47: Chapter 47 Stable Operation! 1000-Hour Milestone
The ecstasy of the successful ignition of the "Jinwu" demonstration reactor was like a giant rock thrown into a lake, the ripples continuing to spread inside and outside the "Xihe Base" for several days. After the ecstasy came a longer, more nerve-wracking test—the test of continuous stable operation.
Successful ignition was only the first step of the Long March. Whether this newborn "sun" could be constrained in that invisible magnetic cage for a long time, stably, and continuously output clean energy, was the true litmus test for the maturity of "Jinwu" technology.
The atmosphere in the control center did not relax because of the joy of success; instead, it became even more solemn. On the big screen, the numbers representing the operating time jumped silently and firmly, next to which were densely packed, real-time updated core parameters: plasma temperature, density, confinement time, energy output power, magnetic field strength, radiation dose withstood by the first wall material...
1 hour... 10 hours... 100 hours...
Time passed quietly amidst the hum of precision instruments. The engineers worked in three shifts, their eyes like the most precise radar, constantly scanning for any slight abnormal fluctuations on the screen. Old Chen and several core experts almost lived in the control center, napping in the lounge next door when tired, and returning to their posts immediately upon waking. The security net set up by Long Zhantian did not relax in the slightest; on the contrary, it became even more vigilant due to the unique energy signal emitted by the continuous operation of "Jinwu."
During this period, it was not all smooth sailing.
At the 187th hour of operation, a heat load sensor near a divertor detected an abnormal temperature rise. Although it did not reach the alarm threshold, the engineer in charge of the system immediately activated the emergency plan, fine-tuned the distribution of the nearby magnetic field, and successfully diverted and dissipated the hot spot.
At the 512th hour, a set of superconducting magnets triggered a local quench protection due to a tiny current fluctuation. The backup magnet cut in instantly, and the main system returned to normal in just 0.3 seconds; the energy output curve did not even show any obvious jitter.
Every small setback was a test of the "Jinwu" design's robustness and the team's emergency response capability. And every successful resolution added a point of confidence to everyone in the technology provided by "Patriot X," as well as their own execution ability.
500 hours... 700 hours... 900 hours...
When the operating time broke the 900-hour mark, the atmosphere in the control center had quietly changed. The initial tension and anxiety were gradually replaced by a calm self-confidence. That stably burning blue light sphere, and the energy output curve on the screen that had almost become a straight line, seemed to be silently declaring its reliability.
Finally, under the gaze of countless eyes, the operating time number on the screen slowly jumped—1000:00:00!
1000 hours!
A milestone in the field of controlled nuclear fusion, once considered unreachable and even symbolic, was firmly trampled underfoot by the Dragon Kingdom, by "Jinwu"!
"Wow—!"
More enthusiastic and longer-lasting applause and cheers than when the initial ignition succeeded instantly drowned out the control center! This time, there were fewer tears, brighter smiles, and tighter hugs! This was a solid, irrefutable victory achieved after a long test and overcoming countless potential risks!
Chief Engineer Wang looked at the number fixed at 1000 hours and announced loudly: "Report! The 'Jinwu' demonstration reactor's first long-cycle operation test is over! It has run continuously for 1000 hours, the energy gain factor Q value is stable above 15, and all parameters are better than the design indicators! The system operation... is perfect!"
He said the word "perfect" firmly, with unparalleled pride!
Old Chen walked to the main screen, looking at the image of the blue light sphere that represented 1000 hours of stable operation, his heart surging. He picked up the internal communicator and connected to the Supreme Command Headquarters, his voice trembling slightly with excitement, yet carrying unprecedented confidence:
"Report to the Chief! The 'Jinwu' demonstration reactor has successfully passed the 1000-hour continuous stable operation test! We... we have truly mastered controlled nuclear fusion energy!"
The news spread like it had grown wings, quickly passed back to the capital through top-secret channels. In the Supreme Command Headquarters, several old men looked at this heavy operation report, looked at each other for a long time, and finally turned it into sighs of relief and full of pride.
"Immediately organize all technical materials and operating data of the 'Jinwu' project and classify them as top secret!"
"Start the feasibility study and site selection work for the 'Jinwu II' commercial reactor!"
"Prepare to announce it to the world... It is time to let the world see our 'sun'!"
In a rental house in the city, in Lin Mo's mind, the system's prompt arrived as scheduled, louder than ever before:
【Civilization-level energy technology 'Controlled Nuclear Fusion' has achieved a major breakthrough and has been stably verified!】
【Civilization energy level upgraded! A decisive impact on the civilization process!】
【Reward: Points × 5000! Unlocked new technology tree branch: 【Stellar-level Energy Application】!】
【Special Reward: 【Civilization Spark】 Medal × 1 (Wearing effect: Slightly improve affinity and trust foundation with local civilization forces).】
【Emergency task 'Establish Primary Civilization Early Warning and Defense Consensus' completion: + 25%!】
Looking at the soaring 5000 points and the brand-new technology tree, as well as the medal that radiated a warm light, Lin Mo knew that the stable operation of "Jinwu" not only brought energy freedom to the Dragon Kingdom but also won the most precious confidence and time for him to deal with the future cosmic-level crisis.
1000 hours is a milestone, and even more so, a brand-new starting point. The energy landscape of the Dragon Kingdom, and even the energy map of the world, will be completely rewritten from this moment on!
In the Pretty Country, at CIA headquarters, James Craig looked at the analysis report submitted by the technical department regarding the special energy signal from the Dragon Kingdom's "G-7" region, which had been continuous and stable for more than a month, his face ashen. The last glimmer of luck was completely shattered.
He slumped in his chair, muttering to himself: "1000 hours... they... they really created a sun..."
A cold despair instantly swallowed him. A brand-new era dominated by the Dragon Kingdom had arrived, unstoppable.