Chapter 409: The Space Age Fantasy of the Star-Spangled Country

Ever since the Long Country trade fair shook the globe, the Star-Spangled Country government has elevated the "Sky Eye" project to an unprecedented strategic height. The President personally issued an order: at any cost, the first satellite launch must be achieved within six months. Funds and manpower poured in like a tide, top engineers from major military-industrial enterprises were urgently conscripted, and even some key military projects were suspended to ensure the smooth progress of the Space Project.

Bulaide walked out of the office and came to the massive Assembly Workshop. The main body of the first stage of the "Zeus" rocket had basically taken shape, and workers were installing the final piping systems. This is a three-stage liquid rocket, with a total height of 68 meters and a takeoff weight of approximately 120 tons, theoretically capable of sending a 150-kilogram payload into a 400-kilometer orbit.

"How is the progress?" Bulaide asked.

Workshop supervisor Weikeduo wiped his sweat: "Two days ahead of schedule, Doctor. If everything goes smoothly, we can begin overall testing next week."

"What about the propellant loading system?"

"Ground testing is complete, but I am worried about the storage of cryogenic liquid oxygen. At this temperature, seals are prone to problems."

Bulaide frowned: "Increase the inspection frequency to once every four hours. We cannot afford to make mistakes on such details."

Leaving the workshop, Bulaide came to the satellite assembly room. Compared to the massive scale of the rocket, the "Sentinel One" satellite appeared small and exquisite. This spherical satellite is about 80 centimeters in diameter and weighs less than 100 kilograms; its surface is covered with silver thermal insulation material, and several thin, long antennas extend from the satellite body.

Satellite project lead Leidemon was checking the installation of the solar panels: "Doctor, good news, the conversion efficiency test results for the panels are 15% higher than expected, which means the satellite's on-orbit working time might be longer."

Bulaide revealed a long-lost smile: "That's great! The government has high hopes for this launch, and we must produce the best results."

Leidemon lowered his voice: "To be honest, Doctor, do you think we can really launch successfully within six months? Even with the most simplified testing process, this schedule is extremely tight."

Bulaide sighed: "Not just tight, it's simply insane. But we have no other choice. Ever since the Long Country trade fair, domestic public opinion has put increasing pressure on the government. The President needs a victory, a victory that can prove the Star-Spangled Country is still the technological hegemon."

He looked toward the satellite assembly bench, his tone becoming firm: "And, don't forget, we possess the world's most powerful industrial base and the most advanced scientific research team. If an agricultural country like the Long Country can achieve an industrial breakthrough in just a few years, what reason do we have for not being able to do it?"

Leidemon nodded and threw himself back into work. Throughout the entire base, thousands of engineers and technical personnel were working against the clock, and everyone understood the historical significance of this project—the Star-Spangled Country must become the first nation to conquer space; this concerns national dignity, the global landscape, and even more, the struggle for future strategic high ground.

Meanwhile, domestic media in the Star-Spangled Country began a massive propaganda offensive. Major newspapers, radio stations, and television stations continuously reported on the "breakthrough progress" of the "Sky Eye" project, depicting the "Space Age" that the Star-Spangled Country was about to usher in. The government even invited a Hollywood director to film a promotional video titled "Star Conqueror," spreading the "space ambitions" of the Star-Spangled Country to the world through various channels.

And in places where the media spotlight could not reach, another project of the Star-Spangled Country was also being pushed forward intensively—the intercontinental ballistic Missile project codenamed "Thor's Hammer." At a hidden military base in Texas, the head of this project, Doctor Aobenhaimo, was reporting the latest progress to high-ranking military officials.

"Engine testing is successfully completed, the accuracy of the Guidance System has reached expectations, and the overall structural design has been finalized." Aobenhaimo pointed to the charts on the projector and said, "According to current progress, we can complete the assembly of the first Missile within four months and conduct the first test launch within six months."

Secretary of Defense Smith nodded with satisfaction: "Very good, this is one month ahead of the time requested by the President. What is the performance of this Missile?"

"Range of 8,500 kilometers, accuracy error circle of 300 meters, enough to cover the entire territory of the Long Country." Aobenhaimo answered confidently, "More importantly, our design allows it to carry different types of warheads, including conventional explosives and... special devices."

The atmosphere in the room instantly turned heavy; everyone understood what "special devices" referred to.

Smith took a deep breath: "Continue to push forward, but keep it absolutely confidential. This is our final insurance; I hope we never have to use it."

The reaction of Beijixiong Guo was equally swift and intense. Inside a secret base surrounded by pine forests on the outskirts of Moshi, the top leadership of Beijixiong Guo was listening to a report from aerospace expert Korolyov.

"Comrades, our 'Red Star' rocket project has entered a critical stage." Korolyov's voice was loud and clear, his finger tracing over the massive technical blueprints, "This will be a single-stage-and-a-half configuration liquid rocket, with a total height of 27 meters and a takeoff weight of approximately 60 tons, capable of sending a 140-kilogram payload into low Earth orbit."

The Leader frowned and asked: "Why choose a single-stage-and-a-half design? Intelligence from the Star-Spangled Country shows they are using a three-stage configuration."

Korolyov explained confidently: "The single-stage-and-a-half design simplifies the separation system and improves reliability. The thrust of our RD-1 Engine is large enough; we don't need a complex multi-stage system like the Star-Spangled Country. This is the advantage of our technical route."

The Leader nodded and turned to the Military Representative: "How is the progress?"

The Military Representative stood at attention and replied: "According to the plan, the rocket assembly will be completed within four months, and we will be ready for the first launch within six months. The construction of the launch site is 80% complete, and the satellite assembly is expected to be finished within three months."

Korolyov added: "Our 'Dawn' satellite design is simple and practical, weighing about 120 kilograms, equipped with a radio beacon and a simple scientific instrument package. The biggest technical challenge is the power system, but our engineers have developed a high-efficiency nickel-cadmium battery pack, which theoretically can support the satellite's operation for over 21 days."

The Leader's expression was serious and focused: "Comrades, I must emphasize the importance of this project. The impact of the Long Country trade fair is still expanding; their technological breakthroughs and trade expansion are shaking our influence in the Asia, Africa, and Latin America regions. And the Star-Spangled Country is doing everything in its power to seize the high ground of space, attempting to rebuild its technological hegemony."

He stood up, his voice low and firm: "Beijixiong Guo cannot fall behind. We must become the first nation to conquer space! For this, I approve an additional appropriation of 5 billion rubles and will mobilize the nation's top scientific research forces to participate in this project."