Chapter 272 - 265 Sharpening_1

Texas, SpaceX base.

Ma and a dozen engineers wearing NACA logo T-shirts sat in chairs, watching the introduction by Tom Mueller, the chief designer of the Starship Spacecraft as well as the Falcon 9 and the head of the Merlin Series Engine.

"... The design goal of the Starship is to be a multi-purpose, versatile planetary spacecraft that will completely change traditional aerospace concepts.

On Earth, the Starship can reach any corner within an hour with vertical takeoff and landing and aero-maneuvers; for lunar missions, only minor modifications are needed to serve as lander, spacecraft, and return vehicle, and the same goes for any landable planets like Mars and Jupiter II!

It uses stainless steel material, which is cheap and sturdy. Dry mass is not as sensitive for reusable rockets, and even as a traditional rocket, it can still achieve a maximum payload of 200 to 300 tons..."

Tom Mueller continued enthusiastically about the prospects of the Starship spacecraft, while the NACA engineers below just listened with a cold face, not uttering a word until he finished, before they asked:

"So, what is the total investment for the Starship project?"

Musk: "3 billion US dollars, give me two years, and it will be able to roam the Solar System."

The engineers from NACA nodded slightly and whispered to each other, taking a while before they methodically presented a list.

"After NACA’s evaluation, we believe that Starship-Super Heavy has the potential to be a universal aerospace vehicle, and have decided to provide partial funds and the following technical support:

TUFROC improved toughening anti-oxidation composite structural thermal insulation tiles;

9-meter diameter rocket body manufacturing technology;

Atmospheric Flight Control System Technology;

...

A total of 14 key technologies worth 1 billion US dollars in support. Gentlemen, we hope you can create miracles, and perhaps our astronauts will land on Mars in the Starship Spacecraft in 2024."

Musk, face relaxing into a smile upon hearing this list of technologies, shook hands with the visitor:

"Thank you, SpaceX is committed to carrying America’s space dreams and continues to push deeper into space."

"Mr. Elon, I hope you have more respect for some traditional technologies. NACA is not an antique yet."

Ma felt a bit embarrassed by the NACA engineer’s jest; during the construction of the Starship prototype, he had planned to use a stainless steel shell to resist atmospheric friction and save costs.

The result of the tests was structural damage regardless of how much it was reinforced, forcing them to request NACA’s technical support for thermal insulation tile technology. What they got was the latest type of thermal insulation tile used on the official X37B, featuring a hexagonal honeycomb structure, much more durable and sturdy.

Not only will the Starship use it, but the Dream Chaser and FATS plans are also using it, much more advanced than the old space shuttle program.

After much consideration, NACA finally decided to support the Starship. Although the multiple parallel launches had some risks, it was currently the fastest way to obtain a super heavy rocket.

Whether it is the rocket body or the engine, NACA will provide technical assistance, requiring Starship to complete its maiden flight before the Artemis III mission - the official Moon landing - to serve as the transport vehicle for subsequent missions.

Following John’s victory, Director Claire started preparing for the Mars mission. There’s no doubt that the use of massive reusable rockets is a necessity. One-time-use rockets are a minor issue; the real problem is the low frequency of launches.

Moreover, SLS is already nearing its first launch, and the budget has more than doubled. If future reliance is solely on SLS, that would be too wasteful.

As for established manufacturers such as Boeing and Rom, neither their appetite nor their response speed can match SpaceX’s reliability. Claire cannot put all her hopes on them.

...

"Samarkand, you should know that heavy rockets aren’t simply achieved by stacking."

"Yes, the GSLV project has indeed consumed a great deal of our energy, you’re right," he said.

In Moscow, Samarkand was led by the Russians through several space design bureaus, where he admired many grand plans and advanced products. He was so impressed that even his typical Indian pride had to take a back seat.

Having studied abroad at the Imperial College of Engineering in the UK and having spent time in Germany and America, Samarkand thought more practically than the domestic egomaniacs, making him more aware of the technology gap between India and Russia.

The Gagan Yang project had been pushing forward for decades and could be described as a breakthrough at the lower limits of aerospace technology.

By comparison, was it somewhat more advanced than the Dongfang vessel Gagarin rode in?

Looking at Russia’s Eagle spacecraft currently in development, it was on par with the new spacecraft from China and America and far surpassed the Gagan Yang spacecraft.

Although both parties in the Star of Asia project with the Island Country optimistically expected a lunar landing by 2020, a look at their own foundations would quickly cool their enthusiasm, acknowledging it was somewhat unreliable.

Fortunately, as a loyal big spender for Russia, Samarkand still believed he could seek technical assistance there.

Yuri first praised India’s efforts, "The design concept of the Gagan Yang project is very advanced. Landing in the Indian Ocean saves a lot of mass, which is an excellent idea. But do you really plan to send people next year?"

"Of course!"

Samarkand stood at attention and puffed out his chest, a reflexive show of pride, though his eyes clearly had something else to say.

Yuri: ...

Accustomed to the Indians’ indomitable demeanor, Samarkand realized his enthusiasm and lowered his head slightly, speaking softly,

"Of course, if we could have some support from a country with more experience in space technology, the Gagan Yang spacecraft would be much more reassuring, and India is willing to repay such friendship."

Yuri looked at the three fingers Samarkand had raised and squinted his eyes, shaking his head slightly.

The latter gritted his teeth and put up four fingers.

Yuri still shook his head. Samarkand, with a pained face, thought for a long time and then opened his whole palm.

Yuri brought all of Samarkand’s fingers together with both of his hands and said sincerely,

"Russia is willing to fully support our Indian friends in developing an independent space program. The Gagan Yang project is too small; you’ll need space stations, and the Star of Asia project for lunar missions in the future. We can provide comprehensive support."

Samarkand understood; Yuri was essentially saying, "Who are you kidding with that little bit?"

"Then, that..."

Yuri cut him off, getting straight to the point,

"Russia and the Union have had multiple experiences with lunar lander designs. Aren’t you responsible for the lander design in the Star of Asia project? Why not join our lunar exploration program to gain experience?"

Samarkand: "Russia... restarting lunar exploration? The last was Luna 24 in 1976, right?"

Yuri: "Luna 25 is already being manufactured. You could participate and gain processes and technology for lunar landings, developing your own unmanned probes and manned landers.

Also, the H-X rocket, a heavy-lift rocket with a lift-off weight of 1,500 tons—you must understand the difficulty. But, this is not much for Russia."

Samarkand: "So, how much would this cost?"

Yuri: "Measuring friendship with money is a great injury to our friendship. Why don’t we relax at the reception first?"