Chapter 101 - 97 Tiangong Phase 1_1

The final point about recovery technology, which had been giving the aerospace bureau a headache, was marked for further discussion, and the decision of the Aerospace Development Committee to universally adopt the RX01 data bus was preliminarily approved.

The third item was this year’s space program.

New Yuan proposed a plan to launch a combination, consisting of an XS-62 full-tourism capsule, Tiangong No.2, and Shenzhou No.11, into space before the Spring Festival, i.e., February 2016. The H1-type spacecraft would be responsible for trips between Earth and space, with a permanent crew of six.

Ownership of the cabin modules would remain with their respective entities, but they would be operated jointly.

This combination could cooperate with the spacecraft for space science experiments, in-orbit satellite release, maintenance, space tourism, etc., and could also dock with international partners.

Next year, the launch of the "Sky and Earth," jointly developed with the Fifth Academy, would mark the next step in the expansion, eventually becoming a long-term orbital space station weighing over 150 tons, on par with the ISS International Space Station.

The space bureau stated... they approve of this plan!

It was estimated that two CZ-2F rockets would be used, with Shenzhou No.11 and Tiangong No.2 ready to go, the XS-62 pure-tourism cabin would be quick to construct, and then one New Yuan-2 would be used, and for the Unity spacecraft, one New Yuan-5 would be launched.

This year, a total of three types of rockets would be launched four times, and after construction, the space station would have an operational mass of 60 tons and could accommodate a permanent crew of six.

The overall budget is 4.5 billion, with New Yuan receiving 1.5 billion, and the plan was named "Tiangong Phase One."

The Aerospace Development Committee, since its establishment, had been focusing on the Tiangong Phase One project, using it as a pilot project to showcase to the senior leadership, laying the groundwork for future development.

As for New Yuan itself, they were also expanding with all their might.

...

Badis, the head of the Italy Aerospace Agency, arrived with Saur, the executive of the Arianespace company from their country.

After landing, Badis went to the aerospace bureau, while Saur headed to New Yuan.

The Arianespace company had impressive capabilities, having participated in the European joint fighter jet development plan and being a partner to many aviation companies.

The two ISS modules they built, "Harmony" and "Tranquility," were launched in 2007 and 2010 by America’s spacecraft and, along with America’s "Unity" and Russia’s "Star" modules, comprised the four key service modules.

No wonder Italy was nervous about defecting from America; aside from not having rockets, their space technology capabilities are actually quite strong.

Saur had come to China because they were interested in New Yuan’s capability to launch large rockets and were very intrigued by their XS-62 space station, which they were developing for commercial tourism.

"Are you thinking about building a space hotel?"

Lin Ju received Saur and then fell into contemplation.

Saur’s intentions were quite clear: they wanted to build a single-segment, three-room space hotel, with each room representing one chamber, weighing 38 tons, and being 39 meters in length, capable of accommodating nine tourists.

Each chamber would have about a third of its surface covered in a combination of large portholes forming an observation cabin, with independent bathrooms, gyms, restaurants... small yet complete, absolutely luxury hotel standard, except for the swimming pool, which was eliminated for fear tourists might drown due to zero-gravity conditions, the comfort and luxury completely surpassed that of XS-62.

It would be equipped with a node module that could dock with four spacecraft following the European 1.2-meter square port standard.

Saur stated that the space hotel could be jointly operated with New Yuan Aeronautics, with them responsible for the main hotel design and construction, and New Yuan responsible for sending it to space with rockets and transporting tourists.

The entire plan was expected to be completed within 18 months because the rockets were already available; only the hotel was needed.

"Mr. Lin, carrying capacity is everything. Such a space hotel could operate for over ten years. With your transport capability, there will be plenty of wealthy individuals willing to pay a hefty price. We won’t lose money on this," said Saur.

Lin Ju: "How much is the estimated investment for this space station?"

Saur: "1.2 billion US dollars. If we charge each passenger 70 million US dollars, we can recoup the cost with just 20 trips, which is merely the carrying capacity of four Unity spacecraft flights. Roughly in two years, we’ll enter the net profit phase. Even if we go by the published price of your H1 flights, 50 million US dollars each, each flight would net us over 200 million US dollars!"

Moreover, can you really enjoy such a worthy space trip for just 70 million US dollars? Even if the price doubles, there’ll be plenty of people willing to pay."

Lin Ju was not dazzled by Saur’s numbers. Honestly, although Italy’s design for the Space Hotel indeed surpassed that of XS-62 by a lot, making the latter seem crude, empty, and utterly lacking in aesthetics, Lin Ju didn’t think this would truly bring substantial appeal.

The per capita charge for XS-62 was much lower. Even if the Space Hotel was better, how many people would be willing to spend tens of millions more US dollars for it?

Affordability is the future.

Moreover, Italy’s cost of making cabins was too high. Europe needed 1.2 billion US dollars, but for New Yuan, perhaps 1.2 billion RMB would suffice.

But, what does that have to do with Lin Ju? He just wouldn’t lose out by launching one H1 mission.

After some thought, Lin Ju voiced his opinion:

"The cost of launching the Space Hotel needs 100 million US dollars, and each launch of H1 needs 50 million US dollars. As for the issue of equity distribution, we can do a 30-70 split."

Saur: "As the constructor and operator, 70% is a bit low. Moreover, for us, 75% would be more appropriate."

Lin Ju: "You get thirty percent."

Saur: "..."

After confirming twice with the interpreter, Saur shook his head vehemently:

"No, no, no, Lin, the upfront investment for the Space Hotel is high. This way, it would take us a long time to recoup the cost. The board would not agree."

Lin Ju: "Only we have the capability for rapid launch and docking and, after the Space Hotel’s launch, I can operate the tourism cabin segments scheduled for launch this year together with it.

Moreover, we can provide more technical support. Can Italy really build a 6-meter class giant cabin segment? I suggest you let New Yuan handle the cabin section, then we can achieve a diameter of 7.6 meters, and the shell subcontracting price would only be 400 million US dollars."

Saur: "In that case... can we do 50%?"

Lin Ju: "I’ll add another 5% for you, 35%. Actually, the operating rights mainly belong to you. New Yuan doesn’t have much effort to put into the business side. We just need the money."

Saur: "Give us 5% more. We will release some equity to attract brands that focus on luxury hotels. They have many contacts."

"Deal."

In the following days, Arianespace and New Yuan Aeronautics Power signed a contract, forming "Oriental International Space Hotel" with the luxury hotel brand Belmond Group, with a registered capital of 3 billion US dollars.

The equity was divided as New Yuan 58%, Arianespace 33%, Belmond Group 5%, with the rest distributed as dividends to related small players.

Eastern International is currently constructing one space cabin and will add an XS-62 in the future.

New Yuan has now decided to launch the XS-62 by the end of this year or early next year. They have also signed an agreement with Belmond, which will help pull in business, participate in some space service design, and then charge a fee based on different heads and packages.

The reputation of Italy’s Belmond was not unfounded; they had just signed an 18-month brokerage contract with XS-62 and had already attracted three European tycoons willing to fund a week-long XS-62 trip, perfectly filling one flight.