The military-industrial scientific research system of the academic master

A week later.

8:35 a.m. ET.

NASA press conference scene, behind the scenes.

John Yambrick, the head of the press center, sat in the preparation room and began to sort out the documents filled with various materials and information as well as solutions to problems for the last time.

Over the past few years, he has maintained such cautious work habits, so he has never made any mistakes at a press conference.

According to the prearranged plan, this release includes the maintenance status of the Hubble Telescope, the space shuttle retirement plan, the status of deep space scientific exploration, and a space exploration plan currently codenamed "Return to the Moon."

These matters sound very high-profile, but they are basically reported to the media in advance, and some have even been featured in special reports, so they are not considered "news".

According to Yambrick's experience, there is a high probability that there will be no tricky problems.

What really worries him is a new piece of news suddenly released by NASA last Friday -

The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS), which has previously been confirmed to be retired at the end of its lifespan, will stop its orbital transfer and will temporarily remain in a working orbit at an apogee altitude of 585km until the next step is made.

This satellite is extremely large and some toxic fuel still remains. Therefore, since about two or three years ago, some people have been worried that it may eventually fall into a densely populated area after entering an uncontrolled state.

The sudden adjustment of the disposal plan will inevitably attract the attention of the outside world.

But he had repeatedly checked the Q\u0026A draft in his hand and determined that there was no content related to this matter.

Under normal circumstances, this means that if the media asks, he can only give an answer such as "no comment."

Of course this is not a problem, it just makes the atmosphere more tense.

Thinking of this, Yambrick sighed slightly.

However, just as he was about to stand up, he suddenly heard the sound of the door axis turning behind him.

As the head of the press department, Yambrick likes to be alone for a while before a press conference, and this is something the entire department knows.

So few people come to disturb us without opening their eyes.

What's more, he didn't even knock on the door.

He turned around with some anger, but before he could even speak the question, the expression on his face had already turned into a smile.

The visitor turned out to be the top leader of NASA, Director Michael Griffin.

"Director?"

Yambrick quickly stood up to greet him.

Griffin, who had just entered the door, waved his hand to signal the other party to sit down again. He also pulled up a chair and sat next to him. He put a document and a USB flash drive in his hand on the table:

"Please take a look at the news that has just been finalized, related to the UARS satellite."

After speaking, he yawned, showing a tired face.

From the looks of it, it was probably a meeting that lasted all night.

It is not uncommon for new information to be released at short notice.

But it was related to the UARS satellite, which just solved his urgent need for Yambrik.

So, the latter quickly opened the folder and quickly scanned the files in it.

Then, his expression changed from solemn to shocked.

"Director, I'm afraid..."

He never expected that such an "ordinary" satellite could actually get involved in the anti-missile interception test.

Griffin reached out and interrupted:

"Don't ask for too many details. The specific answers to relevant questions are all in this document. You just need to respond according to the content..."

…

Yambrick's prediction was almost accurate.

The first few contents are quite satisfactory and did not cause too much trouble.

When he announced the general arrangements for the "return to the moon" project, the content was so brief that it didn't look like a serious plan. In the end, only three people raised their hands.

The first two reluctantly asked some innocuous questions, while the third reporter who was called directly chose to go off topic and asked about the situation of the UARS satellite.

"It can be seen that this reporter is very curious about this."

A standard smile appeared on Yambrick's lips:

"But you're right to ask. I do have some relevant news that I'm about to announce."

Hearing this, the reporters below who were already drowsy woke up instantly.

"We will cooperate with the Air Force Space Command to conduct an in-orbit interception of the UARS satellite sometime between the end of this month and the beginning of next month..."

Before the people who were in an uproar below could react, the projection screen behind Yambrick that originally displayed the NASA logo suddenly flashed with white light.

The above content has also become a three-dimensional satellite orbit diagram.

"According to the original plan, UARS will be adjusted to a configuration orbit at an altitude of about 200km in the next few months, and then fall into the atmosphere at some point in the next 5-6 years."

Following his introduction, the satellite orbiting the earth on the curtain lowered its orbit, and finally fell into the earth in an arc:

"However, there are a total of about 14 million people living under the projection corresponding to the configured orbit. In order to ensure the safety of them and spacecraft in the same orbit, we decided to use technical means to intercept the satellite and completely eliminate the possibility of the debris causing damage to human settlements. …”

"..."

Big news.

Really big news!

A bunch of experienced journalists quickly realized the explosive topic behind this incident.

Less than half a month ago, China had just publicly announced that it had successfully launched a new medium-range ballistic missile and accurately hit the target.

Now, almost immediately after, the United States is about to conduct a satellite interception test in an orbit of 500 kilometers.

To say that there is no connection between these two things...

Only a fool would believe it!

The press conference, which was still lifeless two minutes ago, was almost instantly pushed to a climax.

The reporter from the Washington Post raised his hand first, and was not surprisingly selected by Yambrick to ask questions.

"As far as I know, this satellite is currently operating in a near-circular orbit at an altitude of about 585km. At such an exaggerated altitude, how can the success rate of interception be guaranteed?"

What surprised others was that he actually asked a technical question first.

Yambrick naturally didn't understand missiles, but the document in front of him just prepared the answer:

"It is indeed difficult for the standard 3block1A interceptor missile used in this plan to send the kinetic interceptor to an altitude of 585km for co-orbital interception, but the Shiloh cruiser responsible for the interception mission is equipped with the latest BMD3.6.1 command system, which allows the interceptor to aim directly at the target without entering orbit."

"At the same time, the satellite will make a final orbit change before the interception, entering an elliptical orbit with an apogee of 585km and a perigee of 210km to ensure that the fenced structure can fall in the central Pacific Ocean in a controlled manner. The estimated final collision altitude will be slightly lower than the apogee, approximately between 470-510km..."

Following his explanation, a missile with a slightly exaggerated style suddenly appeared from the surface of the earth in the animation on the screen, knocking down the satellite that was undergoing orbit change maneuvers.

Perhaps because it was done too hastily, this clip even seemed a bit funny, causing a burst of laughter below.

The Washington Post started off with a strange start, which led to three or four people asking questions related to technology.

Yambrick, who came from an administrative background, was sweating profusely.

Until the British reporter from the Daily Mail stood up and began to use his instinct to stir up trouble:

"We noticed that not long ago, China announced the launch of a medium-range ballistic missile, and the ballistic altitude happened to be similar to that of the UARS satellite. I would like to ask, is there any military consideration hidden in the interception you plan to carry out?"

The very sharp question made the originally relaxed and happy atmosphere tense in an instant.

However, Yambrick was actually waiting for this from the beginning.

He slightly adjusted his tie and answered seriously:

"All the behavioral norms of this test are implemented within the framework of the Peaceful Use of Outer Space Jump. Shooting down a scrapped satellite that may be out of control has nothing to do with the military, but is an example of actively assuming international responsibilities. We also hope to set an example for countries around the world to stop targeted provocative behavior and embrace the bright future of international cooperation..."

"..."