Regarding Chang'e-5's "mining plan", Chen Nian actually didn't think too much about it.
His request was simple, that is, after the first moon landing, retrieve enough helium-3 to complete the fusion miniaturization experiment.
This is not an easy task. You must know that the maximum number of helium 3 atoms contained in each cubic meter of lunar soil is between 10 and 20.
Reaching fusion standards is actually not as easy as ordinary people think.
——
But when it comes to this, past life experience once again comes into play.
Because Chen Nian knew that helium 3 on the moon was not evenly distributed.
In fact, in the lunar soil samples retrieved by Chang'e-5 in the previous generation, we have discovered a special ilmenite enriched in helium-3 element, which is called "helium-3 foam."
Extracting helium-3 from foam becomes extremely simple with the help of mechanical crushing.
The reserves of this kind of ilmenite on the surface of the moon alone reach millions of tons, and the corresponding reserves of helium 3 reach an astonishing 260,000 tons.
100 tons of helium-3 power generation is enough for all mankind for one year. These 260,000 tons are enough for mankind to establish a large-scale outpost on the moon.
By then, as the "lunar industrial system" matures, the difficulty of transporting helium-3 raw materials will drop sharply, further accelerating the progress of the human energy revolution.
However, the most urgent task now is to find a way to make Chang'e-5 bigger and bigger.
Otherwise, it might not be able to hold so many devices.
Let’s leave this to Li Bingzhong’s team.
It’s time for their TBCC project to evolve to the next stage.
At the same time, in Chang'an, Li Bingzhong's office.
"The current progress of the Long March 9 project is relatively smooth. After confirming the use of a new rocket engine, the LEO carrying capacity is expected to reach 190 tons, and the GTO carrying capacity is about 22 tons. If the Earth-Moon project is modified, the Long March The TLI carrying capacity of Type 9B can reach 80 tons."
"Compared to the 118-ton LEO and 43-ton TLI used by Apollo 11, our efficiency is higher."
"Of course, this is mainly due to the blessing of TBCC technology, but objectively speaking, our engines have not yet fully unleashed the potential of new fuels."
"The thrust provided by the currently used kerosene-liquid oxygen solution is far less than the effect of the metallic hydrogen-total nitrogen anion salt solution in the experiment. In terms of comprehensive carrying capacity, there is at least a gap of three to four times. "
"In other words, if we can completely replace it with a new fuel engine, we can even use one rocket to do the work of three rockets."
"This prospect is very tempting. But why are the superiors not optimistic about it?"
Rowan said doubtfully while looking at the several plans that were knocked back in front of him.
Li Bingzhong opposite shook his head and replied:
"What you see now are only the advantages, not the disadvantages."
"According to the current design plan, metallic hydrogen fuel can only take the solid-state solution route, and the solid-state solution has natural shortcomings."
"We will not consider the specific impulse issue because there is new fuel, but how to solve the thrust control problem? How to solve the repeated ignition problem? How to solve the recycling and filling problem?"
"Solid-state rockets are just like big firecrackers. Once they are fired, they are gone. It is suitable to use them as a propulsion solution for intercontinental missiles, but the problem is that what we are building is a space vehicle."
"This is not a one-time deal. If you send something to the moon, it will always fly back. How to stabilize the ignition of the solid-state rocket is also a big trouble."
"We already have a huge advantage now. Instead of pursuing breakthroughs, we should seek stability and develop liquid solutions first."
"After all, the current carrying capacity of the Long March 9 is actually quite sufficient."
Hearing this, Rowan couldn't help but sigh.
"But no matter what, I always feel a little regretful - what if we can solve the recycling and loading problem? Then the other problems are actually not a problem at all."
"I haven't said I won't do it. Aren't the Kuaizhou project and the Long March 11 project all about solid-state solutions? There has been a hyperbolic project of military-civilian integration recently, and the direction is still towards solid-state go-around."
"However, Hyperbola seems to be using a three-solid-one-liquid solution, which is still far from the ideal solution you have in mind."
"The gap is too big, the low-end version can't even be considered, it can only be considered a castrated version."
Having said this, Rowan reluctantly closed the report in his hand, seeming to have accepted this "imperfect plan" in his mind.
But only a few seconds later, he suddenly asked again:
"Tell me, should we try harder?"
"The superiors are currently unwilling to take the metallic hydrogen route, simply because of a cost-effective issue."
“But no matter what, this step must be taken.”
“Just like doing business involves trial and error, we also need to do research and development through trial and error.”
"If you lose now or lose later, the result will be the same."
"If we can finish wading through the muddy water now, wouldn't it also save resources for the future?"
Hearing his words, Li Bingzhong couldn't help but be stunned.
I have to say, this idea is quite strange.
But the problem is that when communicating with your superiors, you can't just go there with an "idea" in mind, you have to come up with a feasible plan.
At the same time, this plan must also include a foreseeable long-term benefit, which must be greater than the benefit brought by continuing to use the kerosene-liquid oxygen solution.
Judging from the current situation, these two conditions are really not that easy to achieve.
But what’s the harm in trying?
Anyway, after the TBCC project ended, the project team had ample funds and could allocate part of it to try some new directions.
Like Rowan said, it's all about trial and error.
Thinking of this, Li Bingzhong said decisively:
"It's not impossible, we can try it."
"However, even if it is to be done, there must be a charter, and we cannot rush into it all at once."
"My suggestion is that we choose a relatively small direction, achieve technological breakthroughs first, and show the results to our superiors."
"If you can pass, keep going down."
"In this way, both our project team and our superiors will face less pressure."
"As for which direction to choose."
Li Bingzhong frowned.
In fact, metal hydrogen fuel engines face many more technical difficulties than kerosene-liquid oxygen engines, such as high-strength, high-toughness, high-temperature-resistant shell technology, high-drug-to-weight ratio combustion chamber technology, and nozzle mass injection ratio technology, solid-state multi-stage ignition technology, and thrust control technology.
Basically every one of them requires a lot of time and effort to experiment and test.
Moreover, the difficulty of each one is not low, and no matter which one you choose, it is not easy once and for all.
"How about we try solid-liquid conversion technology?"
Rowan interjected and asked.
"This is the core problem we are facing now. The problem of high-temperature resistant materials can be solved by the Materials Research Institute. The nozzle and combustion chamber technology has been accumulated before. The field of multi-stage ignition and thrust control is biased towards solid fuel. , if solid-liquid conversion can be achieved, these two issues do not need to be considered.”
“If we can get this done, the obstacles to metal hydrogen fuel engines will basically be removed.”
Li Bingzhong nodded slowly and said thoughtfully:
"Yes, this direction is very interesting - metallic hydrogen fuel itself actually has the natural advantage of solid-liquid conversion."
He immediately patted the table and said:
"Then go in this direction! You notify us and pull out a project team."
"As long as we can figure this out, our path will be much easier in the future."
"22-ton GTO? Let's get a 220-ton one!"
On the other side of the sea, NASA headquarters.
Today Director Nelson’s office welcomed a guest who is not too unfamiliar, but definitely not common, and he is the founder of SPACEX, Elon Musk.
He sat across from Nelson carelessly, seemingly not interested in any of the topics spoken by the powerful man in front of him. He just drank coffee silently, his eyes wandering around the layout of the office, and he didn't know what he was thinking in his mind. Something.
Nelson was helpless about his performance. After talking about the financial support for the next quarter, he finally interrupted the conversation unbearably, looked at Musk and said:
"Aaron, I hope you will show me some basic respect."
"You know, at least half of the credit for your company's development to this point should go to NASA."
“If it weren’t for our capital injection during the critical period, SPACEX would have collapsed in 2008.”
“It’s kind of a mercy of the federal government that you’re sitting here now.”
"Even if you think the topic I'm talking about is boring - although I think so myself, at least you should pretend to be a little more serious!"
After hearing his words, Musk finally came to his senses.
He spread his hands and answered innocently:
"Nelson, you know that I have always regarded you as my closest companion and one of my best friends in life."
"My attitude is not towards you, but towards NASA as a whole and Congress."
"What's so good about such a boring report? Anyway, we already know that the budget for the next quarter will be significantly reduced, and all practitioners, including our company, will enter a cold winter."
"In this case, do you still expect me to have a good face?"
"I'm not in the mood to listen to your grand plans, nor am I in the mood to 'hide your capabilities and bide your time' with you - that's what the word says, right?"
"Now all I can think about is how to sell more electric vehicles, catch up with the new energy trends created by Chinese people, and maintain the basic operation of SpaceX."
"Let me put it bluntly, unless you can convince Congress to give me more investment, otherwise, there is no need for us to meet at all."
"Do you think I don't want to?"
Nelson's tone became a little urgent. In fact, he was more worried about SpaceX's operating conditions than Musk.
You know, it was his idea to bet on this business company from the beginning, and it had achieved pretty good results.
Heavy liquid rocket technology has made significant progress, and the development of rocket recovery technology is also going well. A bright future is in front of us, but at this juncture, the flow of funds has stopped.
The originally ordinary tests have become a luxury. Not to mention further development of heavy-lift rockets, even the rocket recovery tests that have progressed to the launch stage have been forced to stop.
If it continues to develop in this direction, not only will SpaceX's prospects be worrying, but its own position at NASA will obviously be impossible to maintain.
Therefore, he was eager to find an opportunity to reverse the extremely difficult situation.
And this is exactly the purpose of his meeting with Musk today.
Thinking of this, he exhaled heavily, then calmed down his emotions again, and continued:
"Aaron, it's not like we don't have a chance."
"What I talked to you about before was all routine."
"But now, what I am about to tell you will definitely be the most important decision you will ever make in your life."
“Is it more important than me buying a Tesla?”
Musk said slightly teasingly.
Although he has never admitted in public that "he did not create Tesla", he does not shy away from this in front of his friends.
"It's much more important than that."
Nelson deliberately paused for a moment, and after making sure that Musk's curiosity had been aroused, he continued:
"Because, I need you to sell your Tesla."
"Sell Tesla? Are you kidding me?!"
Musk's expression suddenly changed, and he suddenly stood up and said.
"calm down."
Nelson quickly comforted:
"This is not a mandatory requirement - and certainly has nothing to do with the recent wave of mergers and acquisitions."
"I'm just giving you a choice and a potential possibility."
“What if I said, selling your Tesla will allow you to go to the moon?”
As soon as these words came out, Musk's movements stopped instantly.
He was a smart man, so he naturally understood the meaning of Nelson's words immediately.
"Return to the moon project? Can you give it to me?"
Nelson nodded and replied:
"Funding is difficult and we are looking for outsourcing partners."
"There are many competing companies, but I don't trust any of them."
"If you can provide enough funds and sufficient cash flow, I think SpaceX will be the best choice."
the best choice
Musk repeated these words silently in his mind.
Yes, of course SpaceX would be the best choice.
It has sufficient technical reserves and long-term cooperation experience. More importantly, SpaceX’s research direction is very consistent with NASA’s public plan to return to the moon.
Low cost, large load, reuse
In fact, before Nelson opened his mouth, he had considered this project, but the problem was that the project was too large and the cost was too high, and he simply could not afford that much money.
But now, Nelson offers a more radical strategy.
Sell Tesla, all in the moon.
Is it worth it?
At this time, Nelson was still following the lead.
"If you think about it, times have changed."
"The biggest growth point in the future cannot be electric vehicles - the Chinese have superconducting technology. They will do it better, faster and at a lower cost than you. You can only die slowly in the competition with them."
"In this case, why not change your direction?"
"Go to space, there is still an unexplored blue ocean."
"As long as the plan to return to the moon is successful, everything you want to do in the future will not be difficult."
"Starlink, Mars survey, deep space exploration. Don't you really want to try it?"
"I think."
Musk answered without hesitation.
"But the problem is, it's just too risky."
"Have you not had enough adventures in your life?"
Nelson's tone of voice was extremely seductive. At this moment, he seemed like a mermaid sitting on the rocks to lure the crew into the water.
Musk also knows this, but it has to be said that he is indeed willing to take this risk.
"Are you sure I can get the return to the moon project?"
"One hundred percent."
Nelson said affirmatively.
"good!"
Musk held out his hand.
Then, the two held their hands tightly.
Nelson's eyes flashed with a hint of joy.
Regardless of whether Musk can succeed or not, at least he will not fail before retiring.
(End of chapter)
