Chapter 1254 Space Weapons? Interstellar Fishing Boat!

Although there are still many doubts about the idea proposed by Chang Haonan, Zhou Pingjian still followed his habit and first answered questions within his professional scope:

"Under normal circumstances, that is, two-way cooperation between spacecraft rendezvous and docking, such as between a spacecraft and a space station, then the accuracy can actually be controlled to a few centimeters or even higher. This is also the key to our manned spaceflight project that is about to be verified. One of the technologies.”

“But the approach and translational approaches after entering the docking corridor rely on microwave radar, lidar and optical sensors, especially the last 150 meters or so, which almost completely rely on optical equipment, which requires pre-installation and calibration of measurement points on the target spacecraft. , This cannot be achieved in non-cooperative docking...In fact, in our plan, if there is a problem with the optical sensor, then we have to consider ground intervention or astronaut manual docking. "

Due to the increased investment in resources and the explosion of achievements in related technical fields, after the successful completion of the two missions of Shenzhou 5 and 6, the development of manned space engineering has also entered the fast lane.

Tiangong-1 and Shenzhou-7 are now almost in the simultaneous development stage, and the full-phase autonomous rendezvous and docking plan has been basically determined.

Therefore, even though Zhou Pingjian had not prepared any materials in this area beforehand, he was still able to handle it with ease:

"The space junk this time is a solar panel with almost no clear optical characteristics, so we can only rely on satellite navigation equipment and two rendezvous radars for accuracy..."

He pondered for a moment, going through the specifics of the technology at hand in his mind:

"Preliminary estimates are that it can be maintained within the meter level..."

After all, on-orbit docking allows longer reaction and control time for the spacecraft, and ground equipment can also provide less timely but higher-precision measurement and control data, so it will be easier to implement than direct ascent anti-satellite. Same aiming accuracy.

In the few minutes that Zhou Pingjian spoke, many people had already thought about it and probably understood what Chang Haonan meant——

Anyway, the orbit of space debris No. 40396 will not change in a short time. There is no need to pursue extreme efficiency. Instead, a spacecraft can be launched up, and after a long period of orbit adjustment, it can be knocked down.

The accuracy judgment of "within meter level" mentioned by the former seems to directly confirm the feasibility of this idea.

Some comrades from the Aerospace Science and Technology Group showed thoughtful expressions, seeming to be considering which rocket and platform to use to perform such a mission.

But Zhou Pingjian himself, as well as some more experienced senior engineers, knew that things were not that simple.

"Although the meter-level accuracy is enough to ensure that the orbiting spacecraft and the target debris collide, the process is essentially the same as the American anti-satellite interception this morning. It must accurately hit a specific location to ensure that the two will collide at the same time after the collision. Leaving orbit and falling into the atmosphere.”

Deputy Chief Engineer Xie Yongchun from the Beijing Control Engineering Research Institute and responsible for planning the Shenzhou/Tiangong Ship Station docking plan immediately explained the specific issues:

"In addition, the structure of solar panels is mainly maintained by a backsheet composed of aluminum frames, glass and organic polymers. Because there is basically no need to fight gravity in space, the strength of this structure is generally not particularly high. It is possible that Breakage occurs during the collision, creating new and more threatening space debris.”

Zhou Pingjian, who had just taken a sip of water, added another situation that needs to be considered:

"The size data of 4500mm*1500mm*25mm is based on the design drawing of the UARS satellite. In fact, considering that it has experienced a very violent collision before, this battery panel is likely to be in a bent state now. Not necessarily a standard shape.”

Astronauts on the International Space Station have only visually observed debris passing by. Although the human eye can see farther in space than in the atmosphere, it is still difficult to judge the specific shape without any preparation in advance. .

In the conference room, the atmosphere that had become slightly more optimistic returned to a somewhat dull state as several consecutive operational-level problems were thrown out.

Academician Wang Zhiyong, the previous chief designer of manned spaceflight who had just resigned, was also present at this time, but he did not express his position just now.

Especially after hearing Chang Haonan's thoughts, he kept lowering his head and thinking about something.

And now he finally raised his head:

"If the window time is extended, I think robotic arms can be used to complete Academician Chang's vision. Our plan for the second phase of the space station project includes combined robotic arms. There are similar mature technologies in foreign countries, but at this stage The positioning and control accuracy is not very optimistic, and it is more suitable for releasing rather than grabbing spacecraft..."

This obviously brings a brand new solution, and the conclusion is much more optimistic than before.

So someone quickly picked up the call:

"If we go by the Russian Space Agency's report and our own observations, the time is not very urgent. If there are no accidents, it is expected that there will be no risk of collision with the International Space Station within one or two years..."

"..."

Discussions on related topics were in full swing, but Chang Haonan, who first proposed this idea, never spoke again.

On the one hand, his own habit is to listen to other people's concerns and questions after throwing out his own ideas, and then solve them in a targeted manner.

On the other hand, the previous expression of "catch" is indeed not accurate.

So during this period of time, I drew a schematic diagram on a notebook using my not-so-skilled drawing skills.

Then, while the others were silent, he said:

"Robotic arms are indeed a promising technology, but as Academician Wang just said, it will take a relatively long time to prepare, and it is best to strike while the iron is hot when cleaning up space junk No. 40396... After all, with the United States If it takes a few years, it will be difficult for it to have sufficient international impact."

After saying that, he pulled off a piece of paper from the notebook in his hand and handed it to the staff next to him, motioning for the other person to put it on the stage of the projector.

Even though the staff had received special training, they almost couldn't hold back their laughter after receiving it.

Taking advantage of the opponent's effort in operating the equipment, Chang Haonan continued to introduce without changing his expression:

"Strictly speaking, what I just wanted to express is to use a flexible rope net to net down this space debris!"

As expected, another stone stirred up waves.

"Down the net?"

Zhou Pingjian held the cup in his hand, his arms froze in the air, and he even forgot to continue drinking water for a while.

The rest of the people also whispered to themselves:

"Do you mean like a racket?"

"I think...maybe more like a fishing net?"

"Then wouldn't it be better if we cooperated with an organization similar to Harpoon?"

"..."

Chang Haonan was not in a hurry to explain in depth.

It wasn't until about half a minute later that what he had drawn on the piece of paper appeared on the curtain.

The painting skills are indeed somewhat abstract, but fortunately they are not difficult to understand.

After rendering it in your mind, simple lines can turn into extreme colors.

(Drawed by Mr. Chang↑)

(Rendered by the audience with their own filters↑)

Only then did he continue:

"Rope net capture has two very obvious advantages. First, the flexible material can effectively reduce possible collisions during the capture process. By controlling the interceptor body, it can be operated at a distance of a hundred meters or even further from the capture target. The safety is very high when the capture is carried out, and even if the capture fails once, there will be no irreversible serious consequences. "

"Secondly, the rope net is a sparse structure that uses very little material to cover a considerable space. A flying net with a mass of more than ten kilograms can capture an area of ​​hundreds or thousands of square meters. The identification of space debris is very important. The accuracy requirements for measurement and space tug guidance control are relatively low, which is very suitable for dealing with such huge and spinning space debris. "

"Thanks to the above two, the interceptor can use the current small satellite platform with relatively mature technology. It only needs to have basic orbit adjustment, positioning and load power supply capabilities. The production and launch costs are relatively controllable..."

"..."

As his introduction became more in-depth, the eyes of hundreds of participants gradually became more thorough and clear.

For some of the businesses related to this, I have already taken out a pen and paper and started to figure out whether there is any place where I or the project team behind me can play a role.

Even the leader, who was watching the meeting via video through a network cable, had a clear flash of interest in his eyes.

This plan is not only very feasible, but also sounds fantastic enough.

It has the romantic feel of a space opera.

Even people who are completely non-technical will find it hard not to be attracted.

Although this plan must have its own difficulties and challenges, anyone with a discerning eye can see that the decision-making level is interested and the executive level is very active, so there is a high probability that it will be approved.

Then, you need to start thinking about further issues.

"Academician Chang,... there is another non-technical risk that needs to be considered."

Director Sun Yanlai's tone was quite cautious.

In fact, he didn't want to embarrass the public at this time, but these were his duties, so he had to stand up and sing this shamelessly:

"Broadly speaking, your plan is a type of common-orbital interception system, so like other spacecraft of the same type, it is likely to be hyped as a long-term orbiting space weapon by some public opinion with ulterior motives..."

"That's why I just said that timeliness is very important."

Chang Haonan has already prepared a plan for this:

"The outside world has not yet obtained definite information about space junk No. 40396. We can announce as soon as the news is detonated that we are willing to take the initiative to assume international responsibilities, eliminate the negative effects caused by the United States' insistent actions, and make our handling public. The plan is to block other people’s mouths directly.”

"Of course, the term rope net capture is indeed too sensitive, and it will easily remind people of anti-satellite technology, so we have to change the name, such as the space tugboat project, or the interstellar fishing boat project..."