Chapter 62 In Fact, Satellites Can Also Be Purchased at Wholesale Prices

In fact, if it is not too demanding, there are quite a lot of places to play near Shanghai, otherwise Davis and the others wouldn't wander around and don't want to go back to China.

In addition, there is another prominent advantage here, that is, information and communication is much more convenient than other cities in China.

After Davis and others received Fan Wubing's order to buy a satellite, they acted immediately and contacted the United States. It turned out that there was indeed a ready-made opportunity to take advantage of.

The company that conducts commercial satellite operations in the entire Asian region is currently only the Asia Satellite Company in Hong Kong. This company was established in 1988 and launched its first satellite in 1990, Asia Satellite 1.

AsiaSat is also a company owned by the Li family in Hong Kong, while AsiaSat-1 is a geostationary communication satellite manufactured by Hughes Corporation of the United States. The satellite body is in the shape of a cylinder with a diameter of 2.2 meters and a height of 6.5 meters. It has 24 C-band transducers, weighs 1.25 tons, and has a designed operating life of ten years.

This satellite was originally the Western Union 6 of the United States. It was launched into the sky by the US space shuttle Challenger in February 1984, but failed to enter orbit, and was later recovered by the current US space shuttle. After modification, it was purchased by Asia Satellite Communications Corporation and named Asia No. 1. It was successfully launched by the Long March 3 carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Base. It mainly provides communication services for China and Asian countries.

The reason why Li Zekai wants to engage in satellite TV is also because of this communication satellite. Now that he has this operating platform, he can provide services to others at the same time. You can also make full use of it yourself.

However, AsiaSat does not actually have satellite ground research capabilities, nor does it have rocket launch technology. It is just a pocket company, and it only actually owns satellites. Regarding satellite manufacturing and launch, it needs to purchase from outside.

Since Fan Wubing wants to buy a satellite. Naturally, it cannot be obtained from such a company. One is that doing so is tantamount to being exploited by second-hand dealers, and the other is that the time period for redesigning and manufacturing satellites and launches is too long. Fan Wubing didn't have much time to wait.

Therefore, you can't count on Asia Satellite Company, after Davis got the boss's instruction. They directly contacted Hughes Corporation in the United States, and after learning that Fan Wubing's company intends to purchase satellites, the executives of Hughes Corporation were very excited. This is a big deal!

So Hughes immediately responded, and will send an expert team to Shanghai within three days to meet with Fan Wubing and others to discuss related content such as satellite performance and price.

"Boss, it seems that Hughes' satellites are not easy to sell!" Davis said to Fan Wubing with a smile after receiving Hughes' reply.

Fan Wubing laughed,

"You thought they were selling instant noodles in the market. One cart a day! Satellites. How can ordinary people afford them? Even if you buy them, you may not be able to use them!"

At least the country still has relatively strict control over communication operations. If you don't get an operating license, even if you have ten satellites, it's useless!

If it weren't for the fact that the Li family's influence in Hong Kong was not so deep-rooted, and the mainland needed to use this to influence the political situation in Hong Kong before 1997, it is estimated that such a large piece of fat would not be given away for nothing. Everything is for profit.

Stayed in Shanghai for three days. It was Xia Xue who led Fan Wubing around all the time. The little girl has a good personality and is influenced by American education. Therefore, when facing Fan Wubing, he had a very refreshing appearance, coupled with his youthful and charming appearance, which was completely a standard commentator appearance, which made Fan Wubing feel relaxed and happy when visiting, especially comfortable.

Although Xia Xue was always thought to be a child, this child was indeed not young, at least one year older than Fan Wubing's physical age, and the two of them got along well when they got together.

On September 25, the expert team of Hughes Corporation of the United States arrived on time and checked into the hotel arranged by Davis.

In the evening, Fan Wubing personally arranged a banquet and had dinner with the experts from Hughes Company.

The leader of the Hughes company is Maximus, the executive vice president of the company. This is a Jew in his sixties, with gray hair, gray eyes, and even a gray beard. He looks a bit like Einstein .

It is completely authentic Chinese food, coupled with the overall red layout, so that the guests in the room can feel a very unique atmosphere with a strong traditional Chinese art, and see the exquisitely made dishes of all colors and flavors. It was sent up like running water, and everyone looked a little excited.

"Oh, although this is not the first time I have come to China, there is no doubt that this is definitely the time I have received the highest standard of hospitality!" Maximus raised the tall glass in his hand, swirling the red wine in the glass , Raised it to pay tribute to Fan Wubing, Davis and others.

Fan Wubing drank some red wine, smiled and said to Maximus, "In fact, there are great cultural differences between the East and the West. Westerners like to talk about work when they are working, and enjoy life when they are not working." , while we Orientals are used to enjoying life while working, and talking about work while eating, especially over banquets.”

Davis was eating a grilled fish, and the aroma made it difficult for him to choose. Hearing this, he said to Maximus, "The boss's words are always correct!"

Maximus looked at his subordinates who were engrossed in eating, and said to Fan Wubing with some embarrassment, "While the Lord gave us food to resist hunger, he also warned us that gluttony is also a sin."

Fan Wubing laughed and said, "Fortunately, I am a heretic in your eyes! You can rest assured to open your stomach and have a big meal!"

When Maximus heard Fan Wubing say that, he just shook his head helplessly, but Davis asked curiously, "Boss, I haven't heard that you have any beliefs!"

Fan Wubing shook his head and replied, "How can people not have faith? It's just that they have different beliefs! If a person loses faith and reverence, how terrible would it be?"

Maximus obviously studied this kind of problem more, after listening to Fan Wubing's words, he nodded and said, "That's right! Demons are not the most terrifying. For demons, after all, they still have their own Those who believe, at least they can look forward to the same kind! And people who have completely lost their faith. That is a complete crime, and you can't even predict what kind of crime he will commit!"

"Cheers to the fact that we all have faith!" Fan Wubing immediately raised his glass with knowledge and interest.

Immediately after the dinner, Maximus asked for the first negotiation with Fan Wubing and others.

"We need a communication satellite. It can broadcast satellite TV programs, and the coverage area should be larger. It would be even better if it can carry out telephone communication or data services at the same time." Fan Wubing said to Maximus.

"There is no problem with this. The satellite manufacturing technology of our Hughes company is first-class." Maximos first boasted about his company's manufacturing level for a while, and then asked with some doubts, "But I'm sorry, if you want to To realize these services, I am afraid that a single satellite will not meet the demand target."

"Why?" Fan Wubing asked in a daze.

"In fact, we are now in the final commissioning of the latest communication satellite." Maximus replied cautiously.

Fan Wubing was very curious when he heard this. So I asked in detail. Only then did I know the reason.

In 1987, Australia's Orset Corporation purchased two commercial communication satellites from Hughes Corporation of the United States. This satellite is a new generation of communication satellite with high capacity, large tonnage and long life newly developed by Hughes Corporation of the United States, representing the advanced level of communication satellites in the world today. The Ausstar B1 and B2 purchased by Australia from Hughes will further satisfy Australia's TV, radio, voice, data, overseas markets, mobile communications and other services.

However, with the satellite, it is still necessary to send the satellite into the geosynchronous orbit through the rocket, so that the satellite can operate normally after it is fixed. Specifically, it is necessary to choose which company has the launch capability to launch the Australian star into the sky. becomes a problem.

Originally, Osset and Hughes planned to be shot by American companies. But the previous year was regarded as a disaster year for the world's aerospace industry. Just this year. Seventy-two seconds after liftoff, the American space shuttle Challenger experienced a big explosion, which shocked the whole world. Immediately afterwards, the American Hercules rocket and the Delta rocket also crashed one after another, and American space activities were almost paralyzed. At the end of May of the same year, the European Space Agency's Ariane rocket, which has won more than half of the satellite launch contracts in the world, failed again because the third stage did not ignite in time. Successive failures have brought about a situation in the one-time launch vehicle market where users are queuing up to launch satellites.

In view of this situation, Osset and Hughes are a bit scratching their heads, which company should be chosen to complete the shooting task?

It is a coincidence that in this year, the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology conceived a bold plan. In order to adapt to the new situation of the international satellite market, it decided to develop a bundled rocket for carrying large-tonnage satellites. They drew three sketches of the principles. On the basis of the Long March 2 rocket with a high shooting success rate, the extended rocket body was used as the core stage, and four liquid rocket boosters were bound to the original first-stage rocket body to form a A new two-stage liquid rocket.

This is the "Long Two Bundle" launch vehicle that became famous in the international rocket launch market.

After the sale of the satellite, Orset launched a tender in Sydney. At that time, there were four major groups in the world's aerospace industry participating in the bidding. The United States offered $70 million, France asked $56 million, and Japan asked $50 million. China Great Wall Company only quoted a low price of 36 million US dollars.

"But there is also a problem, that is, when the Chinese bid for the so-called long two bundles of rockets, there is no real object, but only a sketch, so our company is still a little worried about this launch." Maximos Said with a frown.

It is normal to have this kind of worry. After all, established rocket companies like the United States and Europe have repeatedly made mistakes. China’s Great Wall Company has only entered the national rocket market for more than a year. The second bundle of rockets is still quite worrying.

Once it fails, the loss is not just a satellite.

In fact, when Fan Wubing heard the name Chang Erbund. It became clear in my heart, and I also remembered the unsuccessful launch at the beginning. In history, when China Great Wall Company launched the Australian Star for Hughes Company, it did fail, but it did not lead to irreversible consequences. The emergency shutdown system was activated at the most critical moment. Greater losses were avoided, and later this system received great attention from the International Rocket Company and followed suit.

After Fan Wubing remembered this matter. I know it in my heart, this kind of loss can be avoided. At that time, there was a metal residue as thick as a hair on the rocket, which affected the smooth progress of the launch.

So Fan Wubing smiled and said to Maximus, "It is worth looking forward to getting two bundles of rockets, but what is the purpose of telling me these things?"

Maximus would definitely not talk so much nonsense aimlessly, so Fan Wubing asked him directly.

The Jewish old man sat upright, and said to Fan Wubing very seriously, "Mr. Fan, when we were developing the Aoxing for Osset Company, we still have a backup. If you need it, you can have it before March next year. Let’s start shooting, of course, the premise is that China’s Great Wall Company’s second bundle of rockets can be successfully completed.”

"Oh?!" Hearing the news, Fan Wubing was overjoyed.

What better news than this? Think about it! Generally, it takes several years for a satellite to be developed from the beginning to put into production, and finally to be debugged. And now. How gratifying it is to have a ready-made satellite in front of me!

Satellite developed by Hughes for Orset. It was originally intended to solve Australia's TV, radio, voice, data, overseas markets, mobile communications and other businesses, but it couldn't be more appropriate to directly use it for Fan Wubing at this time!

If this is the case, I don't have to rent other people's satellite frequency bands. Now as long as I pay, I can set up my own satellite service company to provide satellite services to the entire Asian region.

"Besides, there seems to be a little problem with the business between us and Osset." Maximus ignored the joy on Fan Wubing's face, and then said to him, "If possible, you can consider Buy three communication satellites at one time to form a communication network covering the whole world! Of course, I mean all areas except the north and south poles!"

"Buy three communication satellites at once?!" Fan Wubing threw his body into the sand and said with his hand on his forehead, "Could it be that your company's satellites are on sale?! Three communication satellites! How much will it cost me?" Money?! If something goes wrong after going to the sky, who should I talk to?!"

Communication satellites are different from ordinary scientific research satellites and military satellites. They need to enter geosynchronous orbit and keep in sync with the ground. Otherwise, there is no way to find stars through fixed antennas, and naturally there is no way to broadcast TV signals. activities like this.

At an altitude of about 36,000 kilometers above the equator, as long as there are three communication satellites, the communication range of all regions of the world except the two poles can be covered. That's why the Jewish old man Maximus said he would sell it to Fan Wubing had three communications satellites, not two or four.

Hearing Fan Wubing's answer, the Jewish old man was a little dumbfounded.

Originally, Australia's Osset Corporation signed a contract with Hughes Corporation for two communication satellites, but only one will be delivered next year, and the other will take a while.

However, Hughes was a little impatient, and actually got out two satellites in advance, and there are two backup satellites, but the recent international commercial satellite market has been relatively bleak, and it is not easy to sell. The upper management of the company is working on this Worry about the whereabouts of the three satellites.

Who knew that at this time, Fan Wubing's people actually proposed the idea of ​​buying satellites to Hughes Corporation. How could the executives of Hughes Corporation not be excited? After inquiring about Fan Wubing through the channels of the Ministry of National Defense, he actually found that this is a real rich man, so he thought about buying other satellites besides the one satellite that will be provided to Osset next year. All three were packaged and sold to Fan Wubing.

"Actually, your company has all the control over satellite resources. As for the after-sales service, we can provide it completely! We will properly solve the related communication equipment and technical problems in use for you. All of these The service only requires you to spend a little more money. For a big man like you, it is nothing at all." The Jewish old man made full use of the inherent Jewish business talent inherited from his blood. He tried his best to speak to Fan Wubing.

"I don't need money!" Fan Wubing affirmed this first, and then continued, "But you have to make me feel that it's worth it! Otherwise, what's the use of me buying three satellites? Display them at home can you?"

Naturally, this cannot be the case. If Fan Wubing really had to spend 1 billion 800 million US dollars to buy back three satellites and put them in his home, he wouldn't be laughed to death! To know this kind of stuff. In space, it is a treasure, but at home, it is a waste!

"Buying three satellites at a time has many benefits!" The Jewish old man hastily explained to Fan Wubing the benefits of doing so, for example, he has the ability to provide communication services covering the world, and he can set up a satellite TV company. If you are a telecommunications service provider, you can operate global broadcasting services anywhere. Fan Wubing waited for him to talk for a while. asked sharply. "Come on, give me a price! Or I'll take it!"

"Appraisal price?" The Jewish old man had never been exposed to such a completely Chinese term, so he couldn't help but be taken aback.

Davis, who had been watching for a long time, lazily explained, "The so-called approval price is actually the group purchase price. So you understand, right? Mr. Maximus?"

The old Jewish man nodded, thinking so. It seems that we have to talk about the price.

In the entire industrial chain of commercial satellites. According to the internationally accepted algorithm, an average of one satellite is launched. The manufacturing cost of the satellite is about 120 million U.S. dollars, the cost of the rocket is about a quarter of the cost of the satellite, about 30 million U.S. dollars, and the cost of launching is about a quarter of that of the satellite, about 30 million U.S. dollars. The insurance cost is about 30 million U.S. dollars. It is one-fifth of the first three items, which is about 36 million U.S. dollars, and the overall calculation is about 220 million U.S. dollars. The revenue ratio between satellite manufacturing, launch and application is roughly two to one to seven.

From this point of view, the income from satellite applications is still very attractive, and the income from satellite manufacturing is also considerable. As for satellite launch, it is the least profitable link. In fact, satellite launch is the most profitable link in the entire commercial satellite industry chain. The one that tends to go wrong.

"Then, for the three satellites, we can give up a total of five million dollars in profit! This is a big concession, and Hughes has never had such a situation since we started the satellite business!" Jewish old man Mark Seamus gritted his teeth and said to Fan Wubing with a pained expression.

"Five million dollars for three satellites?" Fan Wubing shook his head with a smile and said, "When we were bargaining, it was 50 million to 50 million dollars!"

The old Jewish man suddenly got a little angry, and said to himself, I know you are rich, but why are you bargaining like this? Bargaining for fifty million fifty million? What did you buy?

Davis saw that the Jewish old man was a little upset, and knew that he thought Fan Wubing was just talking nonsense to him, so he explained to him, "Mr. Maximus, our boss never tells lies. You have to know that our boss’s business has never reached a billion-dollar level, just like the current Cisco, you always know it?”

"Cisco, of course!" The old man immediately said, "That is a big company with a market value of over 40 billion dollars! People in the industry are unanimously optimistic that in a few years, they will become the largest listed company in the United States!"

"Our boss is the major shareholder of Cisco!" Davis said to Maximos with a smile.

After hearing Davis' explanation, the old Jewish man Maximus was stunned for a moment, and then cursed in a low voice, "Damn the Ministry of Defense, why didn't they tell me about this situation!"

After learning about this situation, Maximos' confidence in selling the three satellites increased a lot, so he thought for a while and said, "If you are willing to use Cisco's stock for replacement, I believe we will be able to sell the three satellites." The executives of the Sri Lanka company will be very happy to sell these three satellites at an extremely favorable price!"

After Fan Wubing heard this, he said with some admiration, "Mr. Maximus, you really know how to do business! You even came up with the idea of ​​my stocks! But I would like to hear about using stocks for replacement. What price is your company willing to make a deal with? Everyone is a straightforward person, if you offer a more reasonable price, we can make a decision with one word!"

Well, if you make this business, you will never lose money! Maximus thought to himself, anyway, Cisco’s stock price will skyrocket sooner or later, and it’s nothing to lose a little now. If it wasn’t for Fan Wubing, a big buyer, these three satellites would at least have to be in the warehouse. There are two years in it, and after two years, Cisco's stock may have an increase of more than 50%.

So Maximus made a decision after a hundred turns in his mind. He raised his head and said to Fan Wubing, "Then, the round price is 100 million dollars per satellite! This price is our bottom line! It can’t go down any more, otherwise our company’s financial statements this year will suffer a huge loss! The board of directors will not approve it!”

Fan Wubing looked at Davis and saw that he nodded slightly, apparently satisfied with the price, so Fan Wubing pondered for a while, and then said to the Jewish old man, "Since you have shown With such a big compromise from Chen Ken, I can't ask you too much, so okay! Just this price, one satellite is 100 million US dollars!"

"Okay! Let's sign this contract now!" The old Jewish man jumped up happily when he heard that Fan Wubing agreed to his offer, and he was about to find champagne to celebrate. It's not like something someone in their sixties could do.

So in a five-star hotel in Shanghai, without investigation or complicated negotiations, a few people casually signed the simplest commercial satellite purchase contract in history, with a total value of 300 million US dollars.