Rather than being beyond comprehension, it's more accurate to say it's beyond imagination. Many people believe that no other life exists in the universe, and based on this, they can only extrapolate logically consistent ideas, such as space debris.
Floating in space are many pieces of debris, also known as man-made waste and its derivatives. During our exploration, we found many solid rocket fuel remnants and multi-stage rockets abandoned after launch, all of which have been left forever in space.
They have the potential to collide with satellites, or even return to Earth, posing a threat to our continental oceans.
Such a low-probability event is unavoidable, and its occurrence is reasonable; it is more believable than the destruction of an observation satellite by an alien species.
"It should be an abandoned rocket. After the impact, the chip malfunctioned, which is not a big deal. Besides, I also participated in the research and development of the outer layer material of H-012. At that time, not much money was invested because the first condition was to be lightweight enough. Strength and such were not the main considerations. Of course, it could not withstand too much impact."
“Professor Mallory is right. The H-012 used the most advanced materials, and we are still using these materials in the satellite field. We haven’t found anything more suitable yet,” someone echoed.
Many people tend to agree with this more rational answer; people are always willing to believe things that are based on common sense, while those that are too sensational can only exist in their imagination.
But this isn't the main street.
This is a conference room attended by leading researchers. Almost every one of them is a world-renowned professor who has made outstanding contributions in their respective fields. They have independent thinking and sound concepts and do not blindly follow others.
Dissenting voices quickly emerged.
"That's completely wrong. As far as I know, the shadow that appeared just now was from a rocket that wasn't even that large, not even a tenth of that size? Do you know how terrifying that is? How do you explain that?"
An old man with a somewhat fierce appearance, who was smoking a cigarette without any regard for the feelings of others, said.
Some people looked over to see who was speaking out against the scientific businessman Mallory, and when their gazes settled on the old man, they were no longer surprised.
Professor Moriton, a world-renowned astronomer who participated in the United States' manned space program, is also the vice president of the Institute of Astronomy and the native speaker of this conference room.
He had an eccentric temperament and was always outspoken, which made him unpopular. However, in the field of science and technology, no one had ever dared to deny his research in astronomy.
"Using shadows to estimate the actual size of an object is utter nonsense!"
"Hehe, everything that exists has its reason. Mallory, you can learn some knowledge, otherwise you always seem a bit ignorant."
The two were old rivals, and they started arguing after only a few words.
These researchers watched coldly, showing no inclination to offer any advice; in fact, they seemed to hope the argument would escalate further, adding some heat to the overly cold atmosphere.
Goring stood at the front, watching the scene with a sense of helplessness and boredom. He turned his head to look at the tightly drawn curtains. A sliver of light from the outside shone through the small gap, and he observed it intently, seemingly lost in thought, oblivious to everything in the conference room.
"Stop, stop arguing!" An old voice stopped Mallory and the others. The most authoritative professor present, Professor Buschnilong, couldn't stand it anymore.
He tapped the table with his frail, aged hand and said calmly, "Haven't you figured out the most important issue yet? Now that H012 has lost contact, it will become space debris and may be derailed due to an impact, which is a potential threat. If we can resolve this, we should recover it. This will not only eliminate the threat but may also allow us to investigate what that shadow really is."
As expected of the old professor, he immediately pointed out the crux of the problem, which made many researchers' thinking clearer, and they nodded in deep agreement.
However, the next sentence chilled everyone to the bone; it was said by Ai Jincheng.
"As far as I know, although we have the means to recover satellites using space shuttle technology, the exorbitant price is prohibitive. And that's assuming the satellite is still in orbit; if it detaches, we have absolutely no way of finding a solution!"
His words silenced everyone. They all knew why space debris was so prevalent: because the cost of recycling it was too high, and some of it was simply impossible to find using technological means.
"If you don't have the technology, you can extend it based on existing technology. I believe you can do it. Why not make this technology the next research topic for our Astronomical Research Institute? I will apply for it with the higher-ups. Don't worry about funding." The wealthy vice president chimed in.
The old professor nodded in satisfaction.
It seems that this is the only way to solve the problem.
It's just that it's quite difficult.
As researchers know, we have been exploring space for a long time, but we are still in a state of mystery. Humanity's understanding and knowledge of it is very limited. Let alone recovering lost satellites in the vast universe, even finding them is unknown.
For a moment, no one in the meeting room dared to volunteer to take on this heavy responsibility.
The lively discussion that had just taken place fell silent again.
It's a thankless task, and the worst thing is having the will but not the ability. No one can guarantee that this idea will be realized.
Professor Busch was very dissatisfied. He coldly glanced around at the researchers sitting around him. He was puzzled. How could all of you, who were all famous figures, have exhausted your courage?
Isn't the mission of astronomers to explore the mysteries of the universe?
This is a great opportunity to implement new technologies and methods!
Since no one dared to agree, he didn't want to drag it out any longer and started calling out names directly.
"Before coming here, I also investigated the leader of the Black Tower Group Two in front of you. He is a professor who graduated from the Department of Astronomy at Stanford University. I don't know why he condescended to take a position in Pittsburgh. Making the best use of resources and talents, Göring, you should also participate in this project."
The sudden mission left Goring completely stunned. He had originally planned to report the situation and then return to his remote town to live a carefree life. How did he suddenly get conscripted?
"And Professor Ai, there are few geniuses in our field of physics who can rival you right now. Let's work together to do a good job in this area. Phil will be the group leader. Does anyone have any objections?"
Ai Jincheng was waiting for an opportunity to prove himself. He was afraid that he would not be given important responsibilities after his humiliating defeat and being trampled on by Jiang Cheng.
He quickly stood up. "I appreciate Professor Busch's trust, and I will definitely cooperate fully with the new research plan!"
However, Ai Jincheng's confident assertion today stems from his complete lack of understanding of the sheer difficulty of this matter: hellish.
No, that's an impossible task.
There is a formidable barrier blocking the path of American researchers.
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