Chapter 742: Conquer the Future

Lu Zhou didn’t just put out an argument.

After he expressed his opinion, he also explained in detail the economic and scientific impacts.

Considering the fact that the carrying capacity of the Skyglow Earth-Moon transfer orbit had now reached 25 tons, the significance of building a space station in lunar orbit was far greater than building an ISS clone in low-Earth orbit.

“… The Moon has an abundance of resources such as titanium and helium. If we have the capabilities to mine these resources, building a space station on the Moon is undoubtedly the better choice.”

After hearing Lu Zhou’s words, the expert who spoke before couldn’t help but stand up and speak.

“But we have to learn to walk before we run. I never said we shouldn’t build a space station in lunar orbit. But why don’t we take it step by step, and build one in low-Earth orbit first? Can you guarantee that the Moon space station is going to be successful?”

Lu Zhou replied calmly, “I can’t guarantee it, but I can answer your question. It’s because we can’t afford to wait.”

The expert frowned and said, “What do you mean?”

Lu Zhou smiled and continued to speak.

“You might not know this, but the lunar orbit space station is included in the 2018 NASA Lunar Gateway program. Even though their focus is now on the Ares program, the Lunar Gateway program is set to execute before Ares. We have reason to suspect that the Congressional Budget Office has already approved the Lunar Gateway program. Lunar Gateway will begin in 2022. If the Americans begin their lunar space station construction, things will be more difficult for us.”

Whispers were heard in the conference room. The expert that spoke looked like he wanted to say something, but he hesitated and couldn’t find a counter-argument, so he sat back down in his seat.

The lunar orbit was much narrower than the Earth orbit.

Perhaps with developments in aerospace technology and software technology, the space station orbit capacity of the Moon could be increased. But with the current technology available, one space station was the limit for lunar orbit.

If the United States 2022 lunar space station program began as scheduled, it would be nearly impossible for China to send another space station into lunar orbit.

Director Li had a serious look on his face.

Lu Zhou looked at him and said, “Correct, just like this gentleman said, we should learn to walk before we run. But we have the opportunity to conquer the future. If we don’t take this opportunity now, we will have to pay the price eventually.

“That is my opinion, thank you all for listening.

“Not only will the outcome of this debate affect this current space race, but it will also forever impact our country’s aerospace industry.”

People in this room were already under a lot of pressure. After they heard Lu Zhou’s words, the experts and scholars had an even more dignified look on their faces.

Forever impacting our country’s aerospace industry…

Jesus, if I choose the wrong decision, I’ll be shamed forever in history…

What if…

I let other people make this decision?

The “low-Earth orbit” and “lunar” supporters were divided somewhat equally into two groups. However, after Lu Zhou’s speech, the groups were no longer balanced.

Everyone looked at the front row, at the person sitting beside Lu Zhou—Academician Yuan. Especially for the supporters of the low-Earth orbit, they were hoping the old man would have a counterargument.

However, Academician Yuan sat there motionlessly. He didn’t say anything, and he didn’t react. He was in a neutral position.

Director Li repeatedly looked at Academician Yuan, but it seemed like Academician Yuan had no intention to speak.

All of the people in the conference hall that supported the low-Earth orbit station had a look of despair on their faces.

This old gentleman staying silent meant that Professor Lu had all the power. Even if other people disagreed with Professor Lu, no matter who they were, they would lose.

Not to mention that most people actually supported Lu Zhou’s proposal…

The conference continued for a while, and several other people stood up to speak, but it seemed like the decision was settled. Director Li announced the adjournment of the meeting.

After the conference was over…

Academician Zheng Xiangdong, the vice president of the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, immediately stood up and walked toward Exit A of the conference room. He caught up with Academician Yuan and asked, “Oh, my dear friend, you were sitting right next to that kid, why didn’t you persuade him?”

Academician Yuan looked at him with a strange look.

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“Persuade about what?”

Zheng Xiangdong immediately said, “Did you hear what he said?”

Academician Yuan smiled and replied, “I think he spoke pretty well.”

Vice President Zheng stared at Academician Yuan like Academician Yuan was a monster.

After a while, he pinched his eyebrows and said, “Wait a second, I’m confused… Haven’t you always been against that Professor Lu?”

“Who said that?” Academician Yuan stared at Vice President Zheng and said, “When did I say I’m against Professor Lu?”

Academician Yuan didn’t like Lu Zhou initially, but that was the past.

He didn’t like people who brought up the past.

It was like Vice President Zheng was constipated, he didn’t know what to say.

“That kid is crazy, he’s making you crazy as well.

“That project is worth tens or even hundreds of billions! If we build this space station in lunar orbit, none of the Chinese companies will be able to get a piece of the pie! Do you know what this means? Do you know how many jobs will be lost?”

Of course, what worried him the most wasn’t the jobs, it was also the rocket research and development projects at the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation.

If for the next five years, China’s demand for rocket technology shifted from low-Earth orbit to lunar orbit, even though the Long March 9 project might survive, more than half of other chemical rocket projects would be killed.

Zheng Xiangdong sighed and patted his leg.

“This kid is ruthless!”

Academician Yuan stared at Vice President Zheng and frowned.

“What are you talking about?”

Zheng Xiangdong began to explain to Academician Yuan.

“Do you not get it? If we build a space station on lunar orbit, there is only one Chinese company that will be able to deliver payloads! Other companies, including us, won’t even have a chance in the contract bidding wars! Why else do you think he wants to put the space station on the Moon? Do you really think he’s just that selfless for his country?”

If they decided to build the space station in low-Earth orbit, they might be able to use the Long March 5. It wouldn’t be cheap, but it would work.

However, if they decided to build the space station in lunar orbit, it wouldn’t be about the cost, as they wouldn’t be able to do it at all.

If they wanted to participate in the bidding wars, they would have to wait for the Long March 9. However, even if they upped the pace, they would have to wait until 2025 for the Long March 9 design and manufacture to be completed.

By then, the space station project would almost be complete.

Academician Yuan’s expression didn’t change. He shook his head and said, “He’s not that kind of person.”

Zheng Xiangdong was baffled, and he asked, “How do you know that? Are you his uncle?”

The only way for Zheng Xiangdong to change the space station project was to convince Academician Yuan and other academicians. Then they would have to write a letter to the Communist Party of China.

However, Academician Yuan wasn’t budging.

Haven’t you always been dissatisfied with Professor Lu’s involvement in our aerospace industry?

What is wrong with you?!

Academician Yuan saw how flustered Vice President Zheng was, so he spoke slowly.

“I’m not his uncle, and I don’t know him well. But he put his life on the line and flew on Skyglow. I can promise you he is not that kind of person.

“I know what your intentions are. I suggest you to give up.”

Lu Zhou was a national hero; an academic scholar!

There was no way Yuan Huanmin would believe someone like Lu Zhou was doing all this for monetary gain.

That was the kind of person Yuan Huanmin was.

Once he had a reason to believe in something, he would never change his belief.

Academician Yuan turned around and walked away, leaving Vice President Zheng behind.