parentshiftbook Chapter 132 Satellite
Chapter 132 Satellite
Chapter 132 Satellite
The news of the rocket launch acted like the most potent stimulant, keeping the entire city of Jiangcheng in a state of high excitement for the next few days. In the streets and alleys, in teahouses and taverns, everyone's conversation revolved around the words "satellite" and "rocket."
Jiangcheng clearly understood the immense boost this event would have on public morale, and distributed a limited number of on-site viewing slots through various channels, including radio raffles, community recommendations, and invitations to meritorious individuals. Being able to be near the launch site and witness the rocket launch up close became a coveted honor for countless people.
Xu Mo also joined in the fun by participating in several interactive broadcasts and community lottery activities. He wasn't too obsessed with the so-called glory; he just wanted to witness this miraculous scene in the apocalypse.
Unfortunately, luck didn't seem to be on Xu Mo's side, and all his attempts failed. Watching the lucky winners who were overjoyed, Xu Mo simply smiled faintly, showing little disappointment.
"It's good that there are fewer people; we can see things more clearly." Xu Mo comforted himself with this thought.
He already knew the approximate time and location of the launch from the broadcast announcements and people's discussions. Since he couldn't observe it up close, he would observe it from afar.
Five days flew by as the entire nation eagerly awaited their return.
On the day of launch, the weather was perfect; the sky was clear and blue, with only the scorching sun asserting the dominance of midsummer.
Xu Mo set off early, driving his modified off-road vehicle, and followed the countless people who were walking, cycling, or driving various vehicles, heading northeast.
Jiangcheng had clearly anticipated this enthusiasm for "civilian spectators." A temporary outer viewing area was designated on a high, open slope a dozen kilometers away from the launch site, and a large number of soldiers and security personnel were dispatched to maintain order and prevent crowds from getting too close or causing a stampede.
Xu Mo parked the car a little further away, carried a backpack containing water and simple food, and hiked up to the top of a small hill.
The view here is excellent; although there are many people in front, they do not completely block the view.
The viewing area was already packed with people, young and old, all eagerly anticipating the ceremony, their faces a mixture of excitement, nervousness, expectation, and pride. Children rode on their fathers' shoulders, bombarding them with questions; familiar neighbors greeted each other, exchanging "insider information" they had heard from who-knows-where.
Vendors weaved through the crowd, selling drinks and simple food, their business booming. Soldiers maintaining order wore serious expressions, constantly reminding people to be careful, yet their eyes couldn't help but reveal a hint of pride. The air was filled with a festive, lively, and bustling atmosphere, yet also carried a certain sacred, ritualistic feel.
As noon approached, the loudspeaker truck broadcasted important notices and a final countdown reminder on a loop from its elevated position.
The crowd gradually quieted down, and countless eyes focused on the distance.
"Ten, nine, eight —"
A steady countdown came over the loudspeaker, spreading throughout the viewing area, and people spontaneously joined in, either silently or in hushed tones.
"Three, two, one! Ignition!"
"boom!!!!!!!"
Just as the countdown reached zero, a deafening roar, seemingly emanating from the depths of the earth, suddenly exploded. It wasn't just a sound; it was more like the roar of a tangible and violent energy breaking free from the earth's crust.
Everyone felt a clear tremor from the ground beneath their feet, as if a sleeping ancient beast was turning over, and the pebbles on the mound were trembling slightly.
Almost simultaneously with the roar and tremors, a bright, white, orange-red flame suddenly erupted from the bottom of the launch pad in the distance. The flame was so huge and so violent that it instantly engulfed the bottom of the launch pad, then transformed into an incredibly thick pillar of fire that crashed downwards against the deflector, kicking up plumes of dust, while simultaneously propelling the pristine white rocket upwards.
The rocket started moving.
At first, it moved extremely slowly, like a giant breaking free of invisible shackles, slowly and resolutely leaving the embrace of the launch pad. Then the rocket's speed increased visibly, leaving a magnificent, fiery trail that connected heaven and earth, piercing straight into the azure sky.
The sound of the flames burning was like a continuous rumble of thunder, sweeping across the sky, across the wilderness, and into the hearts of every spectator. The orange-red trail stretched and expanded against the blue sky, as if a god had used a flaming brush to paint a powerful and hopeful stroke across the heavens.
"It's taking off! It's taking off!"
"OMG----"
"Go for it! Go for it!"
After a brief silence, the crowd erupted in deafening cheers, screams, and shouts! Many people jumped up excitedly, waving their arms and throwing hats and handkerchiefs into the air.
Xu Mo saw some people with tears in their eyes, tightly hugging their loved ones; others with their mouths agape, just staring blankly at the trail of flames that flew higher and higher, as if they had lost the ability to speak.
Xu Mo also felt a surge of heat rush to the top of his head, his mind and spirit shaken and stirred. He was not someone who was easily swayed by emotions, but the scene before him transcended personal feelings and the struggle for survival. It was the most brilliant burning of human wisdom, courage, and indomitable will on the ruins of the apocalypse.
This is a powerful declaration from Jiangcheng, irrefutable proof that the flame of civilization has not been extinguished and that we still have the power to look up at and explore the stars.
With communication satellites, shelters thousands of miles apart will no longer be isolated islands. Information will flow again across the planet, experiences can be shared, and strengths can be coordinated. This is not merely a technological victory, but a historic step for humanity as a whole to reconnect, build consensus, and face the future in dire circumstances. Its significance may even surpass the eradication of a mutated species...
The harvest of a wheat field has a far greater impact.
The rocket flew higher and higher, faster and faster, gradually becoming smaller. Its contrail spread out in the high-altitude airflow, eventually turning into a bright spot with a faint trail of smoke at a very high altitude. It flew diagonally towards the southeastern horizon and finally disappeared into the vast blue sky, leaving only a faint white contrail in the sky that lingered for a long time.
The cheers continued for a long time, and many people still looked up, gazing in the direction where the rocket disappeared, unwilling to lower their heads for a long time.
Just then, several people in the viewing area, each holding a high-powered military radio, shouted loudly, "Quiet! Everyone quiet! It's an announcement! There's an announcement!"
The restless crowd gradually calmed down, and everyone held their breath, listening intently. The scene, with tens of thousands of people, became completely silent in just a few seconds, with only the howling wind breaking the silence.
A static crackled from the radio, followed by a barely perceptible tremor in the announcer's voice, which, through the radio's speakers, resonated clearly throughout the land that had just witnessed the miracle: "This is the Jiangcheng Satellite Launch Command Center. We are reporting that the Jiangcheng-1 experimental communications satellite was successfully launched into space today at 12:07 AM standard time by the 'Kuafu' series carrier rocket."
"The satellite has successfully entered its designated orbit, and the launch was a complete success."
"Repeated: The launch of Jiangcheng-1 satellite was a complete success!"
"This is more than just a technological victory!" The announcer's voice trembled slightly with excitement, yet it grew all the more resolute. "This marks the first time, after the catastrophe struck and civilization was devastated, that we have, for the first time, relied on our own strength to send a human creation back into low Earth orbit. This satellite will become our messenger, reconnecting us with other surviving river city shelters and with all our compatriots who hold fast to the flame of civilization!"
"From today onward, the era of information silos will come to an end. The sharing of knowledge, the transmission of experience, the synergy of power, and even the resonance of the overall destiny of human civilization will all become possible because of this bond that runs through the heavens."
"This is hope in despair, a beacon in the darkness, our strongest declaration to this cruel era: humanity has never yielded, and civilization will surely continue!"
"We did it!!!"
The announcer's final, almost broken-voice shout was like igniting the last powder keg.
"Long live!"
"Long live Jiangcheng!"
"We did it! We did it!"
A louder, wilder cheer erupted like a tsunami. People hugged, jumped, cried, and shouted, throwing everything they could into the air.
The cheers almost reached the sky, and the soldiers no longer maintained their rigid discipline. Many of them took off their hats and waved them vigorously, their faces beaming with genuine smiles.
Xu Mo stood on the mound, looking at the bustling crowd around him. He felt the almost tangible joy and pride washing over everything around him, and he let out a long sigh of relief, a genuine smile appearing on his lips.
Whatever the future holds, at least in this moment, hope is so bright and tangible.
On the way back to the city, the joyful atmosphere only grew stronger. People spontaneously formed groups, singing off-key yet passionate songs, and marched back in a grand procession. The traffic flowed slowly, and even the honking of horns sounded cheerful.
Back in Jiangcheng, the entire city had transformed into a sea of celebration. All the main streets were adorned with lanterns and colorful decorations, though many were simply red cloth and confetti. The air was filled with the sounds of gongs, drums, and firecrackers.
Merchants kept their promises, displaying all discount and even free signs. Although the goods were quickly snapped up, people seemed to want more than the products themselves; they wanted to participate in the joyful process. The air was filled with the smells of gunpowder, alcohol, and food.
Night fell, but Jiangcheng refused to sleep. The entire city was ablaze with lights; the power company had clearly received orders to ensure lighting and broadcasting at all costs. Bonfires were lit in the square, and people danced, sang, and drank around them.
Xu Mo didn't go to the crowded square. Instead, he set up a rattan chair in his own yard and leisurely enjoyed the tranquility that belonged to him.
With his left hand, Xu Mo picked up a bottle of beer, facing the bright moon in the sky and the faint lights and jubilant figures in the city in the distance, and raised the bottle to give a gentle nod.
Then, he tilted his head back and took a big gulp.
He rarely drank, especially in the apocalypse; staying sober was practically an ironclad rule. But tonight, Xu Mo allowed himself to relax a little.
For that rocket soaring into the stars.
For the glimmer of civilization rekindled in these ruins.
And also so that I, as a time traveler, could have the privilege of witnessing and being part of this historical moment.
The lights and noise of the carnival had not yet completely faded, and the excited emotions still lingered in the streets and alleys of Jiangcheng.
The morning after the successful satellite launch, the city's radio broadcasts blared again, announcing another major decision that was just as significant as "Looking Up at the Stars," but even more "down-to-earth."
The announcer's voice regained its usual steady and powerful tone, but between the lines conveyed an unprecedented ambition and determination: "On the occasion of the historic breakthrough of the successful launch of the 'Jiangcheng-1' satellite, in order to better integrate resources..."
To accommodate more compatriots struggling in the apocalypse and further solidify the foundation for the survival and development of our Jiangcheng Shelter, the Management Committee, after careful consideration and with the approval of the Supreme Council, is now officially launching the "New Home" expansion plan.
"This expansion will extend ten kilometers outward from the existing main city wall, constructing a brand-new, more robust, and grand second permanent defensive wall. The existing outer city area will be officially renamed the 'First Ring' area; the newly expanded area will be named the 'Second Ring' area."
The news injected a new and more tangible dose of excitement into Wuhan, which was just celebrating the successful satellite launch.
If the launch of a satellite brings spiritual encouragement and boundless imagination for the future, then expanding city walls and increasing living space is a major benefit that directly relates to everyone's current living environment and future development.
The broadcast then announced a more detailed plan: "With the construction of the Second Ring Road and the safety-oriented cleanup of its inner areas, the existing 'First Ring Road' area will undergo systematic renovation and upgrading. A large number of low-rise, cluttered, and unsafe temporary buildings and illegal structures will be demolished in a planned manner. On the original site, a safer and cleaner environment will be uniformly planned and constructed."
Standardized residential buildings, service centers, and related supporting facilities that make efficient use of space.
"This move aims to thoroughly improve the living environment of residents, increase land utilization, strengthen block management, and prepare for the future influx of more internal migrants."
This is undoubtedly a powerful remedy, meaning that Jiangcheng not only needs to expand its territory outwards, but also needs to carry out a large-scale "urban renewal" internally.
The "New Home" project is officially launched today and is now recruiting builders from across the city. Whether you are an experienced construction worker or an ordinary resident with only physical strength, as long as you are healthy and willing to contribute to the future of Jiangcheng, you are welcome to apply.
"Volunteers participating in various projects such as city wall construction, area clearing, old house demolition, and new house construction will enjoy the following benefits: 1. During the work period, the command center will provide three meals a day; 2. Contribution points will be settled daily based on job position, technical difficulty, and labor intensity, with preferential treatment; 3. Those with outstanding performance will be given priority consideration in the future allocation of new residential buildings and settlement in the Second Ring Road area."
Before the broadcast had even finished, the streets and alleys were already buzzing with excitement. For many impoverished residents struggling to make ends meet, relying on odd jobs or scavenging for a living, this recruitment notice was like a godsend.
A stable food supply and tangible contribution points are enough to excite anyone. For those eager to improve their living conditions or interested in the undeveloped "new world" around the Second Ring Road, priority access is an irresistible temptation.
In no time, long queues formed in front of the registration points in various neighborhoods, and everyone's face was filled with eagerness and anticipation for the future.
The city’s focus seemed to shift overnight from the celebration of victory to the bustling preparations for production and construction, and a pragmatic and vibrant new atmosphere began to permeate the city.
Xu Mo sat in a rattan chair in his own courtyard, listening to the detailed planning instructions on the radio and the faint noise from the registration point outside the window, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the armrest.
"Expanding by ten kilometers, what a grand undertaking," he thought to himself. This meant that Jiangcheng's actual controlled area would expand several times over, and the population it could accommodate would likely double, or even more. This was far more than just "accommodating more survivors."
Behind this must be a strong confidence in one's own strength, as well as a certain prediction or ambition about the future situation.
Perhaps the successful launch of the satellite gave decision-makers greater confidence and a broader vision—they are no longer content with being confined to a corner and guarding an "isolated city," but have begun to take a more proactive approach to planning a larger and more influential core of the shelter network.
Expansion is both a practical necessity and a strategic move.
"First Ring Road renovation, building residential buildings—" Xu Mo's gaze swept over the tiled houses with courtyards around his house. According to the broadcast, the area he was in, on the edge of the inner city and close to the former outer city, was not included in the plan.
The broadcasts continued, outlining the grand blueprint for the "new home" and inspiring people to dedicate themselves to its construction.
Xu Mo stood up, walked into the courtyard, and looked up at the sky. There, a newborn "star" was moving along its predetermined orbit, silently connecting to the possible distance. And beneath his feet, this enormous machine called Jiangcheng had already launched a new round of expansion and self-renewal.