novelsite Chapter 68: The Magpie Bridge Project
Chapter 68: The Magpie Bridge Project
In traditional literature, the Magpie Bridge refers to the bridge where the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl meet. In the past, it referred to the relay satellite of the Chang'e-4 lunar probe, which was the first dedicated relay communication satellite outside Earth orbit for Southeast University and the world.
Now, "magpie bridge" specifically refers to an electromagnetic skid.
An electromagnetic skid, also known as a mass accelerator or mass projector, is a device based on the principle of electromagnetic projection, mainly used for high-speed projection of spacecraft or materials.
Compared to traditional rockets, electromagnetic sleds consume less energy and do not require fuel, with transportation costs only 1/10 of those of rockets, and a maximum daily carrying capacity of over 1,000 tons.
In 2019, the Qilu Zhongke Electric Advanced Electromagnetic Drive Technology Research Institute launched the construction of the "electromagnetic sled" test facility and related technology research.
In October of the same year, construction of the test facility began, and it was completed and delivered in September 2021. It was officially put into use at the end of December, with a total investment of approximately 33 billion yuan.
In October 2022, the world's first electromagnetically driven ground ultra-high-speed test facility, the "electromagnetic sled," was completed and put into operation.
This facility can accelerate objects of tons and above to a maximum speed of 1030 km/h (approximately Mach 0.8), setting a world record for the highest speed achieved by high-mass, ultra-high-speed electromagnetic propulsion technology.
In 2023, the electromagnetic sled project achieved supersonic operation.
With Guo Yi's technical assistance, the electromagnetic skid project was not only completed ahead of schedule in a short period of time, but also developed into a civilian space shuttle and equipment specifically for transporting supplies.
Therefore, the Magpie Bridge Project came into being: to establish multiple electromagnetic skid launch sites.
Yes, the Magpie Bridge Project does not involve building one or two electromagnetic sleds, but rather building one launch site with five electromagnetic sleds in each war zone for military use, and at least one launch site with five electromagnetic sleds in each province for civilian use.
Based on the content of the Tushita Palace Project, the public has extracted four key points in order: first, build an electromagnetic sled launch site; then, launch supplies and personnel to the moon to establish a small settlement; and finally, build the Tushita Palace.
So, we already have the capability to colonize the moon!?
This speculation was so surprising that even Volkswagen itself found it hard to believe, let alone other Volkswagen dealers.
However, people can argue and fight as much as they want behind closed doors, since the meat is rotten in the pot.
However, if outsiders get involved and try to take everything down, that's a different story.
Therefore, when the keyboard warriors outside started a war with sarcastic remarks, the keyboard warriors in their own community once again put aside their internal struggles, united against the outsiders, and started a new round of civilian keyboard warrior war all night long.
"This is Zhou Luming. David, late, no, you're back in China. It should be morning where you are, so good morning."
Just as the keyboard warriors were about to start their battle, David contacted Zhou Luming and got straight to the point: "Zhou, can we participate in your civilian electromagnetic sled launch site?"
The military electromagnetic sled project is definitely entirely handled by the higher-ups, and no one can interfere. As for the civilian electromagnetic sled project, the higher-ups plan to handle it in the same way as the airlines: with state-owned enterprises as the trunk and private enterprises and mixed state-owned and private enterprises as the branches and leaves, forming a diversified market.
Therefore, the Ansar Consortium, represented by David, also wanted to get a piece of the pie from the electromagnetic sled launch site.
As for why David sought out Zhou Luming instead of the official representatives of Dongda University...
Without a doubt, the electromagnetic sled is definitely related to Zhou Luming. Even if Zhou Luming wasn't the decision-maker in this matter, he was one of the decision-makers. Therefore, Zhou Luming certainly had the right to decide whether he could get a share of the benefits from the electromagnetic sled launch site.
Since that's the case, we might as well go find Zhou Luming.
After all, he and Zhou Luming have a personal relationship, so the success rate of contacting Zhou Luming is higher than that of contacting the official Dongda University.
As for the Ansar Consortium's attempt to freeload, the higher-ups didn't mind introducing a controllable "catfish" to prevent some of their own people from becoming arrogant and complacent. Therefore, Zhou Luming directly stated, "You can participate, but there are ten non-negotiable conditions."
"Speaking."
"First: We are responsible for the security and inspection work at the launch site;"
Second: The ticket price must be implemented according to our requirements;
Third: In special circumstances such as war, emergency transport missions, or emergency landings, we will unconditionally take over your electromagnetic skid launchers.
Fourth: If any property loss or personal injury occurs due to your work-related issues, you must unconditionally compensate the parties involved in accordance with our regulations.
Fifth: Your shares are not allowed to be traded privately.
Sixth: If the company is listed, your shareholding must remain above 51%.
Seventh: It is not permitted to use electromagnetic skids as collateral for loans from any bank.
Eighth: The construction of electromagnetic skids must be entrusted to qualified construction companies.
Ninth: It is not allowed to modify the parameters of the electromagnetic skid system without authorization.
Tenth: If you violate the above regulations, we will forcibly revoke your management and operation rights of the electromagnetic skid.
After stating his conditions in one breath, Zhou Luming asked for confirmation, "Do you agree?"
"..."
David thought for a moment and asked, "Could I first get some data about the launch site?"
"The launch site has two ultra-large cargo electromagnetic sleds, two heavy-duty material standard general-purpose electromagnetic sleds, and one high-speed passenger electromagnetic sled, for a total of five electromagnetic sleds."
In terms of rated load capacity, the maximum single load capacity of an ultra-large freight electromagnetic skid is 9 tons, the maximum single load capacity of a standard general-purpose electromagnetic skid is 3.2 tons, and the maximum single load capacity of a high-speed passenger electromagnetic skid is 8000 tons.
发射间隔的话，超大型货运电磁撬50分种1次，标準通用电磁撬28分钟1次，高速客运电磁撬12分钟1次。
It is estimated that the electromagnetic sled launch site will have a total daily throughput of 32.7 tons at full capacity.
In terms of cost, a single ultra-large freight electromagnetic skid costs 2800 billion international currency, a single standard general-purpose electromagnetic skid costs 1600 billion international currency, and a single high-speed passenger electromagnetic skid costs 700 billion international currency.
In addition, the launch site also has a giant electromagnetic energy storage station, an atmospheric heat insulation buffer chamber, an orbital transfer and parking station, a human habitation and life stabilization chamber, a fully automated material sorting chamber, ecological purification and other related supporting facilities.
The total cost of an electromagnetic sled launch site is estimated at 9700 billion international currency.
After Zhou Luming finished introducing some of the relevant data about the electromagnetic sled launch site, David couldn't help but twitch his lips: He swore to God that if the cost of the electromagnetic sled launch site was really that high, he would go to hell after he died!
Therefore, after hesitating for a moment, David tentatively countered, "Zhou, aren't we friends?"
This cost is a bit outrageous.
"With your finances, how could you possibly build an electromagnetic sled launch site in every province?"
"If we weren't friends, do you think you could get involved in the electromagnetic sled launch site project?"
Zhou Luming asked a question in return, and before David could reply, he continued, "Also, in terms of area, the cost of an electromagnetic skid launch site is less than that of a large international airport!"
An electromagnetic sled launch site covers an area of approximately 290 square kilometers, which is roughly equivalent to the area of 19 large international airports.
The cost of building a large international airport is between 600 billion and 800 billion. I'll use the midpoint of 700 billion as an example. The cost of building an electromagnetic skid launch site is equivalent to that of 14 large international airports.
Is it expensive?
"That means we're friends. Otherwise, even if you could get involved, the cost of building an electromagnetic sled launch site would be over 2 trillion."
"..."
David was speechless for a moment, then could only agree, "I've agreed to the 9700 billion and the terms. When can we discuss the contract?"
"Once you're ready, you can send someone over to discuss the details. Also, we only accept cash, goods as collateral, or a combination of payments, settled in one lump sum. We do not accept share swaps or installment payments."
"Alright."