Chapter 1360: Attack and Defense from Outer Space
at the same time.
Colorado, North America.
In the Space Command's Reconnaissance Directorate Operations Center located underground in Cheyenne Mountain, Major General John Raymond was sitting in front of the command desk with his chin supported by his hands, his eyes fixed on the image on the large LCD screen in the distance with a serious expression.
In accordance with the military's internal employment practices, Admiral Lance Lord promoted this confidant one level of rank in the last year of his career and put him in an excellent position that was relatively easy and easy to achieve results.
If nothing unexpected happens, Raymond will have a smooth transition to his new position as Director of the Reconnaissance Office for 2-3 years and then enter the management of the Space Command.
In the best-case scenario, he might even become the new commander in about a decade.
Even if it is not so smooth, there will be no problem in retiring with the rank of lieutenant general.
However, maybe some people are just unlucky.
Raymond had only been in office for less than half a month, and had not even waited for Admiral Lord to retire, but he had already encountered what might be the most complicated situation since the end of the Cold War...
In the past few months, China's Second Artillery Corps has seen intensive activity not seen since 1996.
Although most of the actions were concentrated in the northwest and central China regions, and there was no evidence that they were related to intercontinental ballistic missiles, it still made the Pentagon worry that the other side wanted to take advantage of the White House change of leadership in 08-09 to do something big.
Thus, a heavy burden fell on the shoulders of Raymond, who was not yet fully familiar with the business.
If something goes wrong in this matter, forget about any promotion.
Just report directly to the Second Logistics Office...
Therefore, Raymond mobilized almost all available resources at hand, not to mention obtaining a 100% accurate result, but at least to ensure that the report he submitted was procedurally flawless.
"General, the data sent back by the RUBY-07 satellite has been analyzed..."
Colonel Devon Kenton, head of the intelligence analysis department responsible for image data processing, came behind the major general and reported in a deep voice.
Although the United States already has the most complete space-based reconnaissance network in the world, it is still unable to achieve real-time monitoring. Solid-fuel missiles require a very short preparation time and have strong maneuverability. It is entirely possible to find a way to complete the launch in the gap between two satellites passing overhead.
For this reason, they temporarily launched this new satellite code-named "Ruby".
Raymond took a deep breath:
"Quick, put it on the big screen!"
He smelled the familiar scent of anxiety in the air, the scent of the menthol ointment applied by the imaging analyst.
As a female captain nearby drew five parallel tracks on the touch panel, the processed satellite photos unfolded one by one on the screen like playing cards dealt by a dealer.
In the infrared image, several eye-catching scarlet spots are wriggling across the vast Gobi Desert, and the tail of each spot is trailing a comet-like afterglow.
Raymond is a civilian by profession, and in his opinion, this does not conform to the general signal characteristics of a missile launcher at all. It seems more like some kind of high-energy laser weapon is being charged.
However, he also knew that such speculation was unreasonable and speaking out rashly would only lead to ridicule.
So, I just waited quietly for the other party's further explanation.
"This is the latest technology on the Rubis 07 satellite... It can go back in time to a certain extent and take pictures of features that cannot be seen by optical or radar."
Colonel Kenton was a typical technical officer. He didn't care that his leader was like an ant on hot pot and continued to introduce the magical satellite.
Raymond couldn't stand it any longer:
"Davin, we know your ruby is extremely powerful...but this is an emergency, so it's best to jump right into the conclusion."
Kenton was not angry after being interrupted. He just turned to look at the female captain who was in charge of the operation.
"Ms. Levito, overlay the spectral analysis."
His voice almost silenced the hum of the air-conditioning vents.
The image on the big screen seemed to freeze for a few seconds, but was soon filled with rainbow-like light bands.
"We must admit that the Chinese have a good level of training. The entire transfer and launch process avoided all satellite surveillance... Of course, it is also because our satellite network has been neglected in maintenance since the Cold War."
Kenton pointed to the locations of the light spots and said:
"But we still found some clues, such as the nitrogen oxide concentration at this location was four times higher than the standard, and the typical residue left after metal combustion..."
As he spoke, he walked over to the console and took over the keyboard and mouse from Captain Levito.
The chaotic picture soon became clear:
"This is a characteristic component left behind by a solid fuel engine... We can basically confirm that a missile launch took place here no more than three days ago, and it is highly likely that no real warhead was installed, so it is impossible to observe obvious impact traces at several target ranges."
Kenton called up the optical images from the past and saw that there were only a few tents at the same coordinates:
"About half a year ago, there were no traces worth analyzing here, so this time... or possibly several other test launches, should be temporary plans rather than normal training that was prepared in advance..."
Although the way he speaks makes people anxious, his ability level is absolutely beyond doubt, otherwise he would not have been in his current position.
It may seem unbelievable at first that a missile launch 2-3 days ago could be detected by satellite, but since the tracks of large ships can be detected by the bubbles in their wake, it is reasonable for the solid engine to work by using the residual matter in the air to reverse thrust.
Therefore, Raymond nodded, accepting the other party's analysis results.
He drooped his eyelids and thought for a few minutes:
"In other words, the Chinese may be testing a new ballistic missile?"
In fact, at this point, he had already secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Although test-firing missiles is troublesome, it at least proves that the other party does not really want to make a big move in the southeast direction.
Kenton's expression was very twisted:
"I can only say that this is the most reasonable speculation at the moment...but based on our experience, including their past habits, it doesn't look like a normal missile test."
The huge underground command center fell into silence.
The only sound was the low hum of the ventilation system and the operating computers.
A few minutes later, it was Colonel Kenton who broke the almost frozen silence:
"Also, General, there is one more thing... I'm not sure if it's relevant yet."
He showed another satellite image on the secondary display.
However, this time it was just an ordinary optical image.
"Huaxia dismantled an abandoned antenna at the Maodao radar station in Longyuan Province, apparently preparing to replace it with new radar equipment."
Kenton pointed his laser pointer at the top of the picture, and it was not hard to see the fresh cut marks on the reinforced concrete base:
"The pedestal itself was built in the 7010s. The original plan was to install the second strategic early warning radar, but it was abandoned for various reasons, leaving a semi-finished product... Although subsequent radar stations were put into use, they were all equipped with radar models with certain mobility, so the pedestal has not been moved until recently."
"recent……"
Raymond frowned slightly:
"So it hasn't been built yet?"
"In fact, there have only been obvious signs of construction in the last few days, otherwise we would have discovered it long ago..."
Kenton switched the picture on screen number two to the third one:
"Of course, the equipment and supplies of this radar station are all transported from outside. Usually, there are many heavy vehicles entering and leaving. The main body of this radar is hidden inside the base, so it is possible that construction has already begun a long time ago, but the antenna has only been replaced recently... If this is the case, then based on the efficiency of the Chinese, it is estimated that it will be completed in about 3-4 months."
Raymond lowered his head and glanced at the map of China on the screen in front of him:
"Do you think there's a connection between these two things?"
This time, Kenton did not give a direct conclusion, but only analyzed:
"The observed launch location is in the central part of Meng Province, and the effect target range is located in the western part of Longyuan. Although the radar station is not on the flight path between the two, you also know that radars of this size are not sensitive to location. As long as the antenna is roughly aligned, there is almost no difference between 50 kilometers and 500 kilometers..."
Raymond sensed some hidden meaning in this sentence.
He has worked in this kind of office position for many years and is familiar with this kind of speech skills.
"I can tell that you are trying to lead me to a conclusion..."
He looked at Devon Kenton who was standing not far away:
"You may as well just state your conclusion, Colonel."
The latter, who was directly exposed, did not show any embarrassment, but just shrugged:
"I think China may be preparing to test a gliding hypersonic weapon, similar to our HTV-2."
Raymond's eyes narrowed for a moment, a reflection flashing in the light.
Combined with what they had previously observed in Huairou Science City, this conclusion is to some extent traceable.
But it only took half a year to prepare for the test...
"Can it really be that fast?"
He asked as if talking to himself, tapping the walnut table in front of him, making a rhythmic dull sound.
