Chapter 1661 The Sound of Breaking the Wall

the next day.

In a conference room of the China Academy of Engineering, the atmosphere was solemn and slightly tense.

An internal agenda is being discussed: the Department of Mechanical and Transportation Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Engineering will conduct a preliminary review of the qualifications for nominations for academicians in 2015.

All the participants were experienced scholars, and the air in the conference hall seemed to be stagnant due to the weight of knowledge.

Over the years, the allocation of additional seats for academicians has always sparked heated debate and bargaining.

This year, the focus is almost entirely on Li Yabo, who is entering the review scope for the first time.

As Chang Haonan's disciple and a backbone of Torch Group, he has achieved remarkable results in the fields of active flow control of aircraft and metamaterial structure design. He has participated in many major national projects including "Zou Yu" and his resume on paper is almost perfect.

But after all, he is only in his early thirties this year.

Chang Haonan was able to break the record of the youngest academician and was admitted to both the Academy of Engineering and the Academy of Sciences at the same time. This was indeed an undisputed achievement.

But for Li Yabo, the label of "core member of Torch Laboratory" has become a double-edged sword to some extent.

A senior academician adjusted his glasses and spoke cautiously, "The innovation and engineering value of Professor Li Yabo's work are unquestionable. However, we must rigorously examine his independence as an academic leader."

"Several of his most important achievements, such as the adaptive fluidic system algorithm for the 'Zou Yu' and the intelligent design platform for several key thermal protection materials, were completed as the head of sub-projects under a major project led by Academician Chang Haonan. The weight of his individual independent contributions and his ability to lead large independent scientific research teams require more sufficient evidence..."

These words represent the concerns of a considerable number of participants.

There was a slight murmur in the meeting room.

Of course, although it is reasonable to question the independence of work, everyone knows that the crux of the problem is not here.

It is the issue of teacher-student relationship that is a cliché but must be considered.

Du Yishan is still alive, and his disciple Chang Haonan is also an academician of both academies.

If Li Yabo also enters the Academy of Engineering this year, Du Yishan's title will most likely be given to Professor Liu Hongbo, who is also qualified to participate.

Considering the ages of these three people, the situation of three academicians in one family will continue for decades.

In contrast, if Li Yabo is nominated to the Academy of Engineering after Du Yishan's death, the transition will be much smoother.

Anyway, Li Yabo is still very young, and a few years of effort is not a big deal.

"Another point."

Seeing that the situation was somewhat dull, another academician also stood up and expressed his opinion:

"Academician Chang himself has never expressed his opinion on Professor Li's participation in the evaluation, so I wonder if his opinion is also inclined towards..."

Hearing this, Zhou Zhenbang, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, who was sitting on the side of the rostrum, couldn't help but smile bitterly.

In fact, with Chang Haonan's influence, since Li Yabo has already met the objective conditions, when he will be officially nominated is just a matter of a word.

The reason why things have developed to this point today, making it seem as if Li Yabo has no legitimate master, is largely because...

Chang Haonan has not expressed his opinion yet.

Most people couldn't even contact him.

This makes everyone wonder - is it possible that Academician Chang himself does not want to be too ostentatious?

After all, having three academicians in one family, no matter how reasonable the actual situation is, will inevitably give the outside world the impression of "academic cliques".

And it may not be beneficial to the long-term development of the sect.

Zhou Zhenbang knew that Chang Haonan was in seclusion solving the NS equation problem, but not many people knew about this, so it was not easy to publicize it.

The situation was stuck here for a while...

He had no choice but to order a temporary adjournment.

However, at this moment, the heavy wooden door of the conference room was suddenly pushed open.

A figure appeared at the door, instantly attracting everyone's attention.

It was Chang Haonan who was just mentioned.

Zhou Zhenbang's eyes flashed with extreme surprise for a moment, and he even subconsciously leaned forward slightly.

Taking advantage of the brief pause in the meeting, he quickly walked over to the other party, "Haonan? What are you... aren't you solving that century-old problem?"

Although his voice was low and there was no one around, he still concealed the words "NS equation".

Chang Haonan waved his hand very naturally and said lightly:

"already solved."

These five ordinary words sounded like five thunderclaps to Zhou Zhenbang's ears.

"Solution... solved?"

Even though he had experienced many ups and downs, he could not hide his shock at this moment.

"Ah."

Chang Haonan's answer was still brief, even consisting of only one interjection.

Zhou Zhenbang still hadn't recovered from the huge amount of information he had just received, and he confirmed with some doubt:

"Is it... a proof of smoothness?"

"No." Chang Haonan shook his head, "I got the general solution."

……

At the same time, in the press conference room of the National Space Administration, a press conference that was destined to go down in human history was also taking place.

On the huge background screen was a deep starry sky and a conceptual image of a magnificent silver space station consisting of multiple ring-shaped modules. At its core, a cylindrical structure emitting a soft blue light was prominently marked - XS-1.

Luan Wenjie, director of the Industrial and Construction Committee and former director of the National Space Administration, dressed in a dark formal suit, stood in front of the press conference podium, facing the cameras of the global media.

He didn't exchange many pleasantries. His steady and powerful voice spread throughout the conference hall through the microphone and was instantly transmitted to every corner of the world via satellite signals:

"Today, on behalf of the Chinese government, I would like to officially release the 'Initiative on Jointly Promoting International Cooperation in Deep Space Exploration' and announce the launch of the 'Beacon' space hub project."

The flash lights instantly formed a sea of silver.

In fact, China had revealed some information about space nuclear reactors a few years ago.

But "official launch" is obviously a completely different concept.

"Humanity's yearning for the stars and the sea has never ceased. Exploring the vast universe, expanding living space, and enhancing human well-being are the shared responsibilities entrusted to us by the times."

Luan Wenjie's voice was solemn and full of a sense of mission:

"The goal of the Beacon Project is to build an international space station at the Earth-Moon Lagrange point L4, capable of long-term residency and robust on-orbit servicing, and serving as a key transit hub for deep space exploration. This will be humanity's first solid step into deep space and toward establishing an extraterrestrial home."

The large screen behind him lit up with a detailed cross-section and parameters of the XS-1.

"The core supporting this ambitious goal is power and energy. Today, I am honored to announce to the world that my country's independently developed XS-1 space nuclear reactor power system has completed all ground-based comprehensive verification, demonstrating stable and reliable performance, meeting design specifications."

"According to the plan, the XS-1 reactor core module will be launched into space within two years and precisely deployed in the predetermined orbit at the Earth-Moon L4 point, becoming the energy source for the Beacon International Space Hub!"

There was an uproar in the audience, followed by more frequent shutter sounds and low exclamations.

Space nuclear reactor!

Launch in two years!

This seems to mean that China has gained a decisive lead in the field of space exploration.

Luan Wenjie raised his hand, signaling for silence, and then glanced across the room:

"From its inception, the Beacon Project has embodied the spirit of openness, sharing, and cooperation. I officially declare that the Project is open to all countries, regions, and international scientific research institutions around the world who are willing to commit to and abide by the principles of the Initiative and are committed to the peaceful uses of outer space!"

"We sincerely invite all parties to submit proposals for scientific research cooperation based on their respective strengths and interests. Forms of cooperation include, but are not limited to: participating in the development and docking of specific functional modules, carrying scientific experimental payloads, and dispatching astronauts to participate in construction and scientific research missions..."

The screen behind him switches, showing a simulated scene of modules from various countries docking and astronauts working together in the future.

"Once the beacon is completed, its powerful on-orbit propulsion, energy supply, equipment maintenance, and deep space communication relay capabilities will prioritize supporting partner countries' exploration needs for the Moon, Mars, and even deeper celestial bodies! We believe that only by upholding the principles of peaceful cooperation, openness, inclusiveness, and mutual benefit, and by pooling the wisdom and strength of all mankind, can we truly usher in a new era of interstellar exploration!"

“China is willing to work with like-minded people to write the next glorious chapter of human civilization!”

Before the echoes of the press conference had faded, global public opinion had been completely ignited.

The headline of the Hong Kong Gazette was directly quoted by many media outlets: "The old order holds the torch, attempting to divide the land through blockades; the new order builds the ladder, aiming to reach the stars hand in hand."

Initial reactions from the world's major space-faring nations also quickly reached us through various channels.

Since last year, the Russian Federation has been subject to thousands of bans from Washington. Now it has reached a point where it is not itchy even if it has too many lice, and is not worried about its excessive debts, and does not have to consider any consequences at all.

Therefore, their response is also the fastest.

Dmitry Rogozin made a statement to the media via video link from Moscow, expressing his excitement:

"China's announcement of the Beacon Project is a truly historic and revolutionary feat! It marks the beginning of an exciting new phase in human space exploration—the establishment of a permanent deep space gateway! my country's aerospace community expresses its warmest congratulations and unwavering support!"

He waved his arms and said in a loud voice:

"Russia strongly anticipates and is fully prepared to participate deeply in the construction of the beacon! We propose that Russia undertake the development of the core living module or large experimental module. At the same time, we eagerly hope to become one of the first partners to conduct long-term residency and in-depth scientific research after the beacon is completed..."

"..."

In contrast, the European Space Agency, which has more jars and cans, is somewhat hesitant:

"ESA has noted the grand and ambitious beacon plan announced by China. Establishing permanent infrastructure in cislunar space will be of immeasurable value for future scientific exploration and deep space missions, and is in the common interest of all mankind in exploring space and advancing knowledge."

ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain said in a statement, "We will conduct a comprehensive and careful assessment of the technical details of the beacon program, the cooperation framework, and its potential impact on the international space cooperation ecosystem. Based on the results of the assessment, we will explore the possibility of participating in cooperation in accordance with common interests and existing international obligations."

Although the overall stance was relatively ambiguous, privately, the heads of space departments in European countries such as the United Kingdom and Italy expressed high appreciation for the technological foresight of the plan itself and strong interest in participating.

A senior Italian official even said privately that "this represents the future."

However, the huge political pressure from across the Atlantic and the complex relations within Europe have created a complex tug-of-war.

At the public level, major European countries have not immediately and clearly stated their intention to take sides, maintaining a cautious wait-and-see and assessment attitude.

On the contrary, some West Asian countries responded more positively.

In particular, several other countries that failed to seize the initiative in building space stations are eyeing Saudi Arabia's space progress.

As early as a year ago, the "Xingyue" scientific research module funded and built by Saudi Arabia was officially connected to the Tiangong space station, becoming the Arab world's first manned spacecraft to reside in orbit for a long time.

Prince and pilot Talal bin Abdulaziz became the second Saudi citizen to enter space after 40 years, and soon broke the record of his predecessor Sultan bin Abdulaziz for the time in orbit (one week).

Although a total of nearly 2 billion US dollars was paid for this, compared with the International Space Station which only takes money but does nothing, China's efficiency of paying for goods is obviously more guaranteed.

Now, Luan Wenjie has once again proposed a cooperative approach of "participating in the R&D and docking of specific functional modules", which naturally attracted the attention of a large number of oilmen.

What? Who said that investing in R&D doesn’t count as “participation”?