Super Copy of Great Power Technology

"Should we post a copy of the Suzaku rocket launch and recovery video on YouTube and slap Musk in the face in front of hundreds of millions of netizens?" Du Qingqing suggested.

"No need. You can never wake up someone who is pretending to be asleep."

After a week of traveling, Qiao Ruida and Du Qingqing returned to Ruida Space City. At this time, a brand new second-stage rocket had been transported and modified, and was currently being hoisted at the rocket launch tower.

"Hey, look, the Suzaku rocket is already erected. The second-stage rocket that was just delivered has been modified so quickly! It's really fast!"

"The modification process is quite simple. We only need to adjust the routing position of a signal line and replace part of the thermal insulation coating on the rocket body. It can be done in a day or two. We have both been away for a week, so it is not surprising that they have made such progress."

Qiao Ruida drove the RV directly to the parking lot near the launch tower. After getting off the car, he watched the hoisting process of the second-stage rocket and satellite up close. At this time, the second-stage rocket had been hoisted into place and fastened. The staff operated the tower crane to lift up two stacked satellites of the same type and installed them on top of the second-stage rocket.

"Are we going to lift two satellites together? Does our Suzaku rocket have the capability to launch multiple satellites with one rocket?" Du Qingqing asked in disbelief.

"Of course. In fact, as long as the launch vehicle is above the intermediate level and has sufficient carrying capacity, it is not difficult to launch multiple satellites with one rocket. The two satellites launched this time are low-Earth orbit satellites. Compared with the geosynchronous orbit satellite launched previously, they are smaller and lighter, which is just right for testing the technology of launching two satellites with one rocket."

Wu Ziqiang, along with a dozen engineers and technicians, installed the second-stage rocket and satellite in just over an hour, which was extremely fast. Several subsequent inspections did not find anything wrong. That afternoon, liquid oxygen and liquid methane fuel injection operations were carried out, making all preparations for tomorrow's rocket launch mission.

The next morning, the second launch of the Suzaku rocket entered the countdown. The entire process was similar to the previous launch, except that there was no live broadcast, which made the launch less lively.

At 1 p.m., the Suzaku rocket ignited and took off on time. A few minutes later, the first and second stages of the rocket separated successfully. The first stage rocket landed in a controlled manner, and after multiple ignitions and reverse thrusts to slow down, the first stage rocket stood steadily on the rocket recovery platform. After the second stage rocket ignited, it rushed directly into space carrying two satellites.

"The first-stage rocket landed successfully again. It seems that the recovery technology of the first-stage rocket has become quite mature. Next, we have to see the performance of the second-stage rocket."

As Qiao Ruida was speaking, the combination of the second-stage rocket and the two satellites had shut down its engines and glided for a long time by inertia. The second-stage rocket ignited again, pushing the two satellites to climb to a higher orbit. Two minutes later, it reached the predetermined orbit of the first satellite, and the top satellite separated from the second-stage rocket under the action of the explosive bolts. Several attitude adjustment engines on the satellite began to work, spewing out almost invisible plasma gas to generate thrust, adjusting the satellite's flight direction and speed to ensure that the satellite entered orbit. When the satellite was adjusted into place, the distance from the second-stage rocket had also been pulled away. The two solar panels that were originally folded together slowly opened, like an elegant white crane spreading its wings and preparing to take off.

At this time, the second-stage rocket was still in working condition, pushing the remaining satellite, flying a long way, close to the planned orbit of the second satellite, and then releasing it. At this point, the mission of the second-stage rocket was completed and entered the recovery phase.

Du Qingqing stared at the LCD screen in front of the flight control hall. Seeing the orbital animation of the two satellites, she asked in confusion: "Rui Da, the two satellites launched this time and the last one are both navigation and communication satellites. Their functions are similar. Why are their orbits so different?"

“This is a long story. Our Tianditong satellite navigation and communication system consists of three types of satellites: medium earth orbit satellites (MEO), inclined geosynchronous orbit satellites (IGSO) and geostationary orbit satellites (GEO). They are different in size and volume, and their orbits are also very different.

Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites: Operating in an orbit of about 2 kilometers, as the main member of the Tianditong global network, their subsatellite point tracks are constantly drawing wavy lines to cover a wider area of ​​the world. MEO satellites are the best choice for global satellite navigation systems to achieve global services due to their global operation and global coverage.

Inclined geosynchronous orbit satellite (IGSO): The operation cycle is the same as the Earth's rotation cycle, and the subsatellite point trajectory is in the shape of an "8". A single satellite covers a large area, and three satellites can cover most of the Asia-Pacific region. As a high-orbit satellite, the signal has strong anti-blocking capabilities, especially in low-latitude areas, its performance characteristics are more obvious.

Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO): A satellite in a 3.6° orbit about 0 km from the Earth, parallel to the equator. In theory, the subsatellite track is a point that always moves with the Earth's rotation.
These three types of satellites complement each other in their work and jointly provide high-quality positioning, navigation, timing and communication services to users around the world. In addition to providing active positioning services, geostationary orbit satellites also include short message communications, voice calls, and network service functions, which can currently cover mainland my country and surrounding areas. The payloads of inclined geosynchronous orbit satellites and medium circular orbit satellites are RNSS (radio navigation service), while the payloads of geostationary orbit satellites include RDSS payloads (radio positioning service) and C/C communication payloads, which are used to achieve active positioning and communication functions.

The two satellites just launched are inclined geosynchronous orbit satellites. With these two satellites, together with the previously launched geosynchronous orbit satellite, real-time positioning, navigation, and communication functions can be realized in the Asia-Pacific region. "

Qiao Ruida explained to his girlfriend the characteristics and functions of satellites in different orbits, and also explained the purpose of choosing these three satellites for launch. At this time, the second-stage rocket had already entered the atmosphere again at a very fast speed. Because the falling speed was too fast, the air rubbed against the rocket body, causing the middle and lower part of one side of the second-stage rocket to turn red and hot, and soon flames appeared. The high temperature caused the air to ionize and wrap around the rocket body, thus entering a black barrier state, and all contact between the rocket and the ground was cut off. This is also the most dangerous moment for the rocket. No matter what problems it encounters, it can only rely on the rocket's own flight control program to automatically handle them without any help from the ground. Seeing this, Qiao Ruida stood up directly, pulled Du Qingqing up, and ran to the gate of the flight control center.

"Rui Da, where are you taking me?" Du Qingqing asked as she trotted after her boyfriend.

"Qingqing, don't you want to witness the grand occasion of the successful recovery of the second-stage rocket with your own eyes? Now is the time to go out." "How can you be sure that the recovery of the second-stage rocket will be successful this time? What if it falls to the ground again and explodes?" Du Qingqing muttered softly.

"Impossible. I have a feeling that the recovery of the second-stage rocket will be successful this time."

After the second-stage rocket fell to a certain height, it immediately ignited and reversed according to the predetermined program to slow down and exit the black barrier state. At this time, the second-stage rocket had arrived above Ruida Aerospace City and entered the field of vision of Qiao Ruida and Du Qingqing.

"Look, the second-stage rocket is here. Judging from the current situation, the rocket is in very good condition. At least the burnt black part at the tail of the rocket is much smaller than last time." Qiao Ruida stood at the gate of the flight control center, pointing at the second-stage rocket in the air and said loudly.

"The burnt part is indeed smaller. This is the power of the new fire retardant coating. I hope that there will be no problems in the process of opening the hydraulic support legs and landing." After saying that, Du Qingqing placed her hands on her chest and prayed silently.

Perhaps Du Qingqing's prayers worked. The multiple ignitions, the opening of the support legs, and the landing on the ground all went smoothly. After the second-stage rocket landed, there was not even a shake.

"Hua hua hua" warm applause and cheers rang out in the flight control hall behind me. Then, as if happiness was contagious, the employees of Ruida Aerospace and the workers of the two construction companies who had hidden in the underground bunkers came out one after another, and the applause and cheers were continuous and lasted for a long time. I don't know which construction company's leader actually took out the earth-red firecrackers that are only set off when the building is topped off, and set them off to celebrate. The "crackling" sound of firecrackers blended into the applause, which was particularly festive.

"Honey, it's great, our rocket was successfully recovered, and both the first and second stages were recovered successfully!" Witnessing the entire process of the rocket recovery, Du Qingqing was so excited that she hugged Qiao Ruida's neck and jumped up and down. She was so excited that she even called out "Honey".

Qiao Ruida took the opportunity to hug his girlfriend's waist and gave her a long kiss. After they separated, he did not forget to tease her: "Qingqing, what did you call me just now? The firecrackers were too loud before, so I didn't hear it clearly. Can you call me again?"

Du Qingqing blushed, gave her boyfriend a charming look, and said, "Forget it if you didn't hear it clearly. I won't say nice things a second time."

The satellite launch was completed, and the first and second stages of the rocket were successfully recovered. The rocket launch mission was successfully completed. After watching the rocket recovery, Du Qingqing took her filming team to collect the high-definition cameras and cameras placed everywhere. Then she took a bunch of memory cards and went to the office to edit the film. Although the second launch of the Suzaku rocket was not live, the recorded video still had to be released. Otherwise, how would the outside world know that in just one week, Ruida Aerospace had mastered the extremely difficult second-stage rocket recovery technology.

Qiao Ruida led the team to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the recovered first and second stage rocket bodies. The second stage rocket body was the focus of everyone's attention. It turned out that the previous design adjustment and replacement of insulation materials were very effective. The surface of the second stage rocket body only had some blackened marks left by the high temperature burning of the insulation material. After a comprehensive cleaning, it was restored to its original appearance. After detailed testing, it was determined that there was no damage to the internal lines and pipes of the rocket. Even if it was filled with fuel and launched for the second time, there would be no problem.

After the inspection, Qiao Ruida called for a crane to lower the first and second stage rockets, load them onto a special transport vehicle, and take them to the workshop next door for maintenance and replacement of wearing parts in preparation for the next launch. Qiao Ruida was holding the rocket's inspection report and had just walked out of the workshop when he bumped into Cao Yifei.

"Manager Cao, you've come just in time. Take a look at this test report. The condition of the first and second stage rockets is better than expected. It only needs simple maintenance, replacement of a few wearing parts, and re-coating of a layer of thermal insulation paint, and then it can be launched again."

Cao Yifei took the inspection report, glanced through it, and was immediately delighted. "That's great. Ever since our Suzaku rocket successfully sent a satellite into orbit on its first launch, a large number of domestic and foreign companies have called us to inquire about satellite launches. Unfortunately, there were still problems with the recovery of the second-stage rocket at that time, and our rocket inventory was limited, so I didn't dare to easily accept satellite launch orders. You don't know how uncomfortable it is to watch the money circling in front of you, but not get even a tael back. Now that the second-stage rocket has been successfully recovered, the biggest problem no longer exists. Next, I can take rocket launch orders with confidence."

"How do we calculate the fees for external satellite launch orders at Ruida Aerospace now?" Qiao Ruida asked curiously.

"For large satellites weighing more than 2 tons, only one can be carried on a rocket launch, so the fee is calculated at 1000 million US dollars. For small satellites weighing less than 2 tons, multiple satellites can be launched together, so the fee is calculated based on weight, about 3000 US dollars per kilogram."

"That's not bad. The first and second stages of our Suzaku rocket can be recovered, and each launch consumes only a little fuel. The fuel used by the Suzaku rocket is the most common liquid methane and liquid oxygen, which can further reduce costs. According to your pricing, we can make at least 200% profit. This is a good deal." Qiao Ruida smacked his lips, quite satisfied with the pricing.

"Boss Qiao, when will our heavy-lift rocket be successfully developed and have its first flight?"

"It will probably take several months. The transition from a medium-sized rocket to a heavy-duty rocket is not something that can be accomplished by simply bundling the rocket body. The entire flight control system needs to be rewritten. In order to carry a larger satellite, the diameter of the second-stage rocket body needs to be increased, and the fairing needs to be redesigned. Anyway, it's very troublesome." (End of this chapter)