Seeing the puzzled looks on Albert's and the people around him, Morton quickly began to explain.

"NASA began researching electric propulsion systems decades ago."

"To be precise, it should be research on Hall thrusters."

Albert raised an eyebrow slightly: "Oh? NASA's research was successful?"

Morton's face stiffened.

He slowly shook his head, looking embarrassed, and said, "It's not exactly a failure, but it's definitely not a success either."

"Current Hall thrusters can only achieve thrust of tens or hundreds of millinewtons, and are mostly used in deep space vehicles."

"Perhaps you don't understand what tens or hundreds of millinewtons mean, let me put it another way and you'll understand."

"The maximum thrust of a Hall thruster is about several tens of grams."

"Within the atmosphere, it can't even move an egg!"

Albert suddenly realized.

But soon, his brows furrowed again: "Then why did Xia Country cancel the Long March 10 carrier rocket research project?"

Faced with this question, Morton fell silent.

This is indeed a point of contention.

He was, after all, just a bureau chief, not a researcher.

It's perfectly normal to lack scientific intuition.

"How about... I ask a professor at NASA sometime?"

Albert slowly shook his head: "Since the Hall thruster doesn't play a significant role in the atmosphere, we don't need to worry about it."

"Moreover... we cannot be certain whether these two messages are a smokescreen deliberately released by the Xia Kingdom!"

Ever since learning that Xia Guo had sold its first-generation fusion reactor technology and then turned around and produced its second-generation nuclear fusion technology, Albert had been somewhat traumatized.

"The most important thing now is how we should deal with Xia's series of actions."

Morton nodded respectfully and said in a low voice, "In my opinion, we don't need to pay any attention to the messages released by Xia Kingdom."

"After all, we've already suffered enough losses in the field of nuclear fusion!"

"Let them study Hall thrusters if they want to."

"I believe that chemical fuel rockets are currently the best option for humanity!"

Albert's eyes flickered slightly, and his deep gaze returned to Morton: "How are the preparations for Project Pathfinder coming along?"

Morton's expression hardened slightly: "Preparations have already begun!"

"Too slow!" Albert's brows furrowed instantly.

Just starting preparations?

At the current rate of development of Xia Kingdom, by the time they finish their preparations, their red flags might already be all over the moon!

Anthony, who had been silent, pursed his lips and gave Morton a wink.

"Morton, I think it's time to start that project."

Morton's expression changed slightly, and he asked in a low voice, "Anthony, are you sure?!"

Anthony closed his eyes slightly and took a deep breath: "I'm sure."

"The United States can fall behind, but it absolutely cannot fall behind others again and again!"

Albert, sitting in the presidential chair: "???"

He frowned and interrupted them, "Wait, wait! What are you talking about?? What project?!"

Anthony abruptly turned to Albert: "Your Excellency, I request permission to launch Project 51!"

Seeing Anthony's intense gaze, Albert's expression immediately turned strange: "Huh? Area 51? Isn't that just an air force base?"

The next moment, Morton's voice rang out.

"Your Excellency, on the surface, Area 51 is indeed just an air force base, but in reality, Area 51 is the core base of the United States' high-end technology reserve program."

Albert's expression grew increasingly strange: "???"

"Hey gentlemen, that's not a funny joke!"

"Advanced Technology Reserve Program? How come I've never heard of this program in the United States?"

Defense Secretary Anthony's voice followed: "The Advanced Technology Stockpile Program began fifty years ago with the aim of stockpiling various advanced technologies to ensure that the United States remains a leader in the world in the future."

"During this period, in order to ensure that the secrets were not leaked, only successive Secretaries of Defense and NASA Administrators knew about them."

"Not only you, but even the previous US presidents were unaware of the existence of this plan."

President Abbott's expression suddenly froze.

Well, none of the presidents knew that.

He calmed down a bit.

But soon, he thought of a very important question.

"Where's the funding? Why have I never seen the so-called Area 51 budget on the budget sheet?!"

Anthony said awkwardly, "Well... expenses can be faked after all."

"About 10% of the military spending over the past fifty years has been secretly flowing into Area 51."

Albert's breath hitched!

Good heavens!

10%!!

That's 10% of the US's annual military spending!

Expenses spanning a full fifty years!

Albert couldn't even imagine what they were researching inside!

He took a deep breath and asked softly, "May I ask what kind of technology is stored inside?"

Anthony and Morton exchanged a glance, then Anthony nodded slightly: "Of course."

"The last Cold War made us realize the importance of space dominance. Therefore, Area 51 mainly stores technologies in the aerospace field."

"For example... the Saturn VI launch vehicle, an enhanced version of the Saturn V."

Albert's pupils suddenly contracted!

As a native-born American, Albert was naturally familiar with the world-renowned Saturn V Heavy Launch Vehicle!

The Saturn V rocket, the heaviest launch vehicle ever used in human history, stood at a height of 110.6 meters.

Its takeoff weight reaches an astonishing 3038.5 tons, while its total thrust reaches an extreme of 3408 tons!

Because it was used for manned lunar missions, it is also known as a lunar rocket!

Albert swallowed hard, and said with great difficulty, "Saturn VI? What's it for?"

Morton picked up the conversation and said softly, "Your Excellency, it was developed for Mars."

"Currently, three completed Saturn VI heavy launch vehicles are hidden underground in Area 51."

"Mr. President, if you order the unlocking of Area 51, the mere Xia Country is not even worthy of being compared with our great United States!"

Morton's words stirred Albert's heart; he couldn't wait to see the American flag planted on the surface of Mars!

He took a deep breath, calmed his turbulent emotions, and said firmly, "Prepare to sign the presidential decree!"

"Initiate Project 51!"