Chapter 186 3...2...1...Launch!

Chapter 186 3...2...1...Launch!

The sun rose over the Manila International Airport, casting a warm glow on the meticulously prepared launch site. At the heart of the airport, a fully equipped, modular launch pad, ready for its inaugural mission.

Richard, overseeing the final preparations, watched as technicians and engineers bustled around the launch platform. The reinforced concrete foundations he had ordered were now the bedrock of an imposing structure, complete with a flame trench that ran deep beneath the platform, ready to divert the rocket's fiery exhaust during liftoff.

The mobile service gantry, towering beside the rocket, was a hive of activity. Teams of technicians, using the adjustable arms of the gantry, made final checks on the satellite and launcher. The gantry, equipped with multiple platforms, allowed them to access every part of the spacecraft, ensuring that everything was in perfect order.

At the fueling station, a critical part of the pre-launch sequence was underway. Cryogenic storage tanks, shimmering in the morning light, held the liquid oxygen and kerosene vital for the rocket's propulsion. Insulated pipelines snaked their way to the rocket, where high-capacity pumps began the delicate process of fueling. The technicians monitored every aspect of this process, aware that the safe handling of these volatile substances was paramount.

A short distance from the launch pad was the air tower, which served as the launch control center. Inside the building operators sat before banks of high-speed computers, their screens filled with data streams and video feeds. Communication lines buzzed as they coordinated with ground teams and ran through their checklists.

Meanwhile, other teams had set up telemetry and tracking stations, equipped with parabolic antennas and advanced signal processing units. These stations were crucial for monitoring the launch vehicle's trajectory and establishing communication with the satellite once in orbit. Data relay systems stood ready to provide real-time information on the satellite's status and trajectory.

The more Richard watched the process, the more he realized how important the Manila International Airport was. They have laid a foundation for future space launches, but given that the Manila International Airport is located within Metro Manila which has a total population of 13,500,000 people, almost everyone is infected. It would be too costly to defend.

So this is a one launch only. After this launch, they'll remove everything and have it built near New Clark City.

"Check all systems," Richard commanded into his headset as he walked over to the window of the Air Tower, looking at the rocket from afar.

"Cooling system check."

"Telemetry systems," Richard continued his checklist.

"Telemetry systems operational," the station confirmed.

"Launch vehicle status?"

"All systems green. Launch vehicle is go for launch," came the response.

Richard then turned his attention to the launch control center. "Control center, report."

"Launch control center ready. All communication lines are stable, and data feeds are live. We have a clear line of sight to the launch pad, and all monitoring systems are operational."

"Fueling status?"

"Fueling complete. Liquid oxygen and kerosene tanks are at optimal levels. All valves and pipelines have been checked for integrity," the fueling team leader informed.

Richard nodded, his gaze still fixed on the rocket. The sun was higher now, casting sharp shadows across the launch pad. He then checked on the final crucial element.

"Security and perimeter?" n/.O-(v-)e(/l)-b(.I/)n

"Security team in position to deter any mutated and non-mutated zombies. Perimeter is secured, and all non-essential personnel have been cleared from the area," came the report from the security chief.

With all systems confirmed ready, Richard took a deep breath and glanced at Sara who had worked day and night to make this mission a reality. She gave him a thumbs up and with that, Richard ordered.

"Initiate final launch sequence."

The launch control center began the final countdown, broadcasting it to all teams.

"All stations! T-minus 60 seconds and counting."

Richard observed the scene unfold. The mobile service gantry began retracting from the rocket, moving back to its safe position. As it cleared the launch vehicle, the ground teams moved to their final observation posts, their eyes fixed on the control panels and computer screens.

"T-minus 30 seconds."

"T-minus 10, 9, 8..."

Richard held his breath, his eyes not leaving the rocket.

"7, 6, 5..."

The ground vibrated faintly as the rocket's engines began their ignition sequence.

"4, 3, 2..."

A roar filled the air, growing in intensity.

"1... Liftoff!"

The rocket surged upwards, flames and smoke billowing from its engines. The sound was deafening, a deep rumble that resonated in Richard's chest. He watched as the rocket climbed higher, its trajectory perfect against the blue sky.

As the rocket disappeared from sight, the launch control center continued to track its ascent, relaying information to the telemetry stations. Richard remained at the window and asked.

"What's the altitude and speed?"

"Rocket has cleared the troposphere and is now entering the stratosphere. Current altitude is 25 kilometers, speed is approaching 1,500 meters per second," reported the voice from the launch control center.

"First stage separation is imminent," came the next update. A brief pause followed, then confirmation: "First stage separation successful. Second-stage engines are now igniting."

Richard kept his eyes fixed on the screens showing the rocket's trajectory. "Current status of the vehicle?"

"We're now at 50 kilometers altitude, well within the stratosphere. Speed is 2,200 meters per second and increasing as we approach the mesosphere," the operator reported back.

As the rocket ascended through the Earth's atmospheric layers, Richard monitored every stage.

"Prepare for the second stage cut-off as we exit the mesosphere," Sara instructed.

"Approaching the edge of the mesosphere. Altitude is now 85 kilometers," the control center updated. Moments later, they announced, "Second stage engine cut-off confirmed. We are now in a near-space environment, just below the Kármán line."

"Standby for satellite deployment," Sara commanded.

A brief pause ensued, then came the confirmation, "Satellite deployment successful. We have reached a stable low Earth orbit. Satellite is operational and beginning its mission sequence."

Richard let out a sigh of relief.

"Begin data transmission to the satellite. Confirm its operational status and establish a stable communication link," Richard instructed.

"Data link established, satellite systems are all functional. We are receiving telemetry data now. The satellite is fully operational," the telemetry station confirmed.

Richard made his way over to the main control, where a large monitor displayed the live feed from the satellite's onboard cameras. As he approached, the screen showed a breathtaking view of the Earth from space, specifically focusing on the Island of Luzon.

The image was crisp and detailed, showcasing the distinct geography of the region. The lush greenery of the land contrasted sharply with the deep blue of the surrounding ocean. Clouds dotted the landscape here and there, casting shadows on the ground below.

Richard stood in awe for a moment, absorbing the view.

"Can we zoom in on specific areas?" Richard asked, turning to Sara at the control station.

"Yes, the satellite's imaging capabilities allow for detailed surveillance of selected regions. Where would you like to focus?" Sara replied, ready at the controls.

"Let's take a closer look at Metro Manila," Richard said.

Sara input the commands, and the view on the screen began to zoom in towards the densely populated metropolitan area. The high-resolution camera allowed them to see individual structures and roads. He noted some key landmarks and it was far from what he once last saw. It was all apocalyptic.

"With this, we can find the progenitor in South Korea. Now how can we move the satellite over to South Korea?"

"To reposition the satellite over the Korean peninsula, we'll have to execute a series of precise orbital maneuvers. The satellite is currently in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which makes it relatively straightforward to change its position over the Earth's surface."

She pointed to the control panel and continued, "First, we'll calculate the required change in the satellite's orbital plane. This is known as a plane change maneuver, which typically requires a significant amount of delta-v, or change in velocity. We'll use the satellite's onboard propulsion system for this. The burn will alter the satellite's velocity vector, effectively changing its orbital inclination to align with our target coordinates over South Korea—"

"Okay, I don't want you to go into details, Sara. I'm asking if it's possible."

"Yes it is possible, I'm inputting the coordinates now," Sara chuckled as she began to press keys on her keyboard. She continued. "Once we initiate the maneuver, the satellite will begin its transition to the new observation point. The entire process could take several hours, depending on the current orbital position and the specifics of the desired orbit."

Richard watched as the screen displayed a simulation of the satellite's path. "And once it's in position?"

"Once in position," Sara continued, "we'll recalibrate the imaging systems to focus on specific areas of interest. "But this is like finding a needle in a haystack. We don't know exactly where the progenitor is."

"Then why don't we start at the obvious place? Go to Seoul."