Chapter 438: Announcing to the World

The conference room was in an uproar. Although "Dongfang No. 1" had indeed entered orbit, according to the original plan, the official announcement was to wait a few months, until all tests were completed, before making it public.

"Is it too hasty to announce it now?" the Minister of Defense asked worriedly.

Li Mingyuan shook his head firmly: "On the contrary, now is the best time. The Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo are currently in shock and confusion; they have not yet recovered from the shadow of their failures. If we announce it now, it will deal them a fatal blow, completely shaking their self-confidence and international reputation."

He looked around at the high-ranking officials in the conference room: "More importantly, this will let the whole world know that Long Country is no longer that weak nation to be slaughtered at will, but a powerful nation with advanced technological strength. This change in international image will have a profound impact on our diplomacy, trade, and international status."

The Vice Commander thought for a moment, then nodded: "Chief Engineer Li makes sense. Since they have already discovered it, our taking the initiative to announce it will allow us to grasp the initiative in public opinion."

He turned to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: "Immediately prepare an international press conference and invite the world's major media to attend. We will officially announce to the world that Long Country has successfully sent the 'Dongfang No. 1' satellite into orbit, becoming the first country in the world to successfully launch an artificial satellite."

The atmosphere in the conference room became exceptionally spirited; everyone realized that this would be an important turning point in the history of Long Country, a milestone in truly moving toward becoming a world power.

Three days later, the capital of Long Country, Renmin Dali Tang.

Reporters from dozens of major global media outlets packed the venue, flashbulbs went off one after another, and low murmurs filled the entire hall. No one knew why Long Country had suddenly called this international press conference, but judging from the solemnity and specifications of the invitation, it was clear that major news was about to be announced.

The Vice Commander and Li Mingyuan walked onto the podium side by side; the whole venue immediately quieted down, and all eyes were focused on them.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the Vice Commander's voice was steady and powerful, "today, we have invited global media to gather here to announce a major technological breakthrough that will be recorded in human history."

He paused and looked around the room: "The Long Country 'Dongfang No. 1' artificial satellite was successfully launched last month and accurately entered its predetermined orbit, becoming the first artificial satellite in human history to enter Earth's orbit!"

The venue instantly boiled over. Reporters stood up abruptly, camera flashes flickered like a rainstorm, and countless exclamations and questions intertwined.

"Please be quiet!" the Vice Commander signaled for everyone to calm down, "Next, please have Comrade Li Mingyuan, the chief designer of the 'Dongfang No. 1' satellite and our country's famous scientist, introduce this great achievement to everyone in detail."

Li Mingyuan walked to the podium, facing dozens of cameras and hundreds of reporters, his expression calm and confident: "'Dongfang No. 1' satellite weighs 84 kilograms, has an orbital inclination of 65 degrees, a perigee altitude of 227 kilometers, an apogee altitude of 940 kilometers, and takes about 96 minutes to orbit the Earth once. The satellite is equipped with a variety of scientific instruments used to detect the space environment and the Earth's atmosphere."

He turned and pointed to the large screen behind him, which displayed detailed pictures and technical parameters of the satellite: "This is an important step in human history. The successful launch of 'Dongfang No. 1' marks that Long Country has mastered cutting-edge technologies in multiple fields such as rocket technology, orbital mechanics, and electronic communications."

Reporters frantically recorded every detail, and camera shutter sounds went off one after another.

A Western reporter raised a hand to ask: "Doctor Li, why was Long Country able to successfully launch a satellite before the Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo? This seems inconsistent with the general global understanding of technology."

Li Mingyuan smiled slightly: "Science has no borders, but scientists have a motherland. Although Long Country has experienced the trauma of war, we have never stopped our pursuit of science. The success of 'Dongfang No. 1' proves the wisdom and diligence of Long Country's scientists, and also proves that the technical route we chose is correct."

He deliberately did not mention the things that interfered with the rocket launches of the Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo, but simply displayed Long Country's technological achievements to the whole world with a calm and confident attitude.

The press conference lasted for two hours. Li Mingyuan answered dozens of technical questions, demonstrating profound professional knowledge and excellent expressive ability, leaving a deep impression on the global media.

After the press conference ended, major global media outlets immediately issued emergency reports, and the news that "Long Country successfully launched the world's first artificial satellite" spread across the globe at an astonishing speed.

Star-Spangled Country, Washington City, Tuoyuanying Bangongshi.

The Commander held the newspaper in his hand, his face pale: "How is this possible? A backward country that just finished a war actually became the first country to launch a satellite!"

"Is this true?" the Commander's voice was low and dangerous, "Did Long Country really launch a satellite before us?"

The National Security Advisor nodded, his face pale: "According to our technical analysis, their statement is true. 'Dongfang No. 1' is indeed operating in orbit, and the parameters are consistent with what they announced."

The Commander slammed the newspaper onto the table: "This is a huge humiliation to the dignity of the Star-Spangled Country! We spent billions of dollars and mobilized the best scientists, yet we were beaten to the punch by a backward country? This is simply unacceptable!"

The Minister of Defense tried to defend: "Sir, our rocket technology was already very mature, but recent launches have all encountered unknown interference..."

"Interference?" the Commander sneered, "Now we know where that interference came from! It was that damn satellite of theirs!"

The Director of Intelligence cleared his throat: "Sir, according to our analysis, Long Country has indeed made remarkable progress in the field of space. Especially since Li Mingyuan became the Chief Engineer, their technological development speed has far exceeded our expectations."

"Li Mingyuan," the Commander repeated the name through gritted teeth, "who exactly is he? How could one person master so many cutting-edge technologies in such a short time? What support does he have behind him? Beijixiong Guo?"

The Director of Intelligence shook his head: "There is no evidence to suggest he has any connection with Beijixiong Guo. In fact, our intelligence shows that Beijixiong Guo is equally shocked and uneasy about Long Country's satellite success."

"Then investigate!" the Commander roared, "Find out the background of this Li Mingyuan! At the same time, I don't care what method you use, you must accelerate our satellite program. At all costs, we must launch our own satellite as soon as possible and regain our technological lead!"

He looked around at the high-ranking officials in the office, sparks of anger flashing in his eyes: "The space race has begun, and the Star-Spangled Country must not lose!"

Beijixiong Guo, Moshi, Kremlin.

The Leader looked expressionlessly at the "Truth Daily" placed on the table; the front page reported the news of Long Country's successful satellite launch in huge font.

"Is this what you call 'world-leading technology'?" the Leader's voice was terrifyingly calm, "To be surpassed by an agricultural country?"

The President of the Academy of Sciences, Gromov, had a livid face, and cold sweat broke out on his forehead: "Comrade, our satellite program was originally progressing smoothly, but recent launches have all encountered unknown interference..."

"Excuses!" the Leader interrupted him, "Long Country faces far more difficulties than we do; they experienced a civil war, their industrial base is weak, and they lack scientific and technical talent, but they did it, while we, a superpower that prides itself on being a technological powerhouse, failed!"

The Minister of Intelligence said cautiously: "Comrade, according to our analysis, Long Country's success is mainly attributed to one person—Li Mingyuan. Since he became the Chief Engineer, Long Country has made astonishing breakthroughs in multiple fields."

"One person?" the Leader narrowed his eyes, "Can one person change a country's technological level?"

"It is unusual, but it is indeed the case," the Minister of Intelligence replied, "The technical talent and forward-looking thinking displayed by Li Mingyuan far exceed that of ordinary people. Our intelligence shows that he is not only proficient in aerospace technology but also has profound attainments in multiple fields such as electronic engineering and water conservancy engineering."

The Leader pondered for a moment: "Regarding his background, what have you found?"

"This is the strangest part," the Minister of Intelligence hesitated, "Before Li Mingyuan's sudden rise, there were almost no records about him. He seems to have appeared suddenly and then quickly became Long Country's most important scientist."

The Leader's eyes became sharp: "Continue the investigation. I want to know everything about this Li Mingyuan, especially the source of his knowledge."

He turned to the President of the Academy of Sciences: "At the same time, I don't care what method you use, you must accelerate our satellite program. The country's best scientists, the most advanced equipment, and the most sufficient funds are all to be invested in the space project. We must launch our own satellite in the shortest possible time and regain our technological lead!"

The President of the Academy of Sciences nodded, sweat rolling down his forehead: "As you command, Comrade. We will complete the mission at all costs."

The Leader stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the scenery of Moshi outside the Kremlin, his voice filled with determination: "The space race concerns national honor and security. Beijixiong Guo must not fall behind in this race, and even less can we lose to an emerging country like Long Country."

White Elephant Country, Made Cheng, Palace Conference Room.

Prime Minister Nalong Lazha held the newspaper in his hand, his brows locked in a frown. The front page reported the news of Long Country's successful satellite launch, which made the leadership of White Elephant Country, who were already worried about the Long Country hydropower station project, even more uneasy.

"What does this mean?" Nalong Lazha asked, "Long Country has suddenly become a space power; what impact will this have on our security?"

The Minister of Foreign Affairs pondered for a moment: "On the surface, satellite technology has no direct relationship with hydropower station construction. But this proves that Long Country's technological strength far exceeds our imagination. If they can surpass the Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo in the space field, then in terms of water conservancy engineering, they must also have advanced technologies that we cannot imagine."

"This is too dangerous," the Military Commander-in-Chief Supachai said worriedly, "A Long Country that has mastered space technology might use satellites for espionage activities to monitor our military deployments. At the same time, their hydropower station construction might proceed more smoothly and rapidly, posing a greater threat to our water security."

Nalong Lazha fell into deep thought: "What about the attitudes of the Star-Spangled Country and Beijixiong Guo?"