Chapter 1,747 The 'Pioneer' Entering the Space Age
Has the development of this aerospace vehicle begun? Experts on site took over the aerospace vehicle model from other experts, looked at it carefully, and asked Wu Hao.
When Wu Hao heard the expert's question, he smiled and shook his head: "It is still in the pre-research stage, and our focus is still on manned spacecraft, commercial space stations, and lunar scientific research stations.
An aerospace vehicle like this can only be carried out in the future. After all, the cost of a project like this is not even a little bit, and we will not officially launch it easily without full certainty."
After hearing what Wu Hao said, everyone couldn't help but feel a little disappointed while approving it. The reason for nodding their approval was that Wu Hao was right. The investment in this project is indeed huge, and it cannot be launched in a hurry. It must be treated with caution. As for why it is regretful, it is because
The experts and leaders present are basically over fifty years old, and many are in their 60s or even octogenarians. I don’t know if they will be able to witness the first flight of this aerospace vehicle in their lifetime.
After sighing with emotion, everyone's thoughts immediately returned to the aerospace vehicle. An expert, a bald expert, looked at the model of the aerospace vehicle and immediately raised a new question.
Will the launch cost of this aerospace vehicle really be lower than the single launch of your current Walker reusable spacecraft?
After raising this question, the expert glanced at Wu Hao and then added: "At the beginning of the design of the space shuttle, there was also a plan to control costs, but the cost of each launch was far away.
Exceeding the price of a spacecraft launch.”
I know what you mean. Wu Hao smiled and nodded. This expert is also kind-hearted, otherwise he would not be able to raise such a question in front of so many people.
After sorting out his words, Wu Hao continued: "I think our aerospace vehicle and space shuttle are completely products of two eras.
Why do I say this? There are many reasons. I will highlight the key points.
First of all, the era background is different, the technology is different, and the application direction is also different. The design and development ideas and functions of the space shuttle have a very strong Cold War color. Its main function at the beginning of the design was to carry out the space arms race. It was originally designed to
The tasks performed also have a strong Cold War hegemony flavor.
The thinking mode and design ideas at that time made this space shuttle look more like a space vehicle that performs major missions and can be used in wars at any time. For this goal, Lao Mi invested heavily in this project.
Because of the limited technical conditions at that time, the development costs increased and the constraints were also great. The space shuttle was a huge system project, so the investment was naturally huge, and the technologies involved were naturally very complex, and some of them were even complicated.
Very immature.
It was precisely because of the constraints of the times that the space shuttle had several serious accidents later on.
As for our aerospace vehicle, its mission or design idea is very clear. It is an aerospace vehicle to transport personnel. Once the goal or direction is clear, the design and development will be relatively easier.
And relying on our existing relevant conditions, we are now able to solve many problems that were unsolvable in the past. We can now do better and better in some areas that we did not do well in the past.
Finally, the structures are different and the emission methods are different.
Although our aerospace vehicle has some similarities with the space shuttle, it also has very big differences. These differences come from all aspects, such as aerodynamic shape, launch flight method, recommendation system, control system, etc.
Compared with the complex launch method of the space shuttle, the launch method of our aerospace vehicle is simpler. It is actually an ordinary manned spacecraft launch, but we have simplified it.
The launch vehicle's second-stage rocket, fairing, and manned spacecraft inside the fairing were cut off. We only retained the first-stage rocket and booster parts.
The first-stage rocket and booster can be recycled and reused, and the same is true for this aerospace plane. In this way, we can reduce its launch operation cost and single-person transportation cost to a very low level.
At low prices, you can travel to space with millions of people, even lower-priced ship tickets, no, it should be said that air tickets are also available."
After hearing Wu Hao's introduction, everyone present couldn't help but nod and start talking. Listening to what Wu Hao said, this design plan really has great development prospects. Especially in terms of cost control, it can be said that Wu Hao
They have controlled costs to the extreme. In the future, whether rockets, boosters, or aerospace vehicles can be recycled and reused, the only cost to consider is fuel and related launch service fees.
By that time, the cost for humans to enter the sky will be very low and very convenient, which will inevitably lead to frequent space activities.
Soviet astronaut Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, the father of modern aerospace, famously said: "The Earth is the cradle of mankind, but mankind cannot live in the cradle forever."
Just like the Age of Discovery, the desire for the unknown will prompt humans to continue to leave the earth and explore the unknown deep space. Wu Hao and his aerospace vehicle will undoubtedly become the vanguard for humans to leave the earth and enter the space age.
Leader!
From this aspect, once this aerospace vehicle is successfully developed, it will be of great significance.
But precisely because of its great significance, many experts present were a little doubtful or worried. Is it really possible to carry out such a major project solely by this young and shameless guy in front of me?
Can such a private enterprise really undertake such a large project and develop such an aerospace vehicle?
So thinking of this, a leader immediately said: "Xiao Wu, have you ever thought about cooperating with the country?"
Huh? Wu Hao was stunned for a moment when he heard the words, and then he reacted. However, he did not speak immediately, but looked at the leader with a puzzled look. Since he brought it up, don't be so hesitant and say it directly.
Seeing Wu Hao's appearance and everyone's gaze, the leader glanced at Qin Xinghe and then said to him: "I mean, it would be very difficult for you to take care of such a big project by yourself.
Have you ever thought about cooperating with the country to jointly promote the development of this project? In this way, it will be much better than working alone. More importantly, it can promote the first flight of this aerospace vehicle as soon as possible."