Episode 148: Eye in the Sky
Ultimately, we succeeded in launching 16 low-Earth orbit satellites and 6 geostationary GPS satellites.
All satellites were placed into their planned orbits.
In addition, there were 10 second-stage rockets for the low-Earth orbit platform. These, too, are orbiting without issue.
“The low-Earth orbit platforms will be docked sequentially. For the time being, these satellite groups will monitor the surrounding space, scanning for any threats.”
“Having to worry about outer space too? That’s beyond unreasonable (fantasy),” Eve said.
Following advice from a certain fantasy enthusiast, she was warned never to let her guard down, even in outer space.
Apparently, a magic user who can manipulate space could easily operate in outer space.
Whether it’s spatial teleportation or gravity manipulation, there might even be aerial castles.
Fortunately, Commander (Mum) understands such creations.
No matter how absurd, she judged that the danger could not be ignored.
“When you think about it, we can only observe this side of space. We haven’t been able to see what’s on the other side until now.”
“Yes, Ma’am. Information analysis will begin as soon as the high-resolution cameras and communication devices are calibrated.”
The low-Earth orbit satellites have already circled this planet many times. However, they are still in the process of fine-tuning (calibration) their attitude control, various observation devices, and communication devices, so they have not yet been able to collect any information.
At best, we’ve learned that they won’t be shot down immediately even if they orbit in their satellite paths.
“We will adjust the orbit and position the satellites so that constant communication is possible.
As we accumulate operational know-how, let’s launch the other satellites in sequence.”
“Okay. The condition of Orbital Insertion Vehicle 1 (Booby One) is fine, right?”
All three Booby One launch vehicles are currently undergoing overhaul.
Although the continuous launch itself was successful, we are conducting a detailed investigation to see if any problems have occurred with the rocket itself.
“Yes, Ma’am. So far, no problems have been found. The same goes for Orbital Insertion Vehicle 2 (Booby Two), and there are no unexpected issues there either.”
The operation of the orbital insertion vehicles is also going smoothly.
Although the mass that can be inserted in a single launch is small, continuous operation is possible, so the cost is not that bad.
If the safety of the satellite orbit can be confirmed, further improvements and increased production can be implemented.
“In about 51 hours, the geostationary satellites will also begin operating in their designated positions. GPS will be available, which will greatly improve our air power.”
“Autonomous missile flight will be easier,” Eve said.
Without GPS, the terminal guidance of cruise missiles must rely on images or onboard radar. In that case, the resolution is low, and the limited capabilities of the onboard computer significantly reduce the hit rate.
With GPS guidance, unnecessary sensors and computing devices can be omitted, which can improve missile performance.
“Hmm, but an altitude of 63,000 km… that’s an incredible distance…”
“Yes, Ma’am.
The Earth’s geostationary orbit is approximately 35,600 km, so this is more than 27,400 km further out.
The information in the library could not be applied as is, so all values were calculated in simulation.
Whether there will be any problems in actual operation is unknown until it starts operating.”
Ideally, it would be better to complete the investigation using experimental satellites before launching.
However, because satellite launches by the shuttle were relatively easy, and because most of the problems could be cleared by calculations with ＜The Core＞, a direct launch was carried out.
This planet has a larger diameter and mass than Earth, and the Gravitational Acceleration is correspondingly stronger.
Therefore, the geostationary orbit is nearly twice the distance of Earth’s, and the values in the existing library could not be used.
Also, the greater the distance, the more accurate and powerful radio waves must be emitted. Everything from the orbital insertion vehicle to the onboard satellites and the GPS device itself is a new design, and no operational tests have been conducted in outer space.
“After we have collected enough operational data, let’s launch a further improved group of satellites.”
“Yes. We have plenty of resources, so let’s keep updating them.”
◇◇◇◇
Asahi’s mornings come early.
Or rather, she doesn’t sleep.
“Alright, I’m in top form today! Okay, breakfast is good!”
The facility prepared for Asahi is built on the ＜Paraiso＞ leased land in Telek Port City. Since there are only emergency generators, power lines were pulled from a base in the suburbs.
Microwave power transmission would also be fine, but the loss is a bit too great to use it for power transmission between fixed facilities.
Therefore, power is transmitted by the primitive method of erecting utility poles and stringing power lines.
Asahi put the tube-shaped nutrient solution that came out of the feeding device in her mouth and sucked it in vigorously.
Since Asahi’s body itself is mostly mechanical, it operates with only periodic maintenance and electricity.
However, the Brain Unit is a pseudo-biological machine and requires various nutrients and sugars as an energy source.
Therefore, it is necessary to ingest liquid food regularly.
“It has no taste! I don’t mind it now, but I want to be able to replenish my nutrients with the same food as humans!”
While getting ready, Asahi grumbled.
Due to the overprotective measures of Commander (Onee-sama) and ＜Ringo＞, Asahi, unlike the older Five Sisters, has most of her so-called organic parts mechanized.
The function for eating is also one of them.
Her sense of taste and smell are fully functional, but she has almost no internal organs to digest food. At a minimum, she can digest liquid food or a small amount of confectionery.
Therefore, she needs to replenish liquid food several times a day to maintain the pseudo-biological machine.
“Speaking of which, I heard that birds starve to death if they don’t eat for a day. So, Asahi is a bird!”
＜Ringo＞ sent a message telling her not to say stupid things and to go to the site quickly. Asahi received the backpack that the Communicator Doll had prepared and carried it on her small body.
“Good morning, Asahi-chan. You’re early today.”
“Good morning, Grandma! Asahi is early today too!”
While being greeted by passersby, Asahi heads to work.
Or rather, it might be a playground for Asahi.
It’s not like ＜Ringo＞ has assigned her a job (task). According to Commander (Onee-sama), it’s a hobby.
“It’s to unravel the mechanism of magic, so calling it a hobby is rude!”
“Ah, a hobby… is it?”
The one who reacted to Asahi’s monologue was a woman introduced by Kullavia Telek as a guide.
She basically acts with Asahi, making adjustments and contacts with various places, and providing follow-up on common sense and unwritten rules in Telek Port City.
“It’s not a hobby, it’s a great job. For Onee-sama’s sake, Asahi has to investigate magic!”
“I, I see…
Yes, I have applied for a tour of the training grounds today.
Also, today we will have a magician employed by Telek Trading Company with us, so please take this opportunity to ask any questions you may have.”
“Hoh! Employed! That’s promising, as expected of Rinnerlin-chan!”
A girl who is smaller in appearance and speech than her guide.
However, Rinnerlin Katatsu knows that this girl, Asahi The Tree, is no ordinary person.
Above all, she is a powerful figure who can even boss around Zwei=Ringo, the representative of the ＜Paraiso＞ fleet. She must be treated with caution.
Even now, she was walking down the main street with two young girls (Communicators) attending her, full of enthusiasm.
And the fact that she is so approachable for a person in power is a headache for Rinnerlin.
“Ideally, a carriage would be better for transportation.”
“I got tired of the carriage in one day! Walking allows for fresh experiences, isn’t it great!”
For security reasons, I would like her to refrain from walking if possible.
Rinnerlin’s ordeal continues.