Chapter 490 - 426: Rocket Launch

Chapter 490: Chapter 426: Rocket Launch

For one, they also wanted the results of the exploration. For another, after the recent scandal, the Senate was desperate to restore the nation’s image, and this operation was undoubtedly the perfect opportunity.

And just as North Star had predicted, Soloma had indeed already manufactured a batch of "Astronaut Robots." However, unlike the humanoid models used for driving and reception, these astronaut robots were almost all designed to look like "Multi-clawed Octopuses."

This wasn’t surprising.

A robot’s design must serve its intended purpose. Robots meant for reception are made in a humanoid form to make interacting with people easier. For space travel, however, a humanoid form isn’t necessary; practicality is what matters most. Compared to a humanoid with just two hands and ten fingers, a multi-clawed robot with freely extending limbs was undoubtedly better suited for operating a manned rocket.

Once both sides had finalized the agreement, they proceeded with the matter in secret to prevent any external sabotage.

Over the course of three days, North Star’s Strategy Research Room was responsible for collecting Flowing Psychic Power for Guan Tong to build a reserve, while Soloma focused on calibrating and optimizing the manned rocket and its robots.

...

On the morning of the 29th, Guan Tong arrived at Soloma’s rocket launch center.

Because the entire experiment was top secret, very few people were aware of it. The launch center was staffed by only a few essential personnel.

Before Guan Tong boarded the rocket, several specialists explained some key points to him.

"Real space travel isn’t like the low-orbit tourism that wealthy people enjoy. An ordinary astronaut needs at least six months of training between selection and launch, including all sorts of physical adaptation tests and medical check-ups. We’re on a tight schedule and don’t have time for that. Fortunately, you’re a powerful Ascender, so your physical fitness is more than sufficient. Skipping much of the training regimen is of no consequence."

"You’ll be joined on the rocket by six multi-functional astronaut robots. They can handle all the necessary tasks, so you won’t need to touch any of the controls. The robots will do everything for you. If you need anything, you can speak to them in plain language, and they will understand. In case of danger, they will immediately guide you to the escape pod."

Guan Tong nodded.

Zhang Minglu had already told him as much, and he didn’t mind going into space with robots.

Even if he encountered some unexpected danger, he could instantly use his Body Shifting ability to return to Celestial Water Star, so there was no need to worry too much.

"Finally, we all wish you a successful mission," the specialist said earnestly. "We know you’re taking this risk for all of humanity, and that is worthy of our utmost respect!"

"Thank you," Guan Tong said. "I also hope this trip proves fruitful."

With all preparations complete, he followed the guide to the gantry and took a dedicated elevator up to the orbital module platform.

Several key personnel from Soloma and North Star were on the ground below. Zhang Minglu, as the plan’s initiator, had also traveled from North Star to be here. He gazed up at the platform high above, watching as Guan Tong, clad in a pressure suit, entered the module. ’This has to succeed!’ he thought.

As Guan Tong entered the cabin, he was immediately hit by a complex, faintly sweet, metallic smell—an entirely new experience for him.

"Hello," an Astronaut Robot, resembling an octopus with twelve slender metal claws, chimed in. "Please take your seat and connect to the equipment."

Guan Tong sat down and connected his spacesuit’s oxygen and ventilation hoses, as well as the telemetry cable for ground-based medical monitoring.

"Astronaut has been seated. Commencing cabin self-check."

"All systems checked. Communications are nominal."

"Cabin door sealed."

As the Astronaut Robot’s announcements continued, Guan Tong sealed his helmet’s faceplate and quietly awaited the final launch sequence.

Outside, the rotating platforms of the launch tower encasing the rocket opened up, layer by layer, like a giant steel lotus waiting for its final bloom.

About twenty minutes later, with all preparations complete, the director of the Soloma Space Agency pressed the red button on the console as planned.

"Ignition!"