Chapter 129: Moon Landing (Part One)

In July 2019, China's "Moon Palace" lunar space station completed the docking of its primary modules. Due to the vast distance from Earth—ranging between 360,000 and 400,000 kilometers, with an average of about 380,000 kilometers—even the most advanced communication technology faces a delay of 1.3 seconds for a one-way light-speed signal, or 2.6 seconds for a round trip. In the delicate process of space station docking, such a delay could be catastrophic. Consequently, the docking of the "Moon Palace" was executed entirely through pre-programmed automation.

With the "Moon Palace" successfully assembled, the date for a manned lunar landing drew near. Every day, aerospace planes shuttled between China and space, while unmanned spacecraft and aerospace planes traveled from the Earth-orbiting "Heavenly Palace" space station to the Moon. In less than half a month, the "Moon Palace" had grown to surpass the International Space Station, its dozens of functional modules laying the foundation for the upcoming mission. Alongside station construction, unmanned lunar landers were launched every few days to collect samples, which were then returned to space by robots and ferried back to Earth via unmanned aerospace planes. These simulations ensured that every detail was perfected for the crewed flight.

October 1, 2019, marked China’s National Day and the date chosen for the manned lunar mission, as calculations indicated the Moon was at its closest point to Earth. At the Jiuquan Space Center, under clear, cloudless skies, global media gathered to witness the massive "Houyi" aerospace plane. Over 50 meters long, 30 meters high, and with a 40-meter wingspan, the pitch-black, sci-fi-inspired craft—built with Fuyun Group’s "black gold" material—stood ready for departure.

"Good morning, viewers. I am Xu Ying, a reporter for China Central Television at the Jiuquan Space Center," the broadcast began. "Behind me is the 'Houyi,' the protagonist of today’s mission. In thirty minutes, China’s first manned lunar landing will officially commence. The aerospace plane will fly to the 'Heavenly Palace' station to refuel before heading to the 'Moon Palace' lunar station, an estimated four-hour journey. After final checks at the lunar station, the landing is expected at approximately 18:00 China Standard Time."

Across the nation, from Tiananmen Square to the streets of Hong Kong and Macau, the entire country tuned in. With the National Day holiday in full swing, viewership was unprecedented. The mission was the sole topic of conversation, from elderly citizens to primary school students dreaming of becoming astronauts or even the first people to walk on Mars. Even in South Africa, the broadcast bolstered the status of the local Chinese community, who found themselves treated with newfound respect.

At 10:00 AM, the mission’s nine astronauts—Nan Junpeng, Li Yang, Xiao Mingguang, Yu Haitian, Lan Yu, Ouyang Hao, Liu Qi, Wang Zhong, and Yang Xing—appeared for the departure ceremony. Though new to the public eye, these veterans had each performed at least ten space missions and undergone rigorous training at the "Heavenly Palace." Following the national anthem, they boarded the "Houyi."

"Launch!"

Upon the command, the "Houyi" accelerated down the runway and lifted off within three seconds, vanishing into the blue sky at over Mach 5 before breaking through the atmosphere. At the space center, cheers erupted as the craft entered orbit to rendezvous with the "Heavenly Palace."

In space, Captain Nan Junpeng felt the transition from the crushing pressure of launch to the lightness of zero gravity. "Contact the Heavenly Palace. Adjust orbit for docking," he ordered calmly. As the "Houyi" approached the station against the breathtaking backdrop of the blue Earth, the station’s robotic arms began swapping the plane’s batteries and installing plasma deceleration engines—all tasks practiced to perfection. Everything was set for the final leg of the journey to the Moon.