Chapter 572 - 560: Sharpening the Knife

Although Mr. Claire was speaking of a good thing, Nakayama Juji simply couldn’t bring himself to be happy.

After all, according to traditional American values, getting Congress to approve giving away technology aid for free could only be described as a pipe dream.

The difficulties JAXA faced were not simply technological issues; its development was also severely restricted by NACA, but now that they were willing to lift these restrictions and provide technical support, what would JAXA have to give in return?

His desire to join the Artemis program was one thing, but this kind of "support" was clearly another matter entirely.

"Mr. Claire... I, I am very grateful for NACA’s decision to support us. Do you plan to enable JAXA to independently launch manned spacecraft?"

"Of course, within the next one or two years, JAXA will have the capability to assemble and launch manned spacecraft, right there at Tanegashima. You could launch to the International Space Station, operate independently, and even travel to the Moon in the future.

John values the role of allies highly, and it was he who persuaded many people to agree to this kind of technological assistance."

Although Nakayama Juji could be considered as cagey as an old fox, he couldn’t help but feel moved by Claire’s confident assurances; indeed, those who could duel with Congress and emerge victorious were no ordinary characters.

Ordinary people would probably be overwhelmed with gratitude by now!

"So will NACA transfer technology and actual products to us?"

In his view, this was somewhat a bold probe, yet, Claire replied with a smile:

"No problem, you’ll even get to see the actual products very soon."

The quicker Claire agreed, the more alarmed Nakayama Juji became. Before he could ask further, Claire revealed his true intention:

"Our plan is to provide targeted support to JAXA, through joint participation in development projects for new manned spacecraft and rockets, with all results to be shared by both parties.

For example, if you invest in Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, you can dispatch personnel and laboratories to participate in the research and development process. Once the project is successful, JAXA, as a participant, can obtain spacecraft manufacturing capabilities unconditionally and arrange launch missions domestically without restrictions.

This kind of targeted assistance means you only need to liaise with one company, which is very convenient, and it can also save a great deal of preliminary investment costs. It’s very suitable for your country."

"..."

Nakayama Juji wiped the non-existent sweat from his brow; he had completely understood Claire’s meaning: they should invest in Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. As for the results... let’s assume for now it’s as he said, that they could gain the capability to manufacture spacecraft.

But look at that partner, Boeing, the very company that could swindle Congress out of a hefty sum! Nakayama was well aware of how ruthless the military-industrial complex could be with their own people, let alone outsiders; he could already imagine a dozen ways they could scheme to funnel out funds.

The Starliner was undoubtedly a pitfall, and Nakayama Juji had no intention of jumping into it:

"Sir... is it possible for JAXA to participate in more mature projects, such as Orion, Crew Dragon? The Dream Chaser is also great.

In our ’Star of Asia’ project, we have already learned how to manufacture service modules. JAXA just needs some manned spacecraft technology..."

"No, you won’t."

Claire revealed a technician’s characteristic cool demeanor:

"Aerospace systems are complex and highly specialized engineering endeavors, not something that can be simply pieced together.

As for partners, currently Lockheed, SpaceX and those few companies are very busy, I’m afraid only Boeing still has the capacity to provide you with support. Your country needs to seize the opportunity.

Space is the mainstream direction for the future world, and as our ally, your country cannot afford to fall behind in this area!"

The emphasized "ally" landed in Nakayama Juji’s ears as a full-blown threat.

Looking again at Claire, who had flown in himself, he knew that NACA was set on bleeding them dry.

"So how much research and development investment does Boeing need?"

"Not much, it’s a project that has already made some progress, roughly 8 billion US Dollars should suffice."

"Cough, cough, cough!"

The figure made Nakayama Juji’s scalp tingle, and for a moment he didn’t even know how to respond.

Claire continued:

"The figure is not high, JAXA won’t only receive the technology of a starship system, but also NACA’s half-century of accumulated manned spaceflight experience. We’ve spent trillions of US Dollars and countless efforts obtaining this experience, all of which will be handed over to you.

That’s the price for an entire manned spaceflight program, and nowhere in the world can it be cheaper."

"But it seems that India obtained their spaceship technology from Russia for just a few hundred million US Dollars..."

"That is seriously outdated technology! It’s an unsafe scheme from the 60s, what we’re offering is the world’s most cutting-edge spaceship, and JAXA will leap to the third or even second ranked space organization in the world."

"..."

"I need to think about this, and then let the parliament discuss it, your proposal will definitely be conveyed accurately..."

Nakayama Juji wanted to delay, he wasn’t eager to take on this big trouble and would rather toss it to the parliament and then resign immediately, but Claire didn’t give him this opportunity:

"Before coming here, we consulted some parliament members who are usually against space investments, but it happened that they all fell ill, so now it just needs your approval. Boeing’s integration team is already on the plane, and we hope to complete the agreement signing within a week."

"This is coercion!"

Nakayama Juji roared inwardly, but having heard all this, he was unlikely to be able to extricate himself.

John was clearly intent on cutting a slice, and even if he shrank his neck back into his chest, he still had to bear this cut.

"JAXA... will consider this seriously, but the cost is really..."

"Of course, the cost issue can still be discussed further." Seeing the other party relenting, Claire also became more amiable:

"Our goal is to support our ally, funding is just one part of the plan. Besides, isn’t the Futo Controlled District about to start clearing up? Since the IAEA has saved you the cleaning expenses for the next several decades, why not invest these funds into the space business?"

"But..."

"That will be all, you should finish these matters as quickly as possible, your health is also important. If there’s no improvement, I will apply for a professional medical team from the Presidential Palace for you."

Claire didn’t wait for a response and took a slight bow before leaving, obviously seeing no need to continue the conversation.

The one-week timeframe he mentioned wasn’t just to pressure Nakayama Juji; after finishing with JAXA, he also had to make a trip to India.

These two democratic partners are key focuses for John, Europe’s potential for being bled dry was nearly maxed out, and these two were still somewhat plump sheep.

As for ISRO having already acquired Russian spaceship technology?

Claire believed they would sensibly accept a safer technological upgrade, launching outdated spaceships that might endanger astronauts’ lives would be irresponsible on the international stage.