Chapter 147: Satellite Deployment
“Ten seconds to launch.”
“Pressure in all tanks is normal.”
“Release the locking mechanism.”
“Status of the craft: All systems green.”
“AI assessment: Permission granted.”
“Two, one, ignition!”
“Orbital Insertion Vehicle One (Booby 1), lift off!”
The Oxygen-Methane Bipropellant Rocket Engine roared to life, belching flames and smoke as it propelled the craft upward. The launch rocket steadily ascended, gaining altitude.
Orbital Insertion Vehicle One, aptly named “Albatross,” was the first space rocket completed by The Tree Fortress. It had a launch capacity of approximately five tons at an altitude of 500 kilometers. The first stage was designed to return to the launch pad autonomously, while the second stage possessed altitude maintenance capabilities, remaining in orbit as a satellite platform after deploying its payload. As the number of these vehicles increased, operations as a space station would also become feasible.
“Launch successful… Commander, we did it!”
“Yes, yes, yes! Olive, you did wonderfully!”
The Commander, Eve, responded enthusiastically to the blatant praise. Of course, the other sisters assisting with the control would also need their share of affection later, but for now, Olive, who led the design and manufacturing of the Orbital Insertion Vehicle, deserved recognition.
“Now, let’s unveil the first Information Gathering Satellite. Ichigo, the gravity issue is within expectations, right?”
“Yes, Commander. Plus 92 seconds. Altitude has exceeded 17 kilometers. We are confirming the gravity increase phenomenon, and the increase is within the expected range.”
This planet exhibited unique variations in gravitational acceleration with altitude. Starting around 16 kilometers, the gravity began to rise gradually, peaking at approximately 37 kilometers with a value of 1.87G. The rocket engine of the Orbital Insertion Vehicle was designed to provide thrust capable of handling this maximum gravity.
“All observed values are within expected ranges. We will perform stage separation of the first stage rocket at an altitude of about 120 kilometers. Approximately 30 minutes later, we plan to deploy the satellite at an altitude of around 500 kilometers.”
“It should return in about ten minutes!”
“I wonder if it will land properly.”
Utsugi and Erika were in charge of monitoring the sensor values. The two excelled at real-time analysis, not focusing on precise results but rather calculating trends and predictions. RINGO classified this as a hands-on approach.
“Measured gravitational acceleration shows no deviation from the expected maximum.”
“Thrust is normal. Combustion temperature is within acceptable limits. Tank pressures are normal. Vibration frequencies are within tolerance.”
“Altitude is rising, reaching the designated height. First stage rocket has ceased combustion. Stage separation has been executed successfully.”
“Second stage rocket, engine ignition.”
“Ignition confirmed. Second stage rocket (Station) resumes acceleration.”
In the transmitted footage, the first stage rocket deployed its air brakes and rapidly distanced itself. At an altitude of 120 kilometers, Booby 1 began its free fall after losing thrust.
“Everything is proceeding smoothly.”
“Yes, Commander. Booby 1 is scheduled to return to the launch pad. After a brief inspection and refueling, it will be ready to launch again in about four hours.”
Indeed, a one-time-use rocket would be cost-inefficient. Therefore, all rockets produced by The Tree Fortress were designed for reuse. The second stage rocket (Station) did not possess the capability for independent atmospheric re-entry but could maintain a low orbit at around 300 kilometers by receiving fuel from a separately launched supply vehicle.
“What are the upcoming launch plans?”
“Yes, Commander. Assuming there are no issues with Booby 1 and the subsequent three units, we plan to launch ten second stage rockets (Station). Additionally, we will deploy sixteen various satellites. Orbital Insertion Vehicle Two (Booby 2), equipped with boosters for geostationary orbit deployment, will also be operational around the same time, launching multiple GPS geostationary satellites.”
A massive deployment of satellites using space shuttles. The rocket fuel consisted of liquid methane and liquid oxygen. While liquid hydrogen offered superior performance, it was notoriously difficult to handle. To adapt to the rigorous conditions of repeated launches, significant structural reinforcements and measures against vibration and heat were necessary. The issue of metal embrittlement due to liquid hydrogen also required attention.
Thus, rockets utilizing methane, which had a reasonably high specific impulse, were employed. While not as efficient as hydrogen, methane was easier to handle, allowing for simpler fuel tank structures. Additionally, its boiling point was close to that of oxygen, minimizing insulation requirements compared to hydrogen.
Moreover, methane could be easily sourced from gas fields and methane hydrate, making it cost-effective.
“Sounds good. What about the impact on the surrounding environment?”
“Yes, Commander. The launch site is constructed on a reef located 2 kilometers south of The Tree Fortress. The visibility range of the rocket is estimated to be between 500 to 800 kilometers, depending on atmospheric conditions. This entire area falls within The Tree’s sphere of influence, with no traces of human settlements on the continent or islands. The only concern is the rare sighting of sailing vessels engaged in distant ocean fishing, but adjustments can be made within our monitoring range. Additionally, there’s no need to worry if the weather is cloudy.”
“Okay. I’m not worried about the monitoring system. We’ve scanned the surrounding area, including underwater. We have physical monitoring stations, and the drones are functioning without issues.”
Commander Eve nodded, giving her approval for the upcoming plans.
As they discussed, Booby 1 was marked on the main screen, descending with its thrusters pointed downward.
“It’s back!”
Booby 1 was a somewhat stout, cylindrical rocket. It deployed its attitude control wings and descended in a straight line toward the launch pad. The descent speed was approximately 1,000 kilometers per hour, gradually slowing down.
“Descent speed is within acceptable limits. Craft status: All systems green. Transitioning to retro-thrust ignition sequence.”
“Three, two, one, ignition!”
“Booby 1, initiating retro-thrust.”
“All instrument readings are normal. Descent speed is decreasing.”
In the zoomed-in footage, Orbital Insertion Vehicle One (Booby 1) rapidly slowed its speed as it approached the launch pad.
“Thirty meters to landing, twenty meters, ten meters, touchdown. Position correction is within acceptable limits. Connecting the locking mechanism.”
“Connection complete. Next, connecting the composite cables… done. Booby 1, switching to external power.”
“Activating cooling system. Commencing craft cooling.”
“Valve connection complete. Beginning extraction of oxidizer and fuel.”
“Commencing transfer of the fourth second stage rocket (Station) from the storage facility.”
The returned Booby 1 would undergo various inspections for reusability. If no abnormalities were found, it would be equipped with the second stage rocket (Station) and be ready to soar into space again in approximately four hours.
“Commander. The check sequence is progressing normally. No significant issues have been detected.”
“Understood. Let’s move on to the next.”
“Yes, Commander. Initiating launch sequence for Booby 1, 2, and 3.”
For safety, the first unit was launched independently. As a result, without any issues, the second stage rocket (Station) was successfully delivered to satellite orbit.
“Roger. Commencing injection of oxidizer and fuel for Booby 1, 2, and 3.”
“Executing final checks for the launch sequence.”
Thus, by the evening of that day, The Tree Fortress successfully deployed six second stage rockets (Station) into satellite orbit. All ten released satellites successfully approached their designated orbits as planned.
The second stage rockets (Station) were now in their respective orbits, undergoing adjustments. They would soon perform orbital changes and repeatedly dock with three station clusters.
Commander Eve and the Five Sisters had successfully completed the monumental task of satellite deployment and drifted off into dreams.
Meanwhile, the youngest sister, Asahi, was burning the midnight oil at the base in the Port Town of Terek.