Chapter 436

Chapter 436: No Losers

Such a huge temptation could significantly boost industry development, leading countries to become almost fanatical about space technology, rivaling even military competition. Even North Korea, despite its economic struggles, tightened its belt to pursue space exploration plans.

If a country could not retrieve costs and gain necessary profits, who would dare to spend money like this?

In times of peace, an arms race merely exhausts national strength, while the aerospace industry genuinely enhances a nation’s technology, industry, and the foundation of people’s livelihood.

Every astronaut consumes huge resources in space every second, including not just food, water, electricity, and fuel, but also oxygen.

In outer space, there are no supplies available, so every bit consumed diminishes the available resources. Thus, once the astronauts stabilize in the space environment, they begin to get busy. Like real astronauts, each candidate’s daily tasks are printed on A4 paper, using size 11 font, stretching at least two meters long. Although their work is simulated, it feels almost the same as reality.

During the four days of simulation tests, aside from launch, landing, and space experiments, they also faced an unknown assessment called “Robinson’s Island.”

Everyone was busy juggling multiple roles. The expenses of a space launch are enormous and filled with risks; thus, a country could not send true research experts into space, nor could it send an entire research team. Not every scholar possesses the physical and mental resilience required for space travel.

Consequently, many crucial tasks fall upon each astronaut once they enter outer space, distributed among different positions.

In outer space, there is no air, sound does not travel, and it is extremely quiet around the spacecraft. Astronauts can only hear the monotonous hum of the electronics inside the module, which often brings an inexplicable sense of loneliness.

Learning to survive independently, controlling oneself, being unafraid of loneliness, and adapting to long periods of solitary work are vital training outcomes revealed in these moments.

In space, beyond physiological challenges posed by weightlessness, psychological challenges will also arise unexpectedly.

Aside from the essential quality of remaining calm, every individual’s personality must harmonize. Arguments in space can be fatal, as losing rationality can be as dangerous as suicide.

The thought of a madman in the spacecraft, surrounded by infinite vacuum, is terrifying.

Even Wang Xuejun, who had always shown reluctance towards Lin Mo, had to learn to be subordinate, following Lin Mo’s directives without question. When that number one is the captain, during flight, the captain is the highest authority. If someone disobeys, they could be unceremoniously thrown into outer space to become a dried corpse.

Of course, this is just a joke, but on any ship or plane, the captain’s authority is undoubtedly unquestionable.

Perhaps the training center assigned Wang Xuejun to assist Lin Mo to see if this young man truly had potential. If he remained stubborn, he might find it hard to pass this stage.

Wang Xuejun undoubtedly understood this well. He was a bit proud, but not foolish. He executed Lin Mo’s commands thoroughly, suppressing any discontent and not daring to show any sign of it on the surface.

Living in the almost realistic simulated space module is entirely different from life on the ground. Firstly, food had to be crumb-free. Snacks like soda crackers could be considered weapons of mass destruction here. Just imagine the calamity of tiny crumbs drifting into an astronaut’s eyes or electronic equipment in a zero-gravity environment.

Although Lin Mo had highly concentrated energy bars for snacks, they also had regular meat and vegetable dishes along with rice. Chocolate and curry were essential, and food was mainly in semi-solid or solid forms, with each portion just a few bites, designed to avoid accidents when eating that could contaminate equipment and ensure no waste.

Water was collected from moisture in the air and human exhalation, going through multiple processes of purification and condensation, though it still carried a peculiar taste.

Especially after showering, each person’s scent transformed noticeably; it was strange, neither particularly pleasant nor foul.

After the fourth day, they completed about an hour of return flight simulation, and everyone could clearly feel the intense heat inside the module, akin to that in the Taklamakan Desert. They understood that the space shuttle was soaring through flames in the ionosphere, being reborn in fire.

With temperatures in the ionosphere reaching up to 1200 degrees, many metals cannot withstand such heat. Even without air friction, steel would still melt; true gold without fear of fire has a melting point of merely 1064 degrees, and in the ionosphere, it would instantly turn to liquid, scattering into countless sparks.

Let alone airplanes made of aluminum alloy; aluminum has a melting point of only 660 degrees. It wouldn’t rise just by adding boosters; it would likely vaporize long before reaching the ionosphere, and a complete destruction would be certain.

The ionosphere, famed as Earth’s shield, does not come without purpose, as the outer escape layer acts as a defense cover against cosmic rays, solar storms, and other forms of cosmic energy attacks.

One layer of energy protection, one layer of physical shielding—it sounds like a fantasy. If it weren’t for this, how could life have arisen so fortuitously on Earth?

Life itself is a miracle.

Looking somewhat exhausted, the first group stepped out of the closed simulated space module after four days and was immediately carried away on stretchers by the staff at the aerospace training center.

Not only were the astronaut candidates in training, but all related staff were also participating in corresponding training activities.

The astronaut training cycle is lengthy. Not just astronauts, but other departments and positions are continuously honing their skills.

After a day of rest, the second group entered the simulated space shuttle again.

The final selection round had lasted a full two weeks.

These fourteen candidates had arrived at the Fifth Aerospace Training Center in the seventh week, and through various high-intensity training, they had developed a deep mutual understanding and rapport.

After receiving the notice that the elimination list would be announced the next day, everyone realized that their time together was limited to this final night.

That night, the fourteen candidates collectively went to the cafeteria to order meals. The nutritionist surprisingly turned a blind eye, allowing each of the fourteen candidates to order one dish each.

It was just a calm and heartfelt gathering over a meal—so simple.

No alcohol, just plain water; no grand speeches, just simple encouragement to try the dishes; no losers, nor any winners;

Not worrying about who would stay or go tomorrow, nor any name list that might emerge.

Today, everyone had given their all, leaving no regrets.

Everyone blessed those who would remain and wished safe travels to those who would leave. No one would overlook even the smallest sincere wishes.

The next meeting was called in a reception room at the training center’s administrative building. Each person received a soft sofa, nestled comfortably into it.

It felt like a tea party, with the sofas arranged around a long table filled with various cakes, pastries, snacks, and nuts.

Number 11 looked thoughtfully at the treats in front of him. The training center would not casually present foods that astronauts should avoid, perhaps as a one-time exception or considering that some of them might never face dietary restrictions again. The answer was clear; those who were eliminated wouldn’t be bound by the strict dietary management meant for astronauts.

As a medical expert, Number 11 understood the purpose of these snacks. Sugar can soothe nerves, relax tension, and alleviate negative emotions. During the economic crisis in America, while industries struggled, dessert shops thrived. The reason was simple; amid the depths of despair, people sought comfort in sweet pastries.

Hmm, perhaps the training center thoughtfully prepared these symbolic snacks, considering the temporary disappointment and blow to those who were eliminated.

“Come on, eat what you want and drink what you want. Think of this as a tea party. Everyone has worked hard these past two months, so don’t feel burdened. Ha ha, try the pastries made by our chef, Master Ma Luyun. His skills are top-notch, rivaling those at the Fishing Platform State Guesthouse, whether it’s domestic or international pastries!”

Major General Sun Huabin’s opening remark confirmed number 11’s guess; he didn’t mention the elimination list at all but rather encouraged everyone to enjoy the pastries.

Then Major General Sun continued, “You’ve all had restricted diets during training, so it’s only fair now. The training has ended, the nutritionists can afford to be lenient, and Chef Ma finally has a chance to showcase his skills. Don’t let his kindness go to waste; give him some feedback. If it doesn’t suit your taste or if he’s lost his touch, I’ll definitely deduct his bonus later!”

Major General Sun’s humorous words elicited soft laughter from Lin Mo and the others.

This was also meant to ease the candidates’ nerves and mental burdens; they were just a step away from achieving recognition. He didn’t want to sow seeds of discontent among those who had given their all.

Although being an astronaut requires solid mental resilience, most were excellent pilots, making the likelihood of unexpected issues nearly nonexistent. Nevertheless, the aerospace industry does not allow for terms like “almost,” “maybe,” “possibly,” or “I think.” This rigorous approach in selection and training ensures that every generation of astronauts is of the highest quality.