Chapter 1242: Direct rising interception (the new January is about to begin, please ask for monthly votes first)
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, the content of 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. Some of them 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 worried him was 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 its working orbit at an apogee height 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, there have been concerns 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&A 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 when 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 above 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 group of veteran reporters quickly realized the explosive topic behind this matter.
Less than half a month ago, China publicly announced that it had successfully launched a new medium-range ballistic missile and accurately hit the target.
Now, almost immediately afterwards, the United States will conduct a satellite interception test in an orbit of 500 kilometers.
To say there is no relationship between these two things...
Only a fool would believe it!
The press conference, which was lifeless two minutes ago, was pushed to a climax almost instantly.
The Washington Post reporter was the first to raise his hand and was, not surprisingly, chosen by Yambrick to ask the question.
"As far as I know, this satellite is currently running in a nearly circular orbit at an altitude of about 585km. How can we ensure the success rate of interception at such an exaggerated altitude?"
To others'' surprise, he actually asked a technical question first.
Of course, Yambrick didn''t understand missiles, but the document in front of him just prepared an answer:
"The standard 3block1A interceptor used in this plan is indeed difficult to send the kinetic energy interceptor to an altitude of 585km for common-orbital interception. However, the cruiser USS Shiloh responsible for the interception mission is equipped with the latest BMD3.6.1 command system, which allows The interceptor does not enter orbit but is aimed directly at the target using a direct ascent approach."
"At the same time, the satellite will make a final orbit change before interception, entering an elliptical orbit of 585km at the far point and 210km at the near point to ensure that the fenced structure can fall in the central Pacific Ocean in a controlled manner. The expected final collision height will be slightly lower At apogee, it is approximately between 470-510km..."
Following his explanation, a slightly exaggerated missile suddenly appeared from the surface of the earth in the animation on the screen, knocking down the satellite that was undergoing an orbit change maneuver.
Perhaps because it was done too hastily, this clip even seemed a little funny, causing a burst of laughter from below.
The Washington Post made a somewhat strange start, which led to three or four people asking questions in succession, all related to technology.
Yambrick, who came from an administrative background, was sweating for a while.
Until the British reporter from the Daily Mail stood up and began to show his instinct of being a troublemaker:
"We have noticed that not long ago, China announced that it had launched a medium-range ballistic missile with a trajectory similar to that of the UARS satellite. I would like to ask if there are any hidden military considerations in the interception you plan to carry out? "
A very sharp question made the originally relaxed and pleasant atmosphere instantly tense.
However, Yambrick had actually been waiting for this to happen from the beginning.
He adjusted his tie slightly and replied 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 taking the initiative to assume international responsibilities. We also hope that Take this to set an example to all countries around the world, stop targeted provocations, and embrace a bright future of international cooperation..."
“…”
(End of chapter)