Chapter 1698: The Road to Heaven

Facts have proved that in the end, no one dared to take risks along the coastline of China.

The entire transportation journey of Yuanwang 22 was smooth and without any danger.

One week later.

The huge body of the Yuanwang 22 space transport ship slowly came to a stop in the midwinter morning light, and a dull sound was heard as the hull touched the dock's anti-collision piles.

In stark contrast to the busy scenes of the past when it was loaded with sophisticated equipment, at this moment, there is only a solitary white container on its wide deck, which looks particularly lonely and solemn.

Almost at the same time as Yuanwang 22 docked, a TA4410 heavy transport vehicle that had been specially modified for radiation protection drove smoothly towards the shore along the dedicated transport road paved with shock-absorbing materials behind the dock.

The huge body of the vehicle cast a long shadow in the morning light, and finally parked precisely in an area framed by eye-catching white markings.

The driver, wearing a light protective suit, stared at the transport ship on his left through a special observation window.

At the top of the control tower, on-site system commander Yu Jinwei held a high-powered telescope in one hand, scanning the white container on deck 22, the parking position of the TA4410 transport vehicle, and the space between them. With his other hand, he pressed on the multi-channel monitoring screen on the console, magnifying and comparing every detail.

A few minutes later, he put down the binoculars and picked up the intercom. "Command Center, on-site report. Berth 22 is accurate, the TA4410 vehicle is precisely positioned, the dock environment meets safety regulations, and there are no abnormal interferences. Requesting authorization to transfer and lift the XS-1 module."

"Command center received, authorized to execute." A calm confirmation came over the radio.

"Yuanwang No. 22, vehicle No. 07, start lifting operations." Yu Jinwei gave the order on another live channel.

"Yuanwang 22 received, the hoisting procedure has been initiated."

"07 received, carriage locking mechanism ready."

The voices of Captain Li Yingjun and the transport truck driver were heard one after another.

Looking from afar on Deck 22, the sturdy ship crane made a low humming sound, and the huge hook lowered smoothly, accurately hooking the four heavy lifting rings on the top of the white container.

After a slight metal friction sound, the lock snapped shut with a "click".

With the precise manipulation of the crane operator, the white container was steadily lifted from the deck and hovered in the air.

After a brief adjustment, the container and the hook began to move slowly towards the transport vehicle on the shore.

On the shore, everyone's eyes were focused on the moving white square, while Yu Jinwei used the surveillance screen to synchronously track the trajectory of the container.

After a slight shaking, the container finally hovered just above the flatbed of the transporter.

Then the hook began to slowly descend.

"Clang..." A dull but firm contact sound was heard.

The base of the container fits perfectly with the specially designed anti-vibration and anti-slip brackets of the transport vehicle.

Judging from the depth to which the vehicle chassis was pressed, this container seemed to be slightly lighter than previous ones.

"The load-bearing capacity of the bracket is confirmed, and the compression of the buffer pad is normal!" the driver reported quickly.

"Visually confirm that the container is securely in place!" Yu Jinwei's voice followed closely, "Initiate the cargo hold locking procedure!"

A series of hydraulically driven "hissing" sounds were heard, and eight sets of sturdy hydraulic locking pins on both sides and front and back of the transporter's cargo hold popped out at the same time, firmly fixing the edge of the container's base.

"Locked in place! Confirmed!" The driver's voice was full of affirmation after completing the key step.

"Report No. 07 from the Command Center: The XS-1 module has been fixed and is being requested for shipment." Yu Jinwei reported.

"Agreed to depart. Follow the scheduled route, maintain a safe speed, and pay attention to real-time monitoring."

"understand!"

The diesel engine let out a low and powerful roar, and the huge TA4410 transport vehicle slowly started.

The steel behemoth with a total length of more than 50 meters drove smoothly away from the dock at a strictly controlled speed of 30 kilometers per hour, and then drove onto the Qinglan Bridge across the bay.

The sunlight shines through the bridge cables, casting flowing spots of light on the white containers.

Nearly two hours later, No. 07 crossed numerous security lines and drove into the huge vertical assembly and testing building (VAB) of the Wenchang Space Launch Center.

Under the towering dome, the lights illuminate the interior of the factory as bright as day.

At this moment, the other protagonist of the whole drama has already taken his place——

The body of the Long March 5C Yao-1 carrier rocket has stood tall on a huge assembly platform, with four sturdy booster stages distributed in a cross-symmetrical pattern, supporting the even sturdier core stage in the center.

The snow-white arrow body reflected a cold and powerful light under the light, appearing very oppressive.

However, the top of the rocket body, which should have been conical, now appears unusually "empty". The two huge fairings on the left and right sides are quietly placed flat on the special brackets on the side, obviously still waiting for the payload that is about to be lifted into the sky to arrive in place.

Two hours later, the white container was placed steadily on a horizontal support not far from the rocket by an overhead crane.

Next, comes the real challenge.

Twelve lifting operators wearing protective clothing immediately entered the site.

For them, who have been through many battles, vertically assembling rockets is not a new task, but handling nuclear devices is definitely the first time.

Therefore, although everyone had received relevant training and exercises, and the XS-1's double-layer shell itself could provide strong shielding capabilities, everyone was still a little nervous.

Every step is of great importance and no mistakes are allowed.

Operations team leader Fu Peng was the first to approach the container suspended by the overhead crane.

He held a highly sensitive radiation monitor in his hand, and the small screen on top of the instrument emitted a faint green light.

He carefully moved the probe close to the outer wall of the container, especially the seams and door locks, and moved it slowly.

The instrument's readings stabilized at an extremely low background value level, far below the safety threshold.

"The radiation level is normal and safe." Fu Peng's voice was clearly transmitted to everyone through the internal communication channel and also to the command room.

This is undoubtedly a shot in the arm.

"Open the container according to the plan." Fu Peng ordered.

Two operators stepped forward and used special tools to accurately and quickly unlock the locks on the sides and top of the container.

The heavy door slowly opened, revealing the true face of the XS-1 space nuclear reactor.

Fu Peng raised the radiation monitor again and brought it close to the outer shell of the XS-1.

The reading was slightly higher than before, but still remained firmly in the green safety zone.

The XS-1's outer shell has two layers, the outer layer has a very strong shielding effect and is used to protect ground personnel and equipment. However, after launch, it will be thrown away at an appropriate time, just like the rocket fairing, to avoid affecting the reactor's normal reception of neutron rays from outer space.

The inner layer is the true outer shell of the spacecraft.

"The shielding effect is good, and the radiation level in the work area is safe and controllable." Fu Peng's voice was noticeably more relaxed. "Attention everyone, the work ladder is in place! Adjust the hoist to a vertical position and prepare to lift the XS-1 body!"

Following the instructions, several large hydraulic work platforms surrounding the rocket body platform began to move and rise and fall, making space for the lifting operation and providing support points.

The huge factory overhead crane also made simultaneous fine adjustments, moving the specially designed four-claw spreader under the hook precisely to the top of the XS-1 cylinder.

Fu Peng and three other core operators boarded the work platform and approached XS-1.

At the end of the four high-strength slings of the sling are special self-locking hooks.

Four people need to manually hang the hook precisely onto the four specially reinforced lifting ears on the top of the XS-1 shell.

"Hook No. 1, in position, locked and confirmed!"

"Hook No. 2, in position, locked and confirmed!"

"Hook No. 3, in position, locked and confirmed!"

"Hook No. 4, in position, locked and confirmed!"

Four clear reports sounded one after another.

As the team leader, Fu Peng personally checked the locking status of the last hook and rechecked the tension balance display of the sling.

"Attention everyone, lift the rocket horizontally! Increase the initial velocity and keep it stable!" Fu Peng issued the core instructions.

Amid the hum of the motor, the four ropes slowly straightened and took on the stress.

The XS-1 module, weighing several tons, began to detach from the base bracket of the container very slowly and steadily.

The entire factory was silent, with only the sound of the lifting equipment running and the heavy breathing of the operators.

Inside the monitoring room, all eyes were fixed on camera images and sensor data from all angles.

The lifting process was extremely slow, like walking on thin ice.

When the XS-1 is lifted to a sufficient height to ensure a safe distance between the bottom and the container and work platform, the overhead crane begins to perform a critical posture transition - slowly changing from a horizontal lifting state to a vertical lifting state.

During this process, the precise hydraulic balancing system inside the sling plays a vital role, ensuring that the huge cylinder remains absolutely stable during posture changes, without any shaking or deflection.

Finally, the snow-white XS-1 cylinder was steadily suspended in a vertical position, with the docking ring interface at its bottom facing the payload adapter platform at the top of the second stage of the rocket core.

It also serves as the mounting base for the upper stage.

"Attitude conversion complete, vertical stabilization. Begin docking with the rocket."

The crane operator was fully focused, controlling the XS-1 to slowly descend with millimeter-level precision.

The adapter platform at the top of the second stage of the core is also equipped with precise guide pins and an electro-hydraulic locking mechanism.

"Ten centimeters... five centimeters... contact!"

The operator responsible for observing the docking gap keeps a close eye on the laser rangefinder and video footage.

A slight, dull metallic clunk could be heard faintly through the platform structure.

“The guide pin is in place normally!”

"Preliminary attitude calibration completed, the deviation value is within the allowable range!"

"..."

A clearer and more powerful hydraulic drive sound was heard.

Multiple sets of heavy-duty locking claws on the adapter platform extend simultaneously from all sides, firmly biting the docking ring at the bottom of the XS-1.

"Locked in place! The load interface electrical signal connection is normal!"

There was a hint of excitement in the platform engineer's report.

It was not until this moment that a faint sound of suppressed exhalations was heard in the command room and at the scene.

The most dangerous and delicate step has been completed. What follows is a relatively "routine" step.

But the requirements are also extremely high.

"Okay! Keep going and prepare to install the fairing!" Fu Peng's voice also revealed a sense of relief.

The huge factory crane moved again, lifting the two fairings that had been prepared long ago one after another, slowly closing them from the left and right sides, and finally connecting them together tightly on top of the XS-1.

Special explosive bolts and sealing rings ensure its reliability and airtightness during flight.

When the last key bolt was tightened into place by a hydraulic wrench, declaring the fairing installation complete, the Long March 5C Yao-1 carrier rocket was finally presented to the world in its entirety.

It is more substantial and majestic than any previous Long March 5.

It's not just physically larger, but also because what's carried on its top is the cornerstone of humanity's first step towards a deep space home.

Fu Peng looked up at the magnificent creation in front of him that was tens of meters tall.

The cold steel and composite materials shine under the light, and the five-star red flag painted on the fairing is particularly eye-catching.

He took a deep breath of the air, which had a strange smell after being filtered through multiple times, and lowered his head to the checklist in his hand, solemnly recording the exact time at the moment:

2016年1月21日，11时43分。

Then, he picked up the radio:

"Command Center, reporting from the assembly site. The Long March 5C Yao-1 carrier rocket assembly is complete. The mission payload and fairing are installed and in good condition. The rocket is ready for vertical transfer to the launch tower."

After finishing the report, he turned back almost habitually, looking through the huge factory gate at the dedicated transfer track that stretched straight to the launch tower several kilometers away.

At every space launch site in China, this road has the same name:

Ask the way to heaven.

The midday sun was shining on the road, as if paving a golden avenue leading to the universe.

Soon, this rocket, the product of countless people's hard work, will follow this path to its final stage, igniting a new era of human deep space exploration.