Chapter 414: Combined Assembly

Leaving the satellite assembly area, Li Mingyuan headed directly to the launch tower. This 60-meter-tall steel giant was the most eye-catching structure at "Eastern Base" and the core facility for the launch of the "Changkong No. 1" rocket.

Launch site director Zhang Gong was directing the workers in their final calibration tasks.

"Chief Engineer Li!" Seeing Li Mingyuan, Zhang Gong immediately walked up to him. "The launch system test is complete; the liquid oxygen filling system, fuel system, and cooling system are all normal!"

Li Mingyuan carefully reviewed the test report and nodded in satisfaction. "Has the launch contingency plan been finalized? Including the emergency response procedures?"

"Everything is ready." Zhang Gong took out a thick manual. "Every possible abnormal situation has a detailed response plan, from fuel leaks to ignition failure; every link has been considered."

Li Mingyuan flipped through the manual and nodded with satisfaction. This launch operation manual condensed the hard work of the team over the past few months, with every page pouring in the wisdom and experience of the engineers. Although this was Long Country's first attempt at a rocket launch, Li Mingyuan was confident that their preparations would not be inferior to any other nation.

"Chief Engineer Li," Zhang Gong hesitated for a moment, "there is a question I have been wanting to ask..."

"Go ahead."

"Why did we choose a liquid-fueled rocket instead of a solid-fueled one? Solid-fueled rockets have simpler structures and shorter development cycles."

Li Mingyuan explained, "Solid-fueled rockets are indeed simple, but once ignited, they cannot be controlled or stopped. Although liquid-fueled rockets are complex, they can precisely control thrust and even abort the engine's operation if necessary. More importantly, liquid-fueled rockets have a higher specific impulse and can deliver more payload into orbit."

He paused for a moment and added, "Furthermore, liquid-fueled rocket technology is the foundation of space technology. By mastering liquid-fueled rockets, we hold the key to space."

Zhang Gong nodded as if he understood; clearly, Li Mingyuan's vision was more far-reaching than his own.

Walking out of the launch site, Li Mingyuan looked up at the clear sky. In two weeks, the "Changkong No. 1" rocket would soar into the sky under this blue expanse, carrying the hope and pride of Long Country toward the vastness of space.

"Are you ready, 'Dongfang No. 1'?" Li Mingyuan whispered to himself, "Soon, you will make history."

Returning to the command center, Li Mingyuan gathered all the leads for the rocket, satellite, and launch systems for a final coordination meeting.

"After the rocket and satellite are mated, we need to conduct overall vibration testing and electrical system joint debugging." Li Mingyuan emphasized, "Pay special attention to the reliability of the separation system; this is one of the key links to the mission's success."

He drew the launch flow chart on the whiteboard, explaining in detail the precautions and emergency plans for each link. From fuel filling to the ignition countdown, from first-stage operation to second-stage ignition, and from satellite separation to orbit confirmation, every step was refined to the smallest detail.

"Remember, we only have one chance." Li Mingyuan emphasized in closing, "We must ensure that every link is foolproof."

After the meeting ended, Li Mingyuan remained in the command center alone, gazing at the giant countdown clock on the wall: 14 days until launch.

These two weeks would be the most intense period; not only did they have to complete the final preparations for the rocket and satellite, but they also had to simultaneously push forward the integration tests for the Radar and Electronic Interference System. Li Mingyuan knew he would face unprecedented pressure, but he did not shrink back in the slightest.

"Fourteen days." He muttered to himself, "In fourteen days, Long Country will officially enter the space age."

Three days later, the mating of the rocket and satellite was successfully completed amidst the gaze of the masses. When the satellite was carefully installed onto the top of the rocket, the entire command center erupted in warm applause.

"Mating successful!" The excited voice of a technician came over the command center broadcast, "All connection points are locked, and the electrical interface is connected normally!"

Li Mingyuan breathed a sigh of relief; this was a critical step before the launch. Next, the rocket would be moved to the launch tower for final testing and fueling.

One week later, the "Changkong No. 1" rocket was slowly erected on the launch tower. The 28.7-meter silver rocket shimmered in the sunlight, and inside the fairing at the top, the "Dongfang No. 1" satellite lay quietly, awaiting its moment of destiny.

The atmosphere inside the base became unusually tense and excited; everyone realized they were participating in a historic moment.

Li Mingyuan stood in front of the command center's glass window, gazing at the distant launch tower. In his past life, he was just an ordinary engineering student whose biggest dream was to buy a big house and marry a pretty wife. Who could have imagined that in this strange world, he would have the chance to personally usher in a nation's space age?

"Chief Engineer Li, the final system inspection report." Wang Gang walked over and handed Li Mingyuan a thick folder.

Li Mingyuan flipped through the report; every item was marked as "normal" or "meets requirements." This was the result of the tireless efforts of thousands of engineers and technicians over the past few months, condensing the top-tier technological level of Long Country.

"Very good," Li Mingyuan closed the folder, "prepare for the final launch meeting."

The final plenary meeting before the launch was held in the command center, with all system leads in attendance, along with Advanced officials from the capital.

Minister Zhang presided over the meeting personally, his tone both serious and full of anticipation: "Comrades, after months of arduous struggle, we are about to welcome the first launch of 'Changkong No. 1'. This is not only the beginning of Long Country's aerospace industry, but also an important moment to demonstrate Long Country's technological strength to the whole world."

He turned to Li Mingyuan: "Chief Engineer Li, please introduce the launch preparations."

Li Mingyuan stood up and concisely reported the final status of the rocket and satellite, as well as the work arrangements for the launch countdown. From rocket propellant filling to the ignition sequence, and from flight trajectory to satellite orbit confirmation, every link had been simulated and verified countless times.

"If weather conditions are suitable, we will launch at 5:30 AM in three days." Li Mingyuan concluded, "All systems are ready, and the team is in good condition."

After the meeting ended, Li Mingyuan did not leave immediately but stayed in the command center to re-check the final status of all systems. Although every inspection had been completed and every detail confirmed, he still did not want to overlook any possible risks.

It was late at night, and Li Mingyuan was the only one left in the command center. He stood before the giant floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the launch tower illuminated by searchlights in the distance, his mind filled with a thousand thoughts.

"If successful, Long Country will become the first country in the world to send a satellite into orbit." He whispered to himself, "This will completely change the landscape of the space race."