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 the landing, which is very difficult. Lao Ma asked.
Zhou Xiangming, as for Zhou Xiangming, glanced at Wu Hao, and after getting his permission, he replied: "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, the backup ignition method will be activated immediately after the heavy object tied with the rope falls to the ground, thus achieving emergency ignition. "
Very smart method! Lao Ma couldn't help but admire. This method seems 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?"
Zhou Xiangming smiled bitterly and shook his head when he heard this: "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 also 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 insufficient in this regard.
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. I believe that everyone will hear the 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. Western developed countries have been using it for hundreds of years, but we have only been using it for a few decades. The gap is still quite large.
However, Zhou Xiangming was right. Either way, the ultimate goal is to reduce costs. So from this aspect, this method is also very good. Not only is it in line with the actual situation, but it can also further reduce costs, which can be described as killing two birds with one stone.
Compared with the low-cost disposable launch vehicles you produced before, the cost of this retractable launch vehicle is lower. Lao Ma turned to Wu Hao and asked.
Wu Hao saw this and replied with a smile: "The positioning of these two rockets is different, and the carrying capacity is also different. In terms of manufacturing cost, the cost of this low-cost disposable launch vehicle is of course lower, but The first-stage rocket 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 this low-cost disposable rocket is needed for launch. "
If we wanted to launch a satellite, how much would it cost? Lao Ma said 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 to calculate the price of the satellite. If more satellites are launched at one time, the launch price of each satellite will be evenly distributed, and the launch price of each satellite will be cheaper. "
Lao Ma nodded when he heard this, and there was nothing wrong with Wu Hao's words. Indeed, there are many factors that affect the price of satellite launches, and it is really impossible to give an accurate number.
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.
If you build a communication satellite, how much does it cost? Brother Ma couldn't help but ask.
Wu Hao and Lao Ma were not surprised that Brother Xiao Ma asked such a question. Because Penguin's main business is instant messaging, it is understandable that it wants to launch a communication satellite of its own company.
However, Wu Hao still shook his head 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 operating life in orbit.
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 is also the manufacturing process of the entire satellite, etc., which have a great impact on the price of the satellite.
However, now that the country encourages private companies to invest in space projects, there will be relevant discounts and subsidies on 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 want to G songs. Same as building and launching our own optical remote sensing satellites.
To be honest, the map team was very eager and came up with their well-prepared plans and feasible reports.
However, when they saw the cost, everyone fell silent. That 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, research and development costs and launch prices of these twelve satellites are as high as more than one billion US dollars.
Among them, the launch cost is still very low. The largest part is the R&D and manufacturing cost of the satellite. The R&D and manufacturing cost of a single satellite reaches hundreds of millions of dollars.
Among them, the launch cost is still very low. The largest part is the R&D and manufacturing cost of the satellite. The R&D and manufacturing cost of a single satellite reaches hundreds of millions of dollars.
That's it. People say it's still very cheap. If it were to be expensive, a single piece would be even more expensive. "
