CHAPTER 1870: CHAPTER 978: THIS MOMENT, RECORDED IN THE HISTORY OF SPACEFLIGHT

Looking back on those years, Eckx from America’s Space Exploration Technology Company also experienced multiple failures while attempting rocket recovery, resulting in quite a few rocket explosions. It was only after these failures that the rocket recovery technology matured.

However.

The rocket recovery technology research team at Mist City Arts and Science University also promised Ding Yue that while achieving a hundred percent success rate might not be feasible, they would do their utmost to ensure at least a ninety-nine percent success rate.

This made Ding Yue feel relatively reassured.

"Rocket ready for separation."

Inside the satellite launch center came the command for rocket separation.

After the rocket separates, the satellite will begin operation according to its predetermined orbit. The satellite launch can be considered basically successful, with the remaining tasks including the deployment of the satellite’s solar panels and other operations.

This is also the reason why the Space Administration chose to launch such a near-Earth satellite, as compared to other satellite or spacecraft launches, it is somewhat simpler.

After the separation of the satellite and rocket, the rocket must be prepared for recovery.

At this moment, the rocket had already delivered the satellite into near-Earth outer space. It is impossible now for the rocket to fall off by itself post-separation, as the Earth’s gravity in near-Earth outer space is too weak to affect the rocket. If the rocket shuts down, it would just float like space debris in near-Earth space.

However, these two rockets are equipped with precise recovery systems and have not exhausted their fuel. The rockets also have their own thrust systems for directional adjustment.

"Separation countdown, ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five..."

"Three, two, one..."

Boom!

The explosive bolts on the two carrier rockets detonated, effectively separating the rockets from the satellite.

The satellite started moving towards its predetermined orbit, and immediately after separation, the rockets activated their recovery control systems.

"Activate the rocket recovery control system!"

Upon the successful launch of the satellite, it was now time for the team from Mist City Arts and Science University and Feiyue Aerospace to step in, as the rocket recovery technology was developed by them, and naturally, they would handle the subsequent operations.

In reality, the rocket recovery technology is almost entirely automated, following preset paths for recovery. The team from Mist City Arts and Science University and the staff of Feiyue Aerospace only need to continuously monitor and conduct minor controlled operations. If any unexpected situation arises, it must be promptly resolved.

"Director Chen, we are performing real-time online simulation based on the rocket’s current status."

Ding Yue pointed to the large screen, where two rockets were depicted adjusting directions from near-Earth outer space, along with the simulation of the recovery process.

This simulation is based on the real-time status of the rockets and therefore holds significant reference value, as observing the rockets’ states in near-Earth outer space with the naked eye from the ground is impossible. Thus, only the rocket’s real-time status can be used to provide a simulation.

On the large screen, after the separation from the satellite, the two carrier rockets moved uniformly and began their directional adjustments.

As they sent the satellite into outer space, the heads of the rockets pointed towards outer space. In outer space, rockets do not naturally descend, as the gravitational effect of the Earth is practically nonexistent.

Hence, at that point, the rocket’s own thrust is needed for return, leaving near-Earth outer space to enter the Earth’s atmosphere.

Only when the rockets enter the Earth’s atmosphere will they be influenced by gravity and begin descending.

Therefore, the two rockets simultaneously adjusted their directions, which is popularly referred to as turning.

The real-time simulation on the large screen showed that the turning of the rockets went smoothly, and once they reached a certain angle, the rockets were reignited.

Exactly!

The rocket’s internal fuel has not been completely consumed.

Because the rocket fuel prepared for the entire process is meant to support continued use during recovery.

Once the two rockets adjusted their directions completely, they reignited, propelling themselves from near-Earth outer space towards the atmospheric region.

Upon entering the atmosphere, the two carrier rockets would undergo a second directional adjustment, as the speed is not very fast at this point, making it optimal for turning directions.

It is also the only opportunity to adjust directions without exhausting too much power. This is the method used by America’s Space Exploration Technology Company, as their most advanced rocket recovery technology involves recovering two carrier rockets.

Upon entering the atmosphere, the direction must be immediately shifted so that the rocket’s tail points towards the Earth, and the head points towards the sky, mainly because the rocker’s speed is still relatively slow, making the adjustment convenient.

Otherwise, if the rocket is allowed to enter the atmosphere without adjusting its direction, it would fall with its head facing the Earth and tail pointing up, accelerating in speed, making it difficult to adjust directions later.

Furthermore, as the rocket nears the ground, it must reignite with its tail facing the ground to create resistance, slowing its descent speed. Only in this manner can the rocket gently land.

Hence, if direction is not adjusted upon entering the atmosphere, adjusting direction later would be virtually impossible, preventing further rocket ignition to create counter-resistance.

"After entering the atmosphere and successfully adjusting direction, it’s just a matter of igniting the rocket upon reaching near-earth height, then guiding a landing, and it will be considered successful, right?"

Vice Deputy Chen tightly clenched his left hand, sweat in his palm, looked at Ding Yue, and asked.

"Yes."

Ding Yue nodded slightly.

It seems straightforward, but it requires precise control throughout the process, with no room for error. Otherwise, upon nearing the ground, any issue with angle or speed might result in the rocket deviating during landing, leading to a crash and ultimately failure!

Yet, from the current situation.

The descent of the two carrier rockets is completely under control. The Mist City Arts and Science University team and Feiyue Aerospace staff are doing their utmost to ensure all data from the rockets remains within their manageable scope!

Finally!

The rockets grew closer and closer to the ground.

People on the ground could now see two spots appearing in the sky.

These spots became increasingly noticeable, and soon everyone could see that these two spots were in fact two carrier rockets, rapidly descending.

"They’re coming down!"

Someone shouted excitedly.

The phrase sounds simple, but it’s not this easy in reality.

Throughout the process of "coming down", the personnel involved must precisely manage the data.

"Prepare to ignite!"

This was the rocket’s last ignition; throughout this rocket mission for satellite launch, the rocket had ignited several times.

"Ignite!"

Boom!

Upon reaching the predetermined altitude above ground, two carrier rockets ignited!

Flames shot out from the rocket’s tails, creating a powerful counter-resistance, gradually slowing the rocket’s descent speed.

The staff at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center observed the two rockets rapidly descending, but the ignition created enough counter-resistance to reduce their speed, and as they neared the ground, their speed had become much slower. When they were about a hundred feet above ground, their speed was under complete control.

Support frame extends!

Then.

The two rockets slowly descended side by side, each landing within their prearranged recovery areas, and the support frames steadfastly held the rockets, erect there.

This moment’s scene was so beautiful.

This moment will be recorded in the aerospace annals of Xia Country...