Chapter 126: Could it be opened to everyone?

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In many aspects, China exercises strict control, especially in aerospace and aviation. However, now that China has proposed developing the space industry as a core pillar of its future economy, regulations in this area have relaxed somewhat. Still, despite this loosening, it remains extremely difficult for a private enterprise to obtain a license to produce spacecraft.

Li Fu pondered over this repeatedly and ultimately devised a strategy: to appeal with tangible benefits. China aims to develop the space industry and make it a core pillar, but without affordable means of space travel, this goal cannot be achieved. Li Fu proposed a price of just one billion yuan, confident that this offer might secure the necessary license.

Currently, the cost to build a spaceplane is as high as 30 billion yuan, which is merely the production cost. Back in 2019, China only planned to manufacture ten such vehicles. Li Fu first introduced his black gold material, promising to reduce costs by a factor of ten. Then he claimed he could cut costs even further—if granted the license to produce, he could sell spaceplanes for just one billion yuan each. This plan was the result of careful, step-by-step consideration.

Since ancient times, modes of transportation have determined the scope of human activity and the size of nations. In prehistoric times, before horses were domesticated, people had to travel on foot, limiting their reach to small tribal areas.

Once horses were domesticated, human activity expanded significantly, allowing powerful states to govern larger territories. Yet travel was still inconvenient—many people might never leave their own county in a lifetime.

With the Industrial Revolution and the advent of steamships and trains, the range of human movement grew dramatically, enabling worldwide travel, though speed remained slow.

In modern times, with airplanes, high-speed trains, and automobiles, transportation vastly improved, enabling easy global travel. The most powerful nations on Earth could influence the entire planet.

It can be said that transportation truly determines a nation's strength and the extent of human activity.

China intends to develop its space industry and seize solar system resources. Advanced transportation tools are indispensable. Yet relying solely on official state efforts will slow progress, as there is no competition or pressure, and the nature of state-owned enterprises is well known.

Therefore, Li Fu is eager to obtain permission to manufacture spaceplanes, enabling him to push forward vigorously, providing affordable, safe, and fast cosmic vehicles. This is crucial for China’s efforts to claim solar system resources and for its transition into the space age.

Of course, these are only Li Fu’s thoughts. Whether he can obtain the license is uncertain, as regulation remains stringent. Even with recent relaxation, it is still very difficult for a private enterprise to be permitted.

At a tranquil location in the heart of the imperial capital, a vast conference room gathered top experts from China’s aviation, aerospace, materials science, and propulsion fields. Liu Shiying, Yin Ya, Wu Chengying, and others were present, alongside key national leaders, underscoring the meeting’s importance.

“The black gold material provided by Fuyun Group was thoroughly studied and tested. We believe it can fully replace the existing core materials in space combat aircraft and performs even better. Our recommendation is to adopt black gold in place of current materials.”

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“Based on Fuyun Group’s pricing, the cost of our spaceplanes can be reduced to about three billion yuan, one-tenth of the original price. We can produce 100 space combat aircraft this year alone. This will greatly accelerate China’s progress in space development, boost the space industry, and enable us to seize solar system resources.”

As chief designer of the spaceplane, Liu Shiying spoke first. Since learning of Li Fu’s black gold material, his team had immediately tested and verified it, with data showing no issues. Pricing had also been discussed with Fuyun Technology Group.

“If the price is ten times cheaper, there’s no reason not to procure it. After all, it’s our own people—not outsiders. The benefits won’t leak away.”

“Today, our main agenda is to discuss another matter. Everyone, what do you think about Li Fu’s claim that, if granted permission to produce spaceplanes, he can reduce their cost to one billion yuan? Does he truly have this capability? Should we grant him the license?”

The leader seated prominently at the front smiled broadly. A tenfold price reduction means, as everyone present understood well, that China is truly ready to take flight and officially enter the space age.

“Li Fu, male, born June 1, 1997, from Sanjiang Town, Jiangnan Province. Graduated in biomedical sciences from Yanhuang University with excellent academic and moral standing. Recognized by Academician Liu Yi, a biologist. Joined the National Center for Biological Disease Control, pioneered research in viral biology, developed AIDS treatments, then established his company in his remote hometown… Nobel laureate, Chinese Academy of Sciences member, core top scientist of the spaceplane project.”

“Overall evaluation: a once-in-a-century genius, a national treasure-level top scientist, devoted patriot…”

Detailed information on Li Fu appeared on the large conference display, concluding with an unequivocally positive assessment.

Given that this meeting was about potentially granting Fuyun Group the license to produce spaceplanes, it was natural to clarify Li Fu’s identity. This was a matter of great consequence, not to be entrusted lightly. If the license were handed to those disloyal or self-serving, China’s losses would be immense.

But Li Fu is a true descendant of the Yan and Huang Emperors. Although somewhat self-interested and holding proprietary technology through his company, this is not unusual; many scientists have their own enterprises. The difference is that Li Fu’s company is much larger.

Reviewing Li Fu’s background, everyone nodded in agreement. There was no doubt about his patriotism, and the political vetting was easily passed.

“I believe Li Fu possesses extraordinary qualities. In technology, it seems there is nothing he does not know or cannot solve. Last year, working with him on the spaceplane project, we progressed from theory to practical design in just a few months.”

“He is the core and key to this project. For every major challenge, Li Fu played an indispensable role. Regarding his claim to reduce spaceplane costs to one billion yuan, I have no doubt. If he wants to do it, he can.”

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Liu Shiying, having worked most closely with Li Fu, was the first to voice this opinion. In scientific research, he regarded Li Fu almost as a genius, capable of conquering any difficulty.

“I think he can definitely achieve it.”

“This is completely within his capabilities.”

Other scientists who had collaborated with Li Fu—mostly experts in aviation, aerospace, and materials science—nodded in agreement. They truly admired him.

With the technical evaluation smoothly passed, the meeting entered a critical phase: should Li Fu be authorized to produce spaceplanes?

“Spaceplanes are currently the most advanced means of space travel and attack. In the future, they will likely be the most common and mainstream transportation in space. We have proposed developing the space industry as a strategic pillar and core, and to be the first to claim solar system resources.”

“Undoubtedly, we need space combat aircraft—more, and cheaper. Only with more spaceplanes can we rapidly advance our space endeavors. Only with affordable spaceplanes can China’s private sector engage in the space industry, truly industrializing space and quickly claiming solar system resources.”

An aerospace expert stood to speak, aligning the nation’s strategic plans and future goals, clearly stating the urgent need for many affordable space combat aircraft.

“I think that as China advances into the space era, many old mindsets and practices must be abandoned. We should involve the entire population, encouraging widespread participation in the space enterprise. Many restrictions can be lifted.”

“We cannot continue with the old ways of controlling everything. The space realm is vast and immense; our vision must be as broad as the universe. Besides, competition breeds progress. We must not only open this sector but consider opening many others to private initiatives. As long as it benefits national development, strengthens the nation, and advances our great goals, these matters are minor. They can be opened to all!”

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