designed by Eastern students to show silkworms spinning silkworms and forming cocoons in space. This is very good! In our Conducting experiments designed by Easterners on the space shuttle is enough to slap them in the face!”

This experiment is meaningful and very simple. It only requires taking some silkworms that are about to form cocoons into space.

Everyone knows that this time they will have to mount the horse in a hurry. I hope there will be no accidents.

“When is the next closest launch window?” O’Keefe, a layman, finally asked an expert question.

“A week later.” A subordinate replied. He regretted it as soon as he said it. Why not say two months later?

"Within one week, launch preparations will be completed. We can't wait any longer. We want to make that star bug a poor bug."

One week?

 Everyone frowned.

“Our solid booster for the Columbia space shuttle has not yet been produced. This will take two months.”

"Then take a set from other space shuttles and use it." O'Keefe said: "This project must be fast. You don't have any idea of ​​delaying it. They say that our NASA organization is bloated and inefficient, so we will give They look at what high efficiency means! Anyone who prevents us from improving efficiency and only complains is not suitable to continue working at NASA."

 No one spoke.

"Okay, let's talk about how we can further curb the rise of the Starship Company. I think we must completely suppress them. They cannot be allowed to participate in any space activities, and cannot undertake any space transportation and satellite launch missions. !”

This guy has no space experience, but he is the best at how to engage in political struggle! The people present did not speak, but they were muttering in their hearts, look what the Starship Company is doing? They want to land on Mars, they want to protect the earth, what about us? How are we fighting for power and fighting among ourselves!

If you are really fired, working at Starship Company seems to be a good idea.

 East.

 Qin Tao’s trip to the Starship Company has come to an end. Just before leaving, he received the news announced by NASA. He was very surprised.

 “Max, do you think they can succeed?”

"Of course it's impossible." Max shook his head: "Although their space shuttle is also in the name of repeatedly entering space to save costs, it actually doesn't do it at all. The cost of their entry into space is actually more expensive. Just give it to the international community now. In terms of shipping cargo to the space station, the transportation cost per pound of cargo is as high as 20,000 US dollars. Mainly because the cost of maintenance and inspection every time the space shuttle comes down is too high. They originally did not arrange this mission, but now they suddenly have it on the shelves, it must be Something will go wrong.”

"Definitely?" Qin Tao's eyes lit up: "Then, do you dare to become a prophecy emperor?"

 “Prophecy of what?”

“Since the space shuttle is inherently unreliable, and this time it is a rush to get on board, their flight will definitely not go smoothly, and it will most likely be like the Challenger.”

Max's eyes lit up: "Of course! Even if it comes back safely, it still has to make them tremble! Humph, I only indirectly poured dirty water on them before, but this time I'm going to do it directly!"

Max is very capable, but this does not mean that he is a broad-minded person. In fact, he will retaliate for his anger.

Max couldn’t wait and soon appeared in the TV camera.

"I just heard that NASA will organize a new space launch within a week, and I feel very worried. Spaceflight is scientific, and there is no need to be impatient. If you are stimulated by the successful flight of our star bug, launch the space shuttle quickly. There may be accidents." Max expressed his concern: "I am here to advise my aerospace colleagues not to rush and take their time to avoid a tragedy like Challenger."

“Mr. Marks, what do you think is the possibility of a tragedy happening this time?” asked the reporter on the side.

“Although I don’t know the specific situation, I think the possibility is as high as 98%.”

"so tall?"

“Yes, a layman-led NASA will continue to decline. I advise American astronauts to be sensible and refuse this dangerous space launch mission.”

“I heard that NASA has also issued many special bills for Starship companies. What do you think of this?”

"Me? I'm waiting for them to beg me. Now they are unwilling to cooperate with me. When the space shuttle turns into fireworks in space, I want to see how they re-enter space. By the way, I can guarantee that we will enter space. The fee is only half of the Da Mao fee, and it’s always valid!”

Opposite, NASA received the news, and O'Keefe had a sneer on his face: "Humph, let us use facts to prove how ridiculous he is! How are the preparations going?"

 “Preparations are intense.”

"It's okay to be nervous. In the past, everyone was used to working hard. Under my leadership, NASA does not allow a lazy person. We must devote all our energy to work! Work makes us happy, come on. !”

 One week later, Cape Canaveral, Florida.

This is on the east coast of the United States. After launching the rocket, you can immediately enter the sky above the sea. This not only takes advantage of the linear speed of the earth's rotation, but also does not harm people on the ground due to the falling debris. Moreover, this place is already very remote and sparsely populated.

 Hence, this has become the main space launch center in the United States.

In 1947, shortly after the end of World War II, this place was chosen to become a space launch center. In 1950, the first rocket was launched, and the space era of Kajiao began. A large number of rockets were launched here. Rockets, including the Atlas rocket, the Hercules rocket, the Astros-Agenna rocket, the Scout rocket, the Saturn 5 rocket, the Saturn 1B rocket, etc. The Apollo spacecraft, Skylab, unmanned planetary and interplanetary probes, scientific weather communication satellites were also launched from here. wait

 Kajiao is already NASA’s most important spacecraft pre-flight test, assembly and launch important base.

To the people here, the launch of the Columbia seems to be a very ordinary mission, but it is not ordinary, because the sudden mission made them very busy, and even the union did not come out to interfere with the constant work overtime.

 After busy preparations, Columbia finally landed on the launch pad, waiting for the launch window to arrive.

“How come it’s such a hot weather and I see signs of ice below?” O’Keefe, who came to Card Point excitedly, pointed at the screen and asked.

"Mr. O'Keefe, this is because the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen fuels we use will start to evaporate after refueling, and it will get cold outside." Hal explained on the side. This kind of basic aerospace common sense, the top leader actually I don’t even know, it’s really embarrassing!

 He seems to be incapable of doing anything else except putting on a show. This guy is only qualified to be an actor!

O'Keefe nodded: "So that's it. You also saw what Max said. He actually slandered that our Columbia would take off and explode like the Challenger. We just want to let them know how ridiculous this is!"

“Yes, we will make the flight safe,” Hal said.

If it really explodes, it will be an absolute blow to the space shuttle, and NASA will lose face even more. Therefore, they must not allow this to happen.

 There is no other way but to fight.

“By the way, where are the astronauts? I’m going to meet them.”

More than ten hours later, O'Keefe yawned and sat in a swivel chair.

"Why not launch during the day? It takes so long to prepare! If I had known, I would have come later." O'Keefe looked at the space shuttle shrouded in night on the screen and began to complain.

 No one answered him, but a voice sounded.

 “Get ready in half an hour!”

 There is still half an hour left, we have to keep waiting!

O'Keefe didn't want to miss this important moment, but he was really too sleepy. Without realizing it, he squinted his eyes and fell asleep on the chair. When he woke up, there was cheering all around.

 “What’s going on? Has it been launched?”

“Our space shuttle has been successfully launched! It has entered orbit!”

"Damn, why didn't you wake me up?" O'Keefe was a little annoyed, but he became happy again later: "Humph, now that Max should be disappointed. His prediction did not succeed. Our space shuttle has been successfully launched! Continue Come down, we want to announce it to the public!”

At first, the Challenger exploded during liftoff. After all, this process was the most dangerous and critical. Now, the Columbia has entered space, and everything is normal!

 The news was quickly announced to the world, along with a video.

“Zoom in this video!” Qin Tao stared at the screen and pointed at a certain part.

 Zoom in, then zoom in.

“Did you see it? There are falling objects here!” Qin Tao pointed at the black shadow flashing across the screen and said.

"Yes, there was a falling object. If I guessed correctly, a piece of foam material fell off the surface of the external fuel tank. This material also happened to hit the leading edge of the left wing of the space shuttle." Max said : "This is a very serious sign of an accident, and I must announce it to the public."

 Soon, Max appeared on the TV screen again.

"After a thrilling launch, Columbia finally successfully entered orbit. However, when we were watching the take-off video released by NSAS, we saw a scene that worried us. After the launch, a black shadow hit the wing. , our analysis believes that it should be the foam plastic that has fallen off the surface of the external fuel tank, which will pose a threat to the space shuttle. Here, I suggest that the space shuttle dock with the International Space Station, all personnel board the International Space Station, and allow Columbia to return autonomously to avoid accidents. A vicious event. If the living materials on the International Space Station are not enough, we can launch starships at any time to help the International Space Station replenish supplies."

After seeing this report, O'Keefe had a smile on his face: "They are really interesting. They started saying that we would explode like the Challenger when it took off. Now they found out that we didn't, and started cursing that we would explode when we landed. Humph, they It’s better to worry about how you’ll end up!”

“Our engineers have investigated this video and think Max’s analysis makes sense.” Hal said.

"What?" O'Keefe's face changed: "What are you talking about? Is Max's analysis possible? Today is not April Fools' Day!"

"Mr. O'Keefe, the aerospace industry is rigorous, and a small mistake may bring irreparable consequences." Hal said: "We must not watch the astronauts above take risks."

 “They will be in no danger, and they will return safely.”

“Then shall we mobilize the reconnaissance satellites in space to take pictures of the damage to the wings?”

“Of course not, it is unnecessary, and the satellites in space are not ours. They will make us pay for satellites that mobilize the military.”

“Then should we tell the people above this news so that they can be prepared, even if each person records a video, so that they can have an explanation in case they cannot come back.”

"Will? What are you thinking!" O'Keefe looked seriously: "Now, we don't have to do anything, just follow the normal flight procedures. Don't be smart, you are all a bunch of idiots!"

Columbia is the first space shuttle in service and is of great significance to NASA. Its name originates from the "Columbia", the first American ship to orbit the earth. Now, everyone is waiting for this veteran ship with outstanding achievements to return, and no one thinks that it will become a fireworks in space.

Max, a vindictive guy, went too far and actually slandered their space shuttle!