Chapter 200 - Chapter 200: The Uninterceptable Missile
Chapter 200: The Uninterceptable Missile
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Inside the NASA building, on the big screen of the satellite monitoring center, a bird’s eye view from space was shown. From this perspective, one could see a white missile flying toward outer space in a slightly curved trajectory.
Flanking the main screen were real-time data and orbit prediction calculations from scanning satellites.
“It’s this Crimson Corporation again,” lamented the director of NASA, who wished for this idiotic thing to explode right then.
It was regrettable.
After a short period, the launch vehicle had successfully crossed the Karman line and reached outer space.
At that moment, the first-stage thrusters were jettisoned.
The second-stage thrusters ignited.
Since it was a high-orbit test, the trajectory of the launch vehicle was steep.
Thus, after the second-stage thruster ignition, the missile continued its ascent into space.
“Flight trajectory nominal,” came an announcement.
“Flight controls operational,” another voice confirmed.
Mission control continued to monitor the data.
Tang Rui wasn’t concerned about this.
He was waiting for the missile to land.
Who didn’t know how to fly into space? It was merely a matter of throwing bricks with great force. This wasn’t challenging.
The real test was the return.
Especially for the 32 warheads, it was crucial they land accurately at their target points.
Soon after, the second-stage thrusters detached and the third-stage thrusters ignited.
By this time, the missile had already passed through the Earth’s middle orbit and reached the higher orbit.
According to the predetermined trajectory, the height of 18,000 kilometers was the apex of the missiles’ flight.
Not long after the third-stage thruster ignited, the main control program began to shut down the engine.
As the engine ceased operation.
The velocity of the missile began to decrease.
At an altitude of 23,000 kilometers, its inertia had essentially dissipated, and the speed of the missile was now quite slow.
At this juncture, the missile executed a 180-degree turn.
The third-stage thrusters reignited.
Influenced by Earth’s gravity and the thrusters, the object began to accelerate again.
At this moment, those who had been watching the missile began to focus intently.
The return was paramount.
The performance of the missile would be demonstrated now.
Mach 10.
Mach 20.
Mach 30.
After accelerating from high orbit down to low orbit, the missiles’ speed had reached the astounding Mach 35.
At this point,
The third-stage thrusters detached.
The reentry vehicle’s protective mechanism activated as it separated.
Thirty-two reentry vehicles were ejected into space, beginning to make various erratic movements.
Such a development left all observers of the missile astounded.
Was it a programming error?
A failed test?
The reentry vehicle should only separate after re-entering the atmosphere and passing through the heat barrier, right?
Why did they separate in outer space?
Moreover, observing the trajectories of these reentry vehicles, it was clear there was an issue; they were too dispersed, their paths utterly different.
As the group remained dumbfounded,
The thirty-two reentry vehicles crossed the Karman Line and plunged into the atmosphere at a velocity of Mach 37.
All thirty-two reentry vehicles lost their signal in the heat barrier zone.
However, once they penetrated the heat barrier, the engines on the reentry vehicles ignited again, propelling the now Mach 27 decelerated reentry vehicles to accelerate once more.
At this moment, all those who witnessed the scene were stunned.
Then, under their terrified stares,
The thirty-two reentry vehicles hit their targets on the ground perfectly, each landing in the bullseye’s center.
The largest deviation was no more than 39 centimeters.
Whoosh…
The thirty-two reentry vehicles began to emit colorful smoke.
Ground observers immediately started moving toward the targets to retrieve the reentry vehicles.
Only then did those who had been fixed on the missile regain their composure.
No more needed to be said.
No further discussion was necessary.
The meeting continued.
The topic was how to intercept an reentry vehicle capable of splitting up in space.
Midcourse anti-missile defense?
That might as well be a joke.
With erratic trajectories, an entry speed of Mach 37, and subsequent acceleration,
What could possibly intercept them?
Should they attempt to block them with their own bodies?
In contrast, the space command center was elated. Everyone stood and applauded.
All 32 attempts were successful.
If even a few of these launches could be repeated, it could cover… well, cough, cough. It meant more astronauts could land safely.
Even though the Dongfeng-17, with its unusual trajectory, was already in use, it was beneficial to add another method capable of independent propulsion in space.
This was just a test.
Moreover, it was a high-orbit test.
Yet, anyone with common sense could see that interception was futile.
Unless it was intercepted at launch before reaching orbit, there was no chance later on.
But could one even catch up at launch?
With the third-stage propulsion system,
What were their options?
Not even the Saturn V could keep pace.
In conclusion, as long as this device was launched, it essentially meant destruction.
What are the three great truths of the world?
This device, along with mushroom bombs, held the ultimate truth.
“President Tang, the test proceeded smoothly. All targets were hit, and the design’s theoretical performance was flawless. Thank you for your hard work,” said the leader of the Rocket Army, finally speaking in the space command center, offering high praise.
Before this test, whether it was creating airplanes or space shuttles, Tang Rui was considered a genius.
Before this, the missile had increased their tactical attack capability. But now, it appeared it could elevate their strategic strike capability.
The difference was just a word, but it was a world of difference.
The former was important, as it could determine the outcome of a battle.
The latter, usually irrelevant, could decide the fate of a nation and the future of humanity.
The significance of the two was incomparable.
“No, no. This is what I should do. 1 don’t deserve such praise. Since the test is without issues, can we begin mass production?” Tang Rui humbly asked.
“Yes, we’ve reviewed the blueprints. Although the manufacturing difficulty is significant, it’s manageable,” came the reply.
That meant mass production was possible.
“Then, may 1 make another to display at home? I don’t need it; it will simply sit there. Otherwise, the launch well will look somewhat bare,” Tang Rui inquired, hopeful.
“Cough cough… President Tang, there’s no need for you to fund this. We will handle the production. Once it’s made, the Rocket Army will send one over,” the official said, trying to suppress his cough.
Allow Tang Rui to make another?
That was out of the question.
Before the test, it was just another project.
But now, it was no simple ballistic missile.
A missile that couldn’t be intercepted brought deterrence to its peak.
Hence, it was better that Tang Rui not make another.
Once they produced it, they would place one in the underground silo.
After all, they could control what they supplied.
If Tang Rui made it, they couldn’t control it.
This would also block the silo, preventing Tang Rui from inserting anything else in the future..