23: Chapter 23 Breakthrough in the Laboratory
Deep in the Northwest Gobi Desert, at the testing ground codenamed "Guanghan Palace," strong winds whipped up sand and gravel, battering the massive silver outer shell of the building with a dull thud. Unlike the harsh conditions outside, the interior was brightly lit and buzzing with activity.
Here, a secret competition concerning the future of the Dragon Kingdom was taking place.
In the core area of the testing ground, inside a giant experimental chamber simulating the lunar environment, a mechanical arm was operating with precision. Its "hand" was not a traditional digging or welding tool, but a complex printing nozzle. Beneath the nozzle, a layer of grayish-white special "ink" mixed with simulated lunar soil particles was being stacked and solidified at a speed visible to the naked eye according to a preset program, gradually forming an arched structural base.
The "ink" used was prepared based on the [Lunar Soil In-situ Polymerization Technology] provided by "Patriot X," utilizing local sand and a small amount of core catalyst. The key load-bearing components of the mechanical arm and the core elements inside the printing nozzle used an improved model of the [lc-1 composite material], also from "Patriot X."
Elder Chen stood in the observation room, staring intently at every movement inside the chamber through thick special glass. Long Zhantian stood silently to the side, his attention focused more on the security and personnel screening of the entire testing ground to ensure everything was foolproof.
"Printing speed increased to 120% of the design value!" an excited voice from a field engineer came over the intercom.
"Real-time structural stress monitoring data is normal; the strength far exceeds expectations!"
"Environmental simulation parameters are stable, and the printed structure performs perfectly in vacuum, low temperature, and radiation environments!"
One piece of good news after another arrived like victory reports, and the atmosphere in the observation room grew increasingly heated. Everyone understood that what they were verifying was not just a new material, but a completely new and revolutionary extraterrestrial construction model—using local planetary resources to quickly build permanent bases!
When the final command was completed and the mechanical arm retracted, a gray arched structure about three meters high with a five-meter span stood firmly in the center of the experimental chamber. It had smooth lines and a seamless design, with a cold, hard metallic luster on its surface that formed a sharp contrast with the surrounding desolate simulated lunar environment.
"Pressure test, prepare!" Elder Chen's voice spread through the entire control center via the microphone.
The massive hydraulic device began to apply pressure to the arched structure, and the values continued to climb. Everyone held their breath, staring intently at the data screens and the stress monitoring points on the structure.
50%... 100%... 150%...
When the pressure value reached twice the design load, the arched structure remained as solid as a rock, without even a single tiny crack appearing!
"We succeeded! Complete success!" someone shouted first, and the entire control center was instantly submerged in thunderous applause and cheers! Engineers embraced each other, and several elderly experts were so moved that their eyes filled with tears.
Elder Chen let out a long sigh of relief, and a look of relief finally appeared on his tense face, his eyes slightly moist. He turned around and shook Long Zhantian's hand firmly: "Zhantian, did you see that? We did it! This is the true keystone to the Moon!"
A rare look of emotion also appeared on Long Zhantian's resolute face as he nodded heavily: "Yes, Elder Chen. We have our own 'Ladder to Heaven'!"
This success report, along with high-definition images and data, was classified as top secret and rushed to the Capital. The conclusion section of the report was written in bold: "Based on 'Patriot X' technology, the feasibility of in-situ construction of a lunar base has been proven! It is recommended to immediately start the substantive planning of the first phase of the 'Guanghan Palace' Moon Base!"
Almost at the same time, the "Jinwu" project team also sent word of success. The core of "Zhulong," a miniaturized fusion device based on the New Constraint Field Theory, had completed the theoretical design of all key components and the preparation of some core materials, and was about to enter the physical assembly stage. The small-scale model of the "sky patrol" ion thruster had also completed its first ignition test in a vacuum environment, with all performance parameters meeting the standards!
Inside the "Qianlong" base, an unprecedented sense of confidence and pride permeated the air. With powerful tools in hand, the path ahead was clear.
Meanwhile, in a rented room in the city, Lin Mo had just finished the theoretical optimization of a small oxygen recovery module for the life support system. He habitually glanced at the system interface and found that 200 points had been quietly added to the points column, with the remark [Technical Diffusion Application Reward].
He was slightly taken aback, then understood something, a knowing smile appearing on the corners of his lips.
He didn't know exactly what had happened in the Gobi Desert, but he could feel that the seeds he had sown were sprouting and growing vigorously at an unprecedented speed in some corner of the country.
This silent resonance was more satisfying and powerful than any direct praise. He took a deep breath and once again turned his gaze to the vast technology tree in his mind.
What should the next goal be? His fingertip tapped lightly, landing on the [Orbital Energy Relay Station] node.