The expeditionary force began to dominate Southeast Asia by recruiting defeated soldiers

In Zhang Chi's memory, it was a near-mad technological contest dominated by the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union, driven by national prestige, proof of ideological superiority, and potential military advantage.

From the initial rudimentary artificial satellite Sputnik 1 that shocked the world, to Gagarin's first trip into space, and Armstrong leaving the first human footprint on the moon...

In just over a decade, humanity has broken free from the constraints of the atmosphere, expanding its activities from planetary surfaces to near-Earth orbit, and even setting foot on another planet.

What a magnificent feat!

This competition spurred countless cutting-edge technologies, including high-thrust rockets, precision guidance, computer miniaturization and reliability improvements, new materials such as heat-resistant ceramics, special alloys, life support systems, and long-range communication and telemetry...

These technologies were subsequently commercialized, profoundly impacting the civilian sector and driving revolutionary progress in electronics, communications, materials, medicine, and even daily life.

It greatly expanded the boundaries of human cognition and imagination, turning gazing at the stars from philosophical contemplation into an attainable engineering goal.

More importantly, it inspired an entire generation's passion for science, engineering, and exploring the unknown, becoming a symbol of the collective wisdom and courage of all humankind.

“Chinese people… ‘Sick Man of East Asia’…” Zhang Chi’s fingers tapped unconsciously on the balcony railing, his pupils reflecting the bustling street scene.

That humiliating title that once suffocated the entire nation has been shattered with the rise of Southeast Asia and the victory of the Republic of China in the War of Resistance against Japan.

But to truly and thoroughly stand tall among the nations of the world and gain genuine respect and admiration, economic prosperity and one or two powerful national weapons are not enough.

We need an achievement that transcends, representing the pinnacle of civilization and the spirit of exploration.

Participating in the space race is an excellent path.

Imagine if one day, it wasn't white people or Slavs, but Chinese people with black eyes and yellow skin, who sent their own satellites into orbit, their own astronauts into space, and even... planted their own flag on the moon?

That would be the most thorough and glorious overturning of the "sick man of East Asia" label, greatly boosting the confidence and cohesion of Chinese people around the world, and allowing this newly established nation in Southeast Asia to gain unprecedented international prestige and soft power.

This is the most comprehensive and top-notch showcase of science and technology, national strength, and national spirit.

Of course, you have to eat one bite at a time and walk one step at a time.

Manned spaceflight? A lunar landing? For Nanyang at the end of 45, when its industrial base was still being strengthened and it had just begun to get involved with jet engines and atomic energy, these were too far-fetched and unrealistic.

However... launching a satellite first is something we can seriously consider.

Satellites offer numerous advantages.

Zhang Chi quickly sorted things out in his mind:

In terms of communications, even the most basic experimental communication satellites can verify the possibility of intercontinental, line-of-sight communication, which is of great significance for future military and civilian long-range communications.

In terms of meteorological observation, viewing Earth's cloud images from space is of immeasurable value for improving the accuracy of weather forecasts, responding to natural disasters such as typhoons, and protecting agriculture and shipping.

In terms of Earth resource surveying, although the early satellite resolution was not very high, it was helpful for resource exploration and land planning by conducting general surveys of geological structures, vegetation distribution, and ocean conditions.

In scientific experiments, we conduct basic scientific research in areas such as space physics, cosmic rays, and microgravity, accumulating valuable data.

Of course, during the Cold War, the most important value of satellites was their military value. Their reconnaissance, early warning, and even navigation functions in the later stages of the war were an important part of strategic deterrence.

There are also political and symbolic implications, making it the country that, following the US and Russia, and perhaps even ahead of some other nations if time is of the essence, will send man-made objects into Earth orbit.

This will be explosive news, the most powerful declaration of Southeast Asia's technological strength and comprehensive national power, and its international influence may be no less than that of a successful atomic bomb test.

Thinking of this, Zhang Chi's heart beat slightly faster.

Once the idea becomes clear, it is filled with an irresistible allure and a sense of mission.

"Technology reserves...talent...funding..." he muttered to himself.

The atomic energy and jet engine projects have absorbed a large number of top scientists and huge sums of money.

Opening up another aerospace track is incredibly stressful.

But it's not without a foundation.

During and after the war, through the talent brought in from Europe, especially from Hans and the First, and through later cooperation, Southeast Asia did indeed recruit a group of rocket technology experts and engineers in related fields.

In southern Penang, the rocket base codenamed "Kuafu" was prepared for the final space program.

"I wonder how the research on high-thrust rockets is progressing in Penang..." Zhang Chi looked at the moon, his brows furrowed slightly.

A single-stage rocket would likely struggle to reach the first cosmic velocity (approximately 7.9 km/s), necessitating multi-stage rocket technology.

Should we continue with liquid oxygen-ethanol for fuels, or try something like unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine? Engine stability, guidance system, material heat resistance, separation technology... there are a whole host of challenges.

This is far more complex than building a V-2 missile.

In the War Thunder system, what can be exchanged are mostly various airplanes, tanks, and warships.

Even with industrial vouchers, one can only redeem specific production lines in one or two categories. Even with the help of the system, the amount of talent and capital required to complete the satellite program ahead of the two poles is extraordinary.

This is definitely a very risky move. After all, it is difficult to get direct profit returns from investments in rockets and space in the short term. If the economic development of Southeast Asia slows down, large investments in space may even lead to an economic crisis.

After a long while, Zhang Chi opened his eyes, took a deep breath of the cool night breeze, and his eyes were filled with determination.

Landing on the moon is too far away, and manned spaceflight is also difficult, but launching a satellite that belongs to Southeast Asia and to the Chinese people is a goal worth trying with all our might.

This is not only a technological leap, but also a leap in national spirit. It is a declaration to the ancient moon and the vast stars: We have arrived, the Chinese have arrived, and Southeast Asia has arrived!

He turned and went back inside, picked up the phone: "Have Secretary Lü come to my office."

The road ahead is long and arduous, but tonight, the direction is set and the journey begins.

His country, his people, are about to take their first step toward the stars and the sea.