Looking at the white rocket body standing quietly next to the launcher, the two couldn't help but pick up the host of the customized smart AR glasses that Wu Hao had given them before and started taking pictures.
"Is this landing method reliable? The engine needs to be re-ignited during landing. It is very difficult." Lao Ma asked.
Zhou Xiangming, on the other hand, glanced at Wu Hao, and after getting his permission, he replied: "Yes, it is very difficult, especially when there is wind during the descent, so it is difficult to re-ignite.
However, we have used a brand-new ignition technology that can increase the engine re-ignition rate to more than 98%.
And we have a backup plan. When the rocket launcher is opened, a heavy object will fall down with a rope attached.
If an ignition is successful, the rope will be burned by the flames ejected from the engine.
If the ignition fails, after the weight tied to the rope falls to the ground and the rope relaxes, the equipment connected to the other end will immediately activate the backup ignition method, thus achieving emergency ignition."
"A very smart method!" Lao Ma couldn't help but admire. This method may seem primitive and backward, but it is very reliable and effective.
Xiao Ma raised another question that he was more concerned about: "Is the whole process a bit too cumbersome? Why not try to use a direct recovery method like the Falcon rocket?"
Hearing this, Zhou Xiangming smiled bitterly, shook his head and said: "Of course we want to use it, but with our current technical level, we can't realize that kind of direct landing and recovery method.
In fact, it can be overcome in terms of technology. The most important thing is the problem of materials. Especially the special materials used in engines, our country is still relatively deficient in this aspect.
Secondly, in terms of cost, no matter which method is used, everyone's purpose is the same, which is to be recyclable and reduce costs to the greatest extent.
Therefore, taking these two aspects into consideration, we chose a technical method that is more in line with our own.
Of course, we will not be satisfied with this. Relevant scientific research projects have been approved, and I believe that everyone will hear good news soon."
After listening to Zhou Xiangming's words, everyone nodded. Indeed, this is also an important problem that has long plagued the development of major technologies in our country.
Compared with other technologies, material technology has no effective shortcuts and relies entirely on time accumulation. Western developed countries have used it for hundreds of years, but we have only developed in this area for a few decades. The gap is still relatively large.
However, what Zhou Xiangming said is correct. No matter which method is used, the ultimate goal is to reduce costs. So from this aspect, this method is also very good. Not only is it consistent with the actual situation, but it can also further reduce costs, which can be said to be
Kill two birds with one stone.
"Compared with the low-cost disposable launch vehicles you produced before, this retractable launch vehicle is cheaper." Lao Ma turned to Wu Hao and asked.
Wu Hao saw this and replied with a smile: "The two rockets have different positioning and different carrying capabilities. In terms of manufacturing cost, the cost of the low-cost disposable launch vehicle is of course lower, but
The first stage body of the retractable rocket is reused, thus offsetting this part of the cost.
So overall, the cost of the retractable launch vehicle is relatively lower. However, this rocket cannot be used in all situations. Like some satellites in special orbits, the first-stage rocket body is difficult to recover, so
At this time, this kind of low-cost disposable rocket is needed for launch."
"If we want to launch a satellite, how much will it cost?" Lao Ma asked with interest.
Wu Hao shook his head: "This should be calculated based on the actual situation, such as the weight of your satellite, orbital altitude, independent launch or joint launch and other comprehensive factors.
Calculated based on a 100-kilogram small earth-orbiting satellite, the launch cost of such a satellite is about three million. Of course, the larger the satellite, the cheaper the unit price is.
No matter what kind of satellite it is, it needs a rocket to be launched into space, so we have to calculate the launch cost of the entire rocket in order to calculate the launch price of the satellite. If there are too many satellites launched at one time, evenly spread out, the launch price of each satellite will be
Cheaper.”
Lao Ma nodded when he heard this, and there was nothing wrong with what Wu Hao said. Indeed, there are many factors that affect the price of satellite launches, and it is really impossible to give an accurate figure.
However, judging from the launch price per kilogram that Wu Hao revealed before, it is still very cheap. So not only Lao Ma, but also Xiao Ma is thinking about whether he should launch a few satellites for fun.
"How much would it cost to manufacture a communication satellite?" Xiao Ma couldn't help but ask.
Wu Hao and Lao Ma were not surprised that Xiao Ma asked such a question. Because Penguin's main business is instant messaging, it is understandable that he wants to launch a communication satellite of his own company.
However, Wu Hao still shook his head regarding this question and said: "Similarly, there are many factors that affect the price of a satellite. To put it simply, it depends on the weight of your satellite and its designed on-orbit operating life.
The heavier the mass, the longer the operating life in orbit, and the price will naturally increase.
In terms of complexity, the quality of all the instruments and equipment in your satellite depends on what level you use, whether they are cheap or expensive. There are also the manufacturing process materials of the entire satellite, etc., which have an impact on the price of the satellite.
All have a great impact.
However, now that the state encourages private enterprises to invest in aerospace projects, there will be relevant discounts and subsidies for satellite manufacturing prices, which should be much cheaper."
After hearing his introduction, Lao Ma nodded and said: "I really know something about this. We had a meeting with our map business team a while ago. The content of the meeting was to discuss whether we are like G Song.
Build and launch our own optical remote sensing satellites.
To be honest, the map team was very eager and came up with their carefully prepared plans and feasibility reports.
However, everyone fell silent when they looked at the cost. The feasibility report proposed launching twelve optical imaging remote sensing satellites to establish its own commercial remote sensing map system for the earth. However, the manufacturing and research and development costs of these twelve satellites and the launch
The price is as high as billions of dollars.
Among them, the launch cost is still very low, and the largest part is the research and development and manufacturing cost of the satellite. The highest research and development and manufacturing cost of a single satellite can reach more than hundreds of millions of dollars.
That's it, people say it's still very cheap, but if it were to be expensive, it would be even more expensive."