Chapter Text
Launch 13: Each with Their Own Dreams
それぞれの夢を載せて
(Sorezore no yume o nosete)
Day 5 Month 3 Year 1644 Central Calendar
Rocket Launch Test Site, Southern Islands of the Gra Valkas Empire
A landscape similar to the German Peenemünde Army Research Center, known for the development of V2 rockets on Earth, stretched out in the southern remote islands of the Gra Valkan territory. In the center of a space surrounded by embankment-like mounds of earth on exposed ground, a metallic, ten-meter-long cone-shaped rocket with a pointed tip stood majestically. This was the domestically developed rocket “Atmos 2” by the Gra Valkas Empire, which had hurriedly embarked on space exploration after making peace with Japan.
“5… 4… 3… 2… 1… Launch!”
The engine of the Atmos 2 rocket ignited, spewing fierce flames from its lower section, and began its ascent with a roar. Compared to Japan’s H-III, Epsilon, and the Mithril-class rockets that Milishial was desperately trying to launch, it was a small rocket that seemed like a child’s toy, but its flight was no less powerful.
“Alright, it’s off!!”
“Current altitude is one thousand meters! Still climbing!”
The engineers watched the launched Atmos 2 rocket with bated breath. The altitude observation radar, which was a repurposed height-finding radar used by the military for air defense, detected that the rocket was steadily gaining altitude. The telemetry data receiver in the observation station also printed out measurement papers recording data such as altitude and acceleration sent from the rocket's inertial guidance system.
“Five thousand meters! …Ten kilometers!”
“Alright, it’s surpassed Type 1!”
The Atmos 1 rocket, launched several times before Type 2, was almost entirely a repurposed large anti-ship rocket developed by the navy. The anti-ship rocket, designed to penetrate the strong air defense network of the aerial battleships deployed by Milishial during the last war, was designed with high thrust. Based on books obtained from Japan, this anti-ship rocket was modified into a launch rocket, becoming the Atmos 1. However, its maximum altitude was limited to 10 kilometers.
“Thirty-five kilometers!”
“First stage separation…!”
With the improved Atmos 2, modifications such as lengthening the body and making it a two-stage rocket allowed it to significantly surpass the Type 1’s maximum altitude of 10 km. Based on information from various books officially imported from Japan after establishing diplomatic relations, the more sophisticated design of Type 2 as a space rocket achieved considerable speed and altitude in its first stage. As the first stage completely exhausted its fuel, it was immediately separated, and the second stage engine ignited, further accelerating and ascending.
“Fifty kilometers!”
“Alright, alright, alright…”
“Still going… Keep it up…!”
The engineers clasped their hands together in prayer. At this point, the rocket had become so small it appeared as a dot, and the engineers’ attention shifted to the radar scopes and the measurement papers being printed by the data receivers. Although the rocket had already achieved a great success by surpassing the record of the Atmos 1, the engineers were eager to see just how far the Atmos 2 could go, as it had not yet reached its limit.
And then—
“It passed one hundred kilometers!!”
“Yes! It made it!!”
“The experiment is a success!!”
The Atmos 2 rocket reached an altitude of 100 km. This seemed to be its limit, as it began to decelerate rapidly and started to fall back a few seconds later. Nevertheless, the observation station erupted in cheers and applause. An altitude of 100 km marks the boundary between space and the sky, signifying that the Empire had touched space for the first time.
“Well done, everyone, a great success!”
“Thank you. This is all thanks to the Crown Prince’s assistance.”
The one who offered praise to the engineers was Cabal, the Crown Prince of the Gra Valkas Empire. He had been present at the observation station during this launch test.
Last year, the Empire hastily began its push into space after Admiral Mirkennes’ fleet and the capital city of Ragna were one-sidedly struck by Japanese space weapons. The realization that they would be powerless without advancing into space spread throughout the Empire, leading to the establishment of the Imperial Integrated Space Development Bureau to spearhead space exploration. However, Crown Prince Cabal’s significant personal investment in the space development bureau was also a major driving force behind the Empire’s rapid space endeavors.
“I’m merely an investor. This achievement is yours to be proud of.”
“Your Highness… Thank you very much!”
“Besides, the path ahead remains long and arduous. We must continue to strive forward, not content with our current achievements!”
“Yes, Your Highness…!”
Although the 100 km altitude achieved by the Atmos 2 rocket was beyond the reach of any aircraft possessed by Gra Valkas, it was only halfway to the lowest orbital altitude around this planet. Thanks to numerous invaluable resources obtained from Japan—various books, precedents of Earth’s space rockets, and data about this planet openly shared by JAXA—reaching satellite orbit is expected to be feasible soon.
While merely copying Japan’s knowledge wouldn’t necessarily guarantee success like that of Milishial, the Empire, being a nation with scientific civilization and industrial prowess, already possessed the foundational technology and scientific knowledge to comprehend and apply Japanese information effectively. Furthermore, while the Atmos 2 uses solid fuel, the development of new rockets with liquid fuel engines more suitable for space rockets is also progressing. The rockets of the Gra Valkas Empire are expected to become even more advanced in the future. Manned spaceflight might not be a distant dream, but rather an achievable goal within a few years.
“But Your Highness… While we are grateful for your generous investment, are you sure it’s alright to commit so much?”
“Hm? What is it?”
“Well, it’s just… concerning your personal finances…”
“Oh, that concern! Don’t worry about it.”
The engineers were genuinely worried about Cabal’s financial situation, given the exorbitantly high amount of his investment. However, Cabal laughed off their concerns as if there was nothing to worry about.
“No problem at all. Actually, recently, someone named Ordaika from the Office of the Sovereign was arrested for corruption. They happened to find evidence while investigating the attacked Carsline headquarters.”
“Ah… I recall hearing about that in the news.”
“So, a significant amount of this corrupt money has returned to the Office of the Sovereign. But since it would just sit idle, my father gave it to me as a homecoming gift.”
“W-wait, you mean all of that, you’re using it for our research…?”
“Of course! I still have plenty saved up, so I can contribute as much as needed!”
The engineers blinked in surprise at the fact that all the massive amounts of corruption money that had been rotting away the Empire were now being directed towards their research—towards saving the Empire and advancing into space. In a way, this demonstrated one reason why Cabal was so revered by people of all ages and walks of life in the country.
“Moreover, I’m currently advocating to increase your budgets with my father and the parliament members. So, go ahead and do as you wish without any worries!”
“W-we will definitely live up to Your Highness’s expectations…”
“Yes! We won't let you down!”
With a profound sense of responsibility and under Cabal’s high expectations, the engineers vowed not only to him but also to their god, Ymir.
Day 9 Month 3 Year 1644 Central Calendar
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Otaheit, Mu
In the retro brick-built streets of Mu’s capital, Otaheit, lies a corner of the Parliamentary Corridor, housing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mu. Today, Japan’s envoy Misono was visiting the ministry.
Mu’s diplomat, Audigus, held the documents handed to him by Misono, and began to articulate his request.
“Construction of a space observatory?”
“Yes. Our country’s space exploration agency wishes to construct a space observatory in your country’s plains. I have come to request negotiations regarding the acquisition of the site for this purpose.”
The documents presented by Misono included conceptual images with several radars enclosed within large domes, aimed towards space. The image of the observatory standing on a gentle plain without obstacles exuded a considerable sense of authority.
“To install giant antennas for tracking objects and probes in space… I see.”
“Your location would be advantageous for monitoring objects launched by Milishial and Gra Valkas. With launch sites to the west and east, it also extends beyond the range covered by our own observatories. It’s an ideal location.”
Misono emphasized the importance of the observatory once more. After pondering for a moment, Audigus decided to inquire about the scale and costs of the construction.
“What scale and expenses are we looking at?”
“To install the antennas, appropriate land acquisition and location are necessary. While we will cover all construction costs, we seek the Muish government’s assistance in negotiating the land acquisition.”
“I see. Alright, then. However… acquiring land for the proposed construction site won’t be straightforward. Much of it is extensive farmland, so negotiations may take some time.”
Audigus explained Mu’s circumstances while attempting to draw out further conditions.
“Of course, Japan owes us great gratitude from the recent war with Gra Valkas. We are fully committed to facilitating negotiations.”
“Yes.”
“However, if this is to be a transaction… we will focus our efforts on land acquisition negotiations depending on what we receive in return. Our government cannot afford to provide this without compensation.”
Audigus anticipated that Japan would have conditions and attempted to draw them out indirectly through concessions and requests for compensation during negotiations. Naturally, Japan expected such requests. Misono conferred with his subordinates and pulled out new documents from a nearby bag.
“As for compensation, we are prepared for that as well. Please review this document, which outlines our corresponding conditions.”
Misono retrieved a slightly thick document from the file and handed it to Audigus. Accepting it, he unrolled the document and was immediately struck by the first page.
“…An astronaut from our country?”
Written there was Japan offering to launch Mu’s astronauts in lieu of Mu, lacking rocket launch technology. Japan would provide space vehicles as compensation. It was an exceptionally generous condition.
“As Japan prepares for future manned space flights, our country is significantly expanding our astronaut program. Utilizing these expanded facilities, we hope to see astronauts from your country as well.”
“I see… So Japan is finally sending people into space.”
“Yes. The exact timing is yet to be determined, but it is certain that our country will independently launch astronauts into space.”
“I see. Our country, too, had ventured into space until its decline. Returning to that stage would be an overwhelming step forward. Just this alone should satisfy the government's conditions.”
With Audigus’ approval as a starting point, Misono presented further conditions, aiming to solidify his position.
“Furthermore, we are considering providing technical assistance for your country’s rocket development. This would involve a phased approach to sharing technology.”
“Ah, to go that far… Does this mean the observatory is becoming such a crucial facility?”
“Exactly. Space surveillance is urgent for our country.”
For Japan, comprehensive space surveillance was indeed urgent. Therefore, they hurriedly negotiated with Mu to expedite the construction of the observatory. Japan was wary of the space development competition involving Milishial, Gra Valkas, and Annonrial. However, Mu currently lacked the technology to launch rockets and was now frantically developing it. This deal bridging the two nations was the best solution to resolve their respective situations. As their interests intersected, negotiations continued further.
“With these conditions, I will submit them to the government. Thank you, Mr. Misono.”
“No, thank you.”
Thus, Mu agreed to the construction of Japan’s JAXA space observatory within its borders. Negotiations with local landowners, primarily large-scale farms, concluded successfully within a few months of land acquisition. Construction of the observatory began six months after the negotiations started.
Day 13 Month 3 Year 1644 Central Calendar
Kii Spaceport, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan
In the midst of the mountainous terrain near the sea in Wakayama, there existed a launch site. Compared to JAXA’s facilities, the VAB looked somewhat smaller as a small rocket was slowly moved onto the launch pad. The rocket to be launched this time was a solid-fuel rocket developed by a certain private company. This launch site was also constructed by that company.
Recently, due to regulatory easing within Japan, numerous private space companies aiming for space development have emerged one after another. The vehicle being launched this time was the ambitious endeavor of such a fiercely competitive venture.
“10, 9, 8, 7, 6!”
The countdown was underway. A water curtain was deployed around the rocket, preparing for the launch's impact.
“5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0!”
“Main engines ignited! Liftoff!”
The solid-fuel ignited, and the small rocket left the launch site. Amidst the fiery jet thrust, the small rocket ascended swiftly.
“Woooow!!”
From afar, spectators watching let out cries of joy as they witnessed this daring challenge. The vehicle ascended rapidly into the sky, soon passing through the clouds…
However, immediately afterward, the rocket suffered a major explosion from its engine section. The cheers of the spectators ceased, replaced by a momentary silence.
“Gah—”
“Shit, it’s exploded?”
“Oh dear…”
Due to the explosion, the rocket scattered burning fuel over a wide area, and debris began to fall. Though the spectators expressed disappointment, having witnessed numerous failures from various venture companies recently, they quietly accepted it as part of the process.
‘I heard failures are common in rocket development, but this… is quite spectacular…’
Observing from a distance, Myrus Leclerc, who had come to Japan for studies in rocket engineering, watched the scene of the large explosion unfold. Even Mu had to prepare for rocket failures, and he understood anew the importance of accepting failure. Thus, amidst various setbacks, the challenges of Japan’s venture companies in rocket development continued.