Rebirth: Controlled Nuclear Fusion

Part 164：Appointment

An hour later, after thoroughly examining the design documents, Ge Zhicheng found no major issues, except for a few uncertainties.

"Ge, what do you think?" Liu Tianhang inquired.

"The basic theory seems solid," Ge Zhicheng replied, "but there are concerns regarding the sodium borohydride and dimeric acid diisocyanate composite solid-state fuel mentioned. While the document claims the combustion strength is three times that of the liquid fuels we've used, this new type of fuel, still untested, may not only fail to perform as expected, but the development and technological maturation of such fuel would take at least a year or more..."

Ge Zhicheng analyzed the situation carefully.

Liu Tianhang gave a slight smile. These issues had already been considered when the project was approved at the Space Agency headquarters. Upon analysis, the feasibility of this new composite solid-state fuel was very promising.

"Ge, don't forget, this is a thousand-ton rocket engine," Liu Tianhang said, his tone measured. "Do you honestly think we can achieve the required thrust using the existing liquid fuel?"

Ge Zhicheng fell silent, deep in thought. Indeed, to achieve a breakthrough in rocket propulsion technology, a breakthrough in fuel was paramount, as it would need to provide the immense power necessary to support the engine's thrust.

Tonight's experiment had already shown that increasing the fuel output would lead to instability in the fuel balance. His initial approach had failed.

Nevertheless, this was just his first concept for a 700-ton engine, and he still had three backup plans. Compared to the thousand-ton rocket design, he believed his own plan held a higher success rate.

"Commander Liu," Ge Zhicheng proposed, "I suggest we hold off on the thousand-ton rocket engine design for now. I still have three backup plans for the 700-ton engine."

"The thousand-ton rocket engine design will begin experimental research tomorrow," Liu Tianhang responded firmly.

Ge Zhicheng, unable to suppress his frustration, retorted, "Commander Liu, I suggest we focus on the 700-ton rocket engine first; the success rate is much higher."

Ge Zhicheng was eager to quickly develop the 700-ton engine and prove to the world that China's space technology was world-class. If they focused all their energy on the thousand-ton engine, who knew how long it would take, and whether it would succeed at all? The Northwest Base couldn't afford to wait.

"The thousand-ton rocket engine project must proceed immediately," Liu Tianhang insisted. "This is the decision of the Space Agency headquarters."

Ge Zhicheng, visibly displeased, shot back, "What do you mean? Are you replacing me as the chief engineer?"

Liu Tianhang took a deep breath, trying to keep calm. "Ge, we're not replacing you. As I said earlier, Jiang Fan is only temporarily appointed as the chief engineer for this project. You are still the chief engineer."

Ge Zhicheng could hardly believe his ears. "This is madness! A boy of eighteen or nineteen is to be the chief engineer? You expect me to believe that a child can develop a thousand-ton rocket engine?"

Liu Tianhang, equally agitated by Ge Zhicheng's sarcasm, slammed his hand on the table. "Whether you agree or not, Jiang Fan will be the chief engineer for this project!"

Ge Zhicheng, eyes wide with anger, stormed out of the room without another word.

Liu Tianhang slowly returned to his seat, his mind racing. He had anticipated this confrontation with Ge Zhicheng, but for the sake of China's aerospace industry, he had no choice but to press on. He believed that in time, Ge would understand.

The next day, Liu Tianhang summoned all the scientific personnel working on the rocket propulsion project to a meeting.

Sitting at the front of the conference room, Liu Tianhang addressed the gathered scientists—over 300 of them. Ge Zhicheng was seated in the front row, to the right, accompanied by several technical leaders from various teams.

Liu Tianhang's eyes briefly swept over them before he took a sip of water and spoke in his characteristic deep, gravelly voice.

"Recently, significant events have unfolded in the aerospace field. The first is the breakthrough of our country, which has successfully developed a 500-ton rocket engine..."

At these words, the faces of the scientists in the room visibly lit up with pride.

Liu Tianhang continued, "However, the Beautiful Countyr has developed a 700-ton rocket engine."

This news sparked anger and frustration among many of the scientists, who immediately recalled the controversial comments made by Bai Yanlang.

"But," Liu Tianhang continued, his voice steady, "just days ago, a Long Country scientist successfully developed a thousand-ton rocket engine design, and it has passed approval by the Space Agency headquarters!"

The room erupted in astonished murmurs. "Who did this? Who managed to develop a thousand-ton design and get it approved?"

"Truly, this will bring honor to our country!"

"Once we succeed, we'll show Bai Yanlang and the others what the Long Country aerospace technology is capable of!"

"The thousand-ton engine? If successful, it would put the Long Country's rocket propulsion technology ahead of every other nation on Earth!"

The scientists couldn't help but discuss excitedly amongst themselves.

Sitting in the front row, Ge Zhicheng sneered inwardly, scoffing at the notion. "How naive. They really think developing a rocket engine is that easy?"

"Silence, please!" Liu Tianhang commanded, and the room immediately fell quiet.

He continued, "After thorough review by the Space Agency headquarters, it has been decided that we will immediately begin research on the thousand-ton engine."

"Due to the unique nature of this project, Jiang Fan has been temporarily appointed as the chief engineer. I now invite him to the stage to speak."

Jiang Fan, seated in the back, stood and walked slowly to the front of the room, ready to take on the challenge.