My Age of Investment

The person who asked Xia Jingxing the question was a white male reporter in his thirties, with curly brown hair and a very sincere smile on his face.

But Xia Jingxing was not fooled by the appearance. He lowered his head and glanced at the microphone handed out by the curly reporter. The BBC logo was very conspicuous on it.

So Xia Jingxing smiled slightly and replied very calmly: "We developed the second- and third-stage rocket engines ourselves, and the rocket separation uses relatively simple thermal separation technology.

Of course, we also admit that we received help from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. Do you see the launch tower behind me? It was built by the staff of Jiuquan base. Fuxing Aerospace currently does not have its own launch site. "

The curly reporter expressed surprise, "You developed a rocket engine so quickly? As far as I know, it takes five or even ten years for a rocket engine to make its first flight, and it has to go through countless times. technical verification.”

"Yes, your data is accurate, but my team saved a lot of R\u0026D time and gave me a big surprise."

The curly reporter still didn't seem to believe Xia Jingxing's words and wanted to continue asking, but Xia Jingxing soon handed over the question to the next reporter.

"Darren, does Renaissance Aerospace have any clear plans for the future? For example, manned spaceflight, exploration of the moon and Mars?"

"Our short-term goal is to launch commercial launches into low-Earth orbit, and our long-term goal is to develop rockets with greater thrust. All the goals you mentioned will be achieved one by one in the near future."

The reporters took turns asking questions, and Xia Jingxing answered them one by one.

However, in the eyes of reporters, this private aerospace company that is rarely exposed to the outside world is still full of a sense of mystery.

After Xia Jingxing answered a dozen questions from reporters, he was ready to end the interview.

He told reporters who were still interested: "If you want to get more information about Fuxing Aerospace, please pay attention to our launch mission notice next year."

"Will Fuxing Aerospace launch a rocket next year?"

"Is it still the Wanhu-1 carrier rocket?"

"Will it carry a real satellite?"

…

The reporters dragged their feet reluctantly and kept asking questions after Xia Jingxing, who had turned to leave.

The reporters were disgusted by Xia Jingxing's behavior of pretending to be cool and then running away, leaving half of what he said. At the same time, they were eager to know more information.

But Xia Jingxing still refused to answer their questions directly, so he got into the car and ran away.

The reporters had no choice but to focus on the immediate future and sort out the news reports on this rocket launch.

…………

…………

The next day.

News that Fuxing Aerospace successfully launched China's first private launch vehicle began to appear in newspapers, and the news spread all over the country in an instant.

Can a private company launch a rocket? Ordinary people talk about it quite a lot, and it has become a topic of conversation for countless people after dinner.

The reaction of young people online is much stronger, and there are also data for reference. For example, the rocket launch video uploaded to Tudou has received hundreds of millions of views in just 24 hours, and related comments and likes on Weibo have exceeded 1,000 Ten thousand.

It can be said that Fuxing Industrial Group has never been so popular. It has never received so much attention even when it released a new mobile phone. It can be regarded as a successful breakout.

Discussions about Fuxing Industrial Group on the Internet are also quite interesting. Even "What kind of company is Fuxing Industrial Group?" has successfully appeared on Weibo's hot search list.

Countless netizens participated in the comments and commented on Fuxing Industrial Group in their eyes.

One of the top answers was: This is a Chinese private enterprise spanning consumer electronics, home appliances, automobiles, semiconductors, new energy, cloud computing and artificial intelligence, and aerospace. It has reached the world's advanced level in many fields and continues to do so. We are striving to lead the world in an all-round way.

The effect of the popularity of the "Fuxing" brand is that the sales of the Fuxing FX3 mobile phone have gradually slowed down and increased again. Countless users who have never bought a Fuxing mobile phone decided to give it a try.

Their reason for purchasing the machine is simple: a company that can even build sophisticated rockets can’t build a mobile phone?

Different from the applause in China, Fuxing Aerospace's popularity abroad has caused great controversy.

"This must be fake news! As a developed country, the Republic of Korea cannot launch rockets. How can a Chinese company do it? And their Fuxing mobile phones are far inferior to the Samsung mobile phones we use."

"No Indian should buy a Fuxing mobile phone. Every mobile phone you buy will be used as funds for the Chinese to develop rockets, although Wanhu-1 is far behind the GSLV launch vehicle."

"The Wanhu-1 was launched successfully in the first attempt. Those guys at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries must speed up their pace. It is a shame to be caught up and surpassed by a Chinese mobile phone company."

…

People in countries that are not friendly to China or are wary or jealous of China have transferred their emotions to Fuxing Aerospace. It remains to be seen whether this will lead to a boycott of Fuxing mobile phones, DJI drones, and conscientious computers.

On the day the rocket was successfully launched, Xia Jingxing posted a high-definition picture of the rocket taking off on Twitter, along with a celebratory text.

Not long after the tweet was posted, celebrities such as Gates, Andrew, Puppy, and Peter Thiel sent their congratulations.

Bezos, who owns the aerospace company Blue Origin, also wrote: "Welcome to the space club, Be will no longer be alone on the road ahead."

While a bunch of celebrities were sending their friendly blessings, Musk's speech was a bit out of place and seemed like he was deliberately trying to ruin the situation.

"Wanhu-1 is more like a Russian rocket, with Russian rocket engines and Russian R\u0026D personnel. Only the boss is Chinese, and the rest are all produced in Russia.

Some people compare Falcon 9 with it. I don’t think there is any need to compare, because SpaceX is an aerospace company that insists on independent research and development, and we never take shortcuts! "

As soon as Musk's tweet came out, it immediately triggered a discussion among American netizens. There were many followers waving flags and shouting behind him, and they were not very fond of the Russian-made rocket launched by Fuxing Aerospace.

Faced with Musk's provocation, Xia Jingxing responded immediately: "We are not interested in comparing with anyone, because we succeeded in one launch."

Musk seemed to be off guard by Xia Jingxing's words, and he sent several Weibo posts to reply to Xia Jingxing.

"Falcon 9 has nine Merlin engines. The thrust of a single engine is comparable to the RD-120 used by Wanhu-1. Moreover, the Merlin engines are developed by us ourselves. We can better control the cost of rocket launch. But you can't."

Xia Jingxing responded on Twitter: "Cost is not the only operating factor, reliability is the first priority."

Musk seemed to be in high spirits. Less than ten minutes after Xia Jingxing’s tweet was posted, he responded across the Pacific Ocean: “The reliability of Falcon 9 is also higher than yours. We successfully launched consecutively in 2010.” Twice, you have only succeeded once so far.”

"Our launch success rate is 100%. You launched six times and succeeded three times. The success rate is only 50%."

"That's just because the sample size is not large enough. Let's compare it after your rocket has been launched six times."

…

In the Fuxing Aerospace Branch located in Jiuquan, Xia Jingxing sat on the sofa in the office and took out his mobile phone with a smile, ready to see what new tweets Musk had posted today. It was quite interesting to chat with this guy. At least netizens around the world regard Fazhong Aerospace as a competitor of SpaceX.

Just like the renaissance of mobile phone anchor Wisdom Fruit, which was based on the old brand of Wisdom Fruit for more than 30 years, this time the revival of aerospace anchor was established seven years ago, and SpaceX, which has already made some famous names, has created a kind of brand for the public. Restoring the impression that aerospace is not weak.

The benefits soon became apparent. In recent days, the commercial department of Fuxing Aerospace has received inquiries from foreign customers. They want to inquire about the launch quotation of the recently popular Wanhu-1.

Xia Jingxing was quarreling with Musk online, while in private, Renaissance Aerospace was accelerating the development of the satellite launch market. The two parties cooperated so perfectly that Xia Jingxing even wanted to award Musk a best partner certificate.

"Mr. Xia, get ready. The meeting will begin in five minutes."

While Xia Jingxing was editing today's new tweet, Liu Xiaoduo opened the door and walked in.

"okay, I get it."

Xia Jingxing lightly clicked the "Send" button, then put away his phone and went to the company's conference room with Liu Xiaoduo.

Li Zexiang, Wang Tao, Ivanovich and others had already arrived. When they saw Xia Jingxing coming in, everyone turned their attention to the boss.

"The celebration banquet has been held and the rewards have been distributed. Let's discuss some new topics today."

After saying that, Xia Jingxing glanced at Ivanovich and asked in a gentle tone: "Has the mission for 2011 been determined?"

Ivanovich nodded lightly and replied: "Two test launches will be carried out in June and December. The launch missions will be carried out by Wanhu-1 and Wanhu-1 A carrier rockets respectively."

Xia Jingxing thought seriously for a few seconds before asking, "Is it necessary for Wanhu-1 to conduct another test launch?"

Ivanovich coughed lightly, "Darren, I remember I have explained this problem to you before.

Among the three-stage launch vehicles used by Wanhu-1, the first-stage rocket is equipped with a Russian-made RD-120 engine, and the second-stage and third-stage rockets use engines officially provided by China.

Our imitation engine will not be officially equipped until next year, and the entire equipment process will be divided into two steps. The first step is to replace the second- and third-stage rockets, and the second step is to replace the first-stage rocket to completely complete the self-sufficiency of rocket engines. Self-sufficient. "

Xia Jingxing smiled and said, "Okay, you are a technical expert in this field. I will listen to you no matter what you do. I just asked you casually."

Ivanovich spread his hands, "Actually, like you, I very much hope that Wanhu No. 1 will make a qualitative leap immediately.

But building rockets is a rigorous job, and every step forward requires a lot of energy.

Moreover, the team is now divided into two project departments, one department focuses on the research and development of Wanhu No. 1, and the other department focuses on the research and development of Wanhu No. 2, which takes away a lot of our manpower.

Of course, I'm not complaining about the lack of manpower. Fuxing Aerospace now has a full 2,000 employees, and there is even redundancy in human resources.

But your request is to develop a mature and reliable aerospace research and development team as soon as possible, so we can only make an arrangement where the old will lead the new. "

Xia Jingxing smiled and said: "I have no objection to this arrangement. Revitalizing the future of aerospace has too many goals that need to be achieved one by one. Our demand for aerospace talents is never-ending.

But astronauts are treasures of every country. They are highly regarded and difficult to poach. "

Seeing that Ivanovich's eyes were somewhat gloomy, Xia Jingxing immediately changed his words and said, "Of course, my Ukrainian friends are willing to go to China thousands of miles away to start a business with me. I am personally full of gratitude and admiration."

Ivanovich shook his head, "It's okay. Those of us who stay in Ukraine will be of little use, and joining the Renaissance Aerospace will not harm Ukraine's interests, so we don't have any psychological baggage about it."

Xia Jingxing nodded, and then said: "In the long run, we need to have our own talent construction and training system. This task will be left to you."

Ivanovich smiled and said, "These Chinese young people are of high quality. I believe that in a few years, they will all become outstanding aerospace talents."

After exchanging opinions on cultivating talents for a while, the two returned to the topic of next year's launch mission.

"The Wanhu-1 launched a few days ago has basically verified our rocket design. If we replace it with our own developed engine, it will be a perfect low-orbit small and medium-sized satellite launch vehicle with low cost and rapid deployment. , high performance and many other advantages.”

Ivanovich paused, smiled, blinked, and said: "Chinese officials should be very satisfied with the launch effect of Wanhu-1. After all, we helped them conduct a technical verification."

Xia Jingxing coughed and said, "Don't raise this issue again and again. You just need to remember that the rocket engine of Wanhu-1 was developed by ourselves."

Ivanovich made an "OK" gesture, and then said no more on this topic. He is also a person who knows the importance and knows what to ask and what not to ask.

Xia Jingxing recalled what Shang Hong had said to him in private two days ago. In addition to expressing official gratitude, he also said that the relevant departments would once again transfer part of the rocket development technology to Fuxing Aerospace for a fee.

Just as NASA has transferred some technologies to SpaceX overtly or covertly, China Aerospace is also preparing to help revive the space industry.

In fact, in addition to the rocket engine, many technologies of Wanhu-1 come from the government.

Although they are not the latest and most cutting-edge technologies, they can be regarded as the essence of China’s aerospace scientific research for decades.

Without special approval from above, these technologies would not be transferred to a private aerospace company.

It is precisely because of these basic technologies that Fuxing Aerospace successfully launched a low-orbit rocket just two years after its establishment.

"Okay, now that we've talked about Ten Thousand Households No. 1, let's talk about Ten Thousand Households No. 2."

Ivanovich stood up and played the PPT and said: "This is a recyclable rocket. After the first stage rocket is launched and separated at high altitude, it will be recovered on the ground for subsequent launch missions.

We named the initial version of the rocket we are studying "Dragonfly Rocket", which means dragonfly touching water. "

Xia Jingxing looked at the rocket design that appeared on the big screen with a smile. This is the real development direction of Fuxing Aerospace.

If he remembers correctly, Musk is about to develop the "Grasshopper Rocket", so Renaissance Aerospace's Dragonfly rocket must also speed up the development progress, otherwise it will fall too far behind.

Ivanovich pointed to the simulated flight pictures on the screen and explained: "There is no precedent for the development of reusable rockets, so we can only take it step by step, such as flying 1 meter first, and then 5 meters. Meters, 10 meters, 40 meters, 80 meters...

In countless flight tests, we will verify the rocket engine's re-ignition technology and explore the controllability of the engine thrust. "

"Is it too slow? According to this progress, when will the orbital-class rocket be recovered?" Wang Tao couldn't help but interjected.

"Don't be too slow!"

Ivanovich looked at the densely packed rocket cross-sections on the screen, shook his head and said: "I'm not even sure whether this technology can be realized."

Xia Jingxing first waved his hand to Wang Tao to signal him to stop talking, and then said to Ivanovich: "No matter how difficult it is, this technology must be developed.

The total launch cost of Wanhu-1 now exceeds US$100 million, which translates to a launch cost of US$100,000 per kilogram.

No one would be willing to pay for such an expensive "ship ticket".

Of course, we are currently only launching for the first time, and have added a lot of research and development costs. If we can ensure the successful launch of the rocket in the future, the cost can be reduced a lot, but it will be difficult to reduce it to the mainstream level of a few thousand US dollars to more than 10,000 US dollars per kilogram.

In that case, who would be willing to ask us to launch satellites or transport cargo into space?

Therefore, we must engage in research and development of recyclable rockets, which is related to whether Fuxing Aerospace can survive in the long term. "

After hearing Xia Jingxing's words, Wang Tao fell silent for a moment and thought of many things at once.

The successful launch of a test rocket is indeed just the first step in a long journey of thousands of miles. If Fuxing Aerospace wants to take a share of the national space event, it must have one or two unique skills.

The recyclable rocket is a unique skill that can reduce launch costs.

"Don't worry about research and development costs. Your task is to develop the Dragonfly rocket until it can be equipped with Wanhu-2."

Facing Xia Jingxing's firm eyes, Ivanovich nodded solemnly, "Darren, I understand that my team and I will definitely treat this as a fatal order to complete it."

"By the way, the development of Wanhu-1 and subsequent improved rockets cannot be delayed. Their mission is to accumulate launch experience, sharpen the team, and verify and test the rocket engine we developed ourselves!

Both are equally important, and only when they are perfectly combined can they truly become the foundation for reviving aerospace and pursuing the dream of space in the future! "

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