In June 2064, human space exploration has made great progress in the past few decades.
Xiao Zhen, a legendary figure who has always been at the forefront of deep space exploration, has entered his twilight years, but his passion for exploring the unknown universe remains as burning as ever.
At this time, Xiao Zhen has witnessed countless scientific research breakthroughs.
Humans have not only established permanent bases on the moon and Mars, but have also begun to move into more distant space.
The Kuiper Belt, this mysterious area at the edge of the solar system, has become a new target of human exploration.
In the early morning of June 17, Xiao Zhen arrived at the interstellar station in Earth orbit early, as usual before carrying out important missions.
The terminal was bustling with activity, with staff members nervously and orderly conducting final checks and preparations for the upcoming interstellar shuttle.
Xiao Zhen, wearing a light but powerful space suit, stopped in front of the shuttle for a moment, his eyes revealing determination and expectation.
He gently stroked the outer shell of the shuttle, as if communicating with the partner who was about to travel through the vast universe together.
"Are you ready, Mr. Xiao?" Li Ming, the terminal manager, walked up and asked with concern.
Xiao Zhen smiled and nodded, "Everything is ready. This may be my last adventure into the universe. I don't want to have any regrets."
Li Ming looked at the highly respected scientist in front of him with admiration in his heart.
"Mr. Xiao, your experience and wisdom are a valuable asset to this mission. We all believe that you will return safely."
Afterwards, Xiao Zhen boarded the interstellar shuttle. Inside the shuttle, various advanced instruments and equipment flickered with soft light.
Xiao Zhen skillfully started up various systems and conducted the final communication test with the ground command center.
"Command center, this is shuttle number one. All systems are normal. Requesting permission to take off." Xiao Zhen's calm voice was transmitted to the command center through the communication channel.
"Shuttle One, this is Command Center. Take-off permission has been approved. I wish you a safe journey and a successful exploration." The response from the Command Center was firm and powerful.
With a slight vibration, the interstellar shuttle slowly left the terminal and flew towards the depths of the vast universe.
The shuttle was speeding through the boundless universe, and the stars outside the window were shining like bright gems.
Xiao Zhen stared at the display screen intently, closely following the changes in various data.
After several days of flight, the shuttle finally approached the Kuiper Belt.
The Kuiper Belt, like a mysterious treasure trove at the edge of the solar system, is filled with various unknown celestial bodies and mysteries.
However, the environment here is also extremely complex and dangerous.
A large number of comets and asteroids shuttle through this area, as well as various cosmic radiation and energy fluctuations.
When the shuttle entered the Kuiper belt, Xiao Zhen clearly felt the turbulence of the flight.
"It seems that the situation here is more complicated than expected." Xiao Zhen said to himself while adjusting the flight parameters.
Suddenly, the detector sounded an alarm. Xiao Zhen quickly checked the display and found that a powerful cosmic storm was forming ahead.
This storm is composed of high-speed particle flows, strong electromagnetic radiation and huge gravitational fluctuations. It is like a ferocious beast in the universe, rushing towards the shuttle with its fangs and claws bared.
Xiao Zhen was well aware of the danger of this storm, but he had no intention of retreating.
He quickly activated the shuttle's defenses while trying to find a weak point in the storm, hoping to find a safe path through.
"Command center, this is Shuttle One. We encountered a strong cosmic storm in the Kuiper Belt and are working hard to deal with it." Xiao Zhen reported the situation to the command center.
"Shuttle One, stay calm. We are analyzing the storm data and trying to provide you with support." There was a hint of tension in the voice of the command center.
Xiao Zhen was struggling against the storm while waiting for support information from the command center.
However, the intensity of the storm exceeded everyone's expectations, and the shuttle's defense systems began to malfunction under the impact of the storm.
As the storm continued to hit, alarms blared inside the shuttle.
Various systems lit up red lights and the spacecraft's flight attitude began to get out of control.
Xiao Zhen tried his best to operate the console, trying to stabilize the shuttle.
"No, we won't be able to hold on for long if this goes on." Xiao Zhen knew in his heart that he had to make a decision as soon as possible.
At this moment, a message came from the command center: "Shuttle One, according to our analysis, the storm is still growing in intensity. Your current position is unsafe for crossing. We recommend that you return immediately."
Returning means giving up this rare opportunity for exploration.
Xiao Zhen was very conflicted. He knew very well that the Kuiper Belt contained many key clues to unlocking the mysteries of the universe. If he missed this opportunity, he might never have another chance to explore it in depth.
But looking at the deteriorating condition of the shuttle and the gradually approaching core of the storm, Xiao Zhen realized that he could not jeopardize the entire mission and his own life because of his persistence.
"Command center, got it, we are preparing to return." Xiao Zhen gritted his teeth and gave the order to return.
However, just as the shuttle tried to adjust its direction, a powerful gravitational wave hit the shuttle's propulsion system directly.
The shuttle instantly lost power and began to tumble uncontrollably in the universe.
"Not good!" Xiao Zhen clutched the console tightly, trying to stay awake. At this time, the oxygen supply system in the shuttle also malfunctioned, and the oxygen content continued to drop.
"Command center, our propulsion system and oxygen supply system are damaged, the shuttle has lost power, and the situation is critical!" Xiao Zhen once again sent a distress signal to the command center.
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