Recycling space debris requires huge investment, and it is difficult for private companies to afford it.

ESA is an international organization, jointly funded by many countries. In addition to commercial launches, it receives funding from national treasury.

The environmental protection craze in Europe has lasted for nearly a hundred years. Every year when funds are allocated, many radical environmentalists will march to oppose funding for the space industry.

The reason is that rocket launches are still fuel-economical at present.

Launching a rocket will cause pressure on atmospheric pollution and oil and mineral extraction, not to mention the space debris that will be created in space orbit!

"I know your country has been at the forefront of environmental awareness and technology in recycling since the last century," Lu Guansheng said to Hayden. "I wonder if Hayden is familiar with the European Environment Agency?"

"I'm not very familiar with the European Environment Agency, but our country's Environmental Protection Agency is a frequent visitor to us!" Hayden said with a helpless expression.

"Hayden, you don't like the people at the EPA?"

"It's not that I don't like the people at the Environmental Protection Agency, or that I don't value environmental protection," Hayden said self-deprecatingly. "It's just that every time they come, I throw vegetables!"

"Throwing away food? Losing money?" Lu Guansheng was amused by Hayden's explanation of this awkwardly pronounced Chinese word.

"Alan, you don't know that for all commercial launches, we have to pay a hefty environmental tax to the EPA every quarter!" Hayden said helplessly, "It's getting higher every year!"

“What’s the reason for all these taxes?”

"Carbon dioxide emissions index surcharge, fuel surcharge, fresh water consumption tax." Hayden counted on his fingers. "Making money is not easy!"

If ESA does not accept commercial launches, it will lose a large source of funding. If it accepts commercial launches, a large amount of profits will be taken away by the EPA.

"I want to grow, earn more research funds, focus on aerospace research, and retain more researchers with high salaries. Look! I'm worrying so much that my hair has turned gray!"

"Gray hair represents wisdom. At least it means that the brain absorbs nutrients well! As long as you don't worry about going bald!" Lu Guansheng joked with Hayden with a smile.

Hayden was stunned for a moment, then belatedly laughed. Germans are notorious in Europe for not having a strong sense of humor, or rather, being slow to react and having a long reaction time.

For Hayden, someone like Lu Guansheng, who was infected with British quick-witted jokes, was like a small tornado of relief.

His train of thought often tangled and confused Hayden, who was used to logical thinking.

"Hayden, how can we reduce taxes?" Lu Guansheng asked.

"Reduce exhaust emissions, reduce fuel consumption, and reduce fresh water consumption." Hayden said, then shook his head. "It can't be reduced! After all, safety comes first!"

"That's not necessarily true!" Lu Guansheng shook his head. "How much financial freedom does Hayden have?"

"Alan has a solution?"

"Hayden, you have money, but I have the means!"

"How much does it cost? I'm so poor!" Hayden even cried about being poor!

"Do you have emissions data? I'll calculate it for you. I'm sure you won't lose money. How about that?"

"Wait a minute, I'll ask my secretary to get it!" Hayden gestured to the secretary beside him.

After getting the information, Lu Guansheng looked at the emission data and expenditure records of the past ten years and started to calculate in his mind.

Each rocket launch will produce 15 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, 35 tons of fuel, and 50 tons of wastewater.

According to the environmental regulations of the past decade, ESA will spend 300 to 500 million euros in environmental taxes each year. Because Germany is its headquarters, tax expenditures account for one-third of ESA's total expenditures.

No wonder Hayden said he lost money just by seeing people!

"I can't solve your fuel problem anytime soon, but I can reduce your carbon dioxide emissions to almost zero, and still make a profit," Lu Guansheng said after considering it. "As for wastewater treatment, we can handle it internally without the involvement of the Environmental Protection Bureau."

"You mean, you can help me save two-thirds of the environmental protection tax expenditure?" Hayden was obviously very interested in Lu Guansheng's proposal.

"I can, but the technology is my patent. You can't steal it and make it yourself just to save money!" Lu Guansheng winked at Hayden.

"Alan! I'm German!" Hayden glared at him. "What we value most is intellectual property. We won't skimp on the money we pay for other people's technology. I don't want to be a thief!"

"It's indeed a German!" Lu Guansheng knew that Hayden would not steal his technology, although his team had the ability to do so.

It was just a joke, but who knew the square-minded German, Hayden, would respond so seriously? It's hilarious! What a cultural difference!

“Alan! You’re such a fool!” Hayden realized at this moment that Lawrence Lu was joking, “Stop teasing me! Tell me how much this technology will cost?”

"You can't afford the one-time investment, how about we pay in installments?" Lu Guansheng asked.

"As long as it's feasible, anything is fine. I'm not a short-sighted person!" Hayden gestured for Lu Guansheng to continue.

"Recovering waste gas requires 15 instruments, with a total expenditure of 750 million. Each instrument can be used for 30 years with self-maintenance. This reduces annual expenditure to 25 million euros." Lu Guansheng began his calculations.

Wastewater recycling is a one-time investment, and his equipment can restore wastewater to drinkable levels through recycling. Of 50 tons of water, approximately 40 tons can be recycled, excluding the evaporated water.

Using ten tons of water for one launch is already a normal level for a large enterprise, so no additional tax is required.

The investment in this water circulation equipment is 50 million, and its service life is 30 years, which means an annual expenditure of 16 million.

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