Chapter 236: Rationale
“First, the additional costs required for the Luna Link project, like the expansion of the electric vehicle capacity, will be supported through bond purchases. The scale is…….”
I raised my head and looked at Executive Vice President Oh Seong-hak.
“Please review the required amount and report it separately.”
“Understood.”
Executive Vice President Oh, aware of the matter’s importance, nodded without further comment.
After that, I stood up and addressed everyone.
“With two successful launches and returns of Leviathan, Luna Link’s technology has been globally recognized.”
At my words, Park Cheol-jin, Director Kim Se-bin, Chilbong, and others nodded simultaneously.
Five re-ignitions, a return without landing legs—unprecedented achievements.
And a 100-ton payload capacity for LEO.
Above all, the success witnessed by over 30 million people in real-time firmly etched the name ‘Leviathan’ into their minds.
“I plan to leverage this momentum to secure a contract for NASA’s lunar probe.”
Since I had already mentioned this in the feed, those attending the meeting showed no particular agitation.
“We can’t rely on you forever, so it’s time to focus on monetization.”
Kim Se-bin added to Park Cheol-jin’s remark.
“It’s time to prove our technology works not just internally, but externally as well—to establish our heritage.”
Perhaps emboldened by Leviathan’s success, everyone reacted positively, determined to make it work.
I displayed the prepared materials on the screen.
[NASA Polar Orbiter Lunar Science Probe Project]
The moment the first page appeared, murmurs of surprise filled the room.
“Did you prepare this yourself, sir?”
Chilbong asked, and I smiled and nodded.
“We can’t just watch a black hole that swallows $10 billion every quarter.”
At my words, Park Cheol-jin gave an embarrassed smile.
“Anyway, looking at the probe’s trajectory and mission released by NASA, it seems perfect as Leviathan’s first mission.”
I flipped through the materials to show the project details.
- Payload: 1.2t of scientific equipment
- Total probe weight: 3.6t
- Required performance: TLI (lunar transfer orbit) precision ≤ ±3m/s, LOI (lunar orbit insertion) support
- Upper stage constraints: Must meet 5-axis shock and vibration limits
- Timeline: Launch within 90 days, considering solar wind and gravity assists
After reviewing the materials, Kim Se-bin spoke first.
“Our role covers launch, orbit transfer, and final orbit insertion?”
“Correct. The probe itself will be built under NASA’s supervision. Our responsibility will be limited to Leviathan’s second stage long-duration coast (up to 8 hours), re-ignition guarantee, and, if needed, using the ‘Selene Kick Stage’ for fine orbit adjustments.”
I pressed the remote to move to the next page.
[Revenue Structure]
- Initial single-mission contract: $380 million
- Launch service (Leviathan): $250 million
- Long-duration coast/re-ignition certification: $80 million
- Orbit analysis, tracking, insurance, DSN integration support: $50 million
- Frame contract (5 years, IDIQ ceiling): Up to $3 billion
Chilbong quickly calculated the numbers.
“Currently, a single Leviathan launch costs $85–100 million. With the kick stage, it’s $120 million…”
Chilbong finished the calculation and looked up.
“A successful mission would yield a net profit of $250–300 million.”
“Each launch would fund the production of 30 Luna Link satellites.”
The unexpectedly large profit drew gasps from the room.
“With the probe weighing 3.6 tons, we could also include Luna Link satellites in the remaining space.”
“Exactly why we’re pursuing the rocket launch business alongside.”
Funding the entire Luna Link project, which costs hundreds of billions, solely with our own resources was a heavy burden.
Thus, we planned to maximize payload utilization by offering a rocket launch service that carries external cargo as well.
“If we successfully complete this NASA mission, securing future contracts for crewed resupply, lander assistance, and sample return will be much easier.”
“So, we must secure this project.”
I flipped to the next page.
[Technical Challenges Checklist]
- Survival in thermal-vacuum conditions during long-duration flight
- Upper stage engine re-ignition reliability (guaranteed 3+ times)
- Lunar approach orbit error (Δv residual ≤ 3m/s)
- Minimizing launch shock and vibration impact on probe resonance frequency
- Contingency plan for solar activity alerts (launch delay or alternate trajectory)
While the two Leviathan flights were low-altitude (LEO) missions,
the NASA lunar probe requires entry into the lunar transfer orbit (TLI), a complex long-distance mission.
This demands precise orbit control, thermal environment management, and multi-re-ignition reliability.
“Ultimately, the key is orbit insertion precision.”
Kim Se-bin nodded and continued.
“To keep LOI errors within 3m/s, the kick stage’s thrust control and orbit tracking analysis must be highly precise.”
“That’s why we’re developing the ‘Selene Kick.’”
Entering the TLI requires extremely precise orbit adjustments.
After Leviathan’s first stage lifts the probe to LEO, the kick stage applies thrust in the exact direction at the right moment to transfer it to the moon.
Most aerospace companies use a ‘kick stage,’
and my Selene Kick is an enhanced module of that.
Kim Se-bin reported on the progress.
“The Selene Kick is being developed in two versions.”
He clicked the mouse to display additional PPT slides.
[Selene Kick Stage - Development Status]
- Ver. A: Permanent attachment, single-use design · Low-cost, single-mission only
- Ver. B: Detachable module, multi-re-ignition capable · Reusable, advanced version
“Version A is suitable for single missions like the lunar probe, while Version B is designed for future crewed resupply or multi-payload launches.”
“Version B allows combustion control, right?”
Kim Se-bin nodded at my question.
“It supports combustion control, propellant ratio adjustments, and 2-axis thrust vectoring.”
The specifications I requested were properly implemented.
“That should be sufficient for high-precision orbit adjustments.”
“More than that… the timeline seems to be the issue.”
Park Cheol-jin pointed to the bottom of the initial materials I showed.
[Timeline: Launch within 90 days, considering solar wind/gravity assists]
Kim Se-bin spoke cautiously.
“NASA’s launch deadline is 90 days. Completing the Selene Kick and conducting a test launch within that time will be very tight.”
“But missing the solar wind and gravity assist window means the next opportunity is six months later, so we can’t extend the timeline.”
My words weighed heavily in the room.
“If we can’t complete it within six months, we won’t even have a chance to bid.”
“And that’s not all. There are other hurdles.”
“Other hurdles?”
“Spade Z.”
At the name, everyone’s expressions sharpened.
The most powerful competitor among private space companies.
“They already have strong connections not just with NASA, but also in Silicon Valley and Washington. This bid isn’t exactly in our favor.”
“Is there… a way?”
After a pause, I answered Kim Se-bin’s cautious question.
“Frankly… it’ll be an uphill battle.”
Silence fell over the room as I continued.
“Spade Z has a proven track record with NASA and strong political backing in the U.S. At its core is the ‘PayBrit Mafia’ network.”
From major Silicon Valley venture capitalists to aerospace alliances and influential senators in budget reviews—
all closely tied to Merkes, a PayBrit alumnus.
Chilbong let out a small groan.
“So… it’s another political power play?”
While a technical competition might be manageable,
a political battle was clearly unwelcome.
“That doesn’t mean we have no chance.”
If there were no chance, I wouldn’t have brought it up.
“Fortunately, NASA has mandated a technology-focused presentation this time. With such a large budget, they won’t decide based on political lobbying alone.”
I advanced the slide.
Pre-organized data appeared.
[TLI Entry Orbit Error Rate Simulation]
On the right was the Spade Z logo, with a prominently displayed 3.4m/s error range.
On the left was Dojin Frontier’s logo, showing 1.1m/s.
“Clearly, our Selene Kick is more precise than Spade Z’s refitted kick stage.”
Park Cheol-jin replied with a worried expression.
“But… we don’t have a physical prototype yet.”
“We just need to build it before the launch. The key is passing the presentation first.”
“When’s the presentation?”
Pee-beep—
I pressed the remote to advance the materials.
[NASA Internal Review - Technology Presentation Schedule]
- Review topic: Lunar transfer orbit (TLI) entry precision verification
- Presentation format: Real-time simulation-based results submission
- Evaluation criteria: Orbit error rate / Stability / Kick stage independence / Operational plan
“NASA announced it for next month. A high score here increases our chances of winning the contract.”
“Hmm…”
Park Cheol-jin pondered, still cautious.
“But NASA won’t contract a Korean company like ours based on a presentation alone.”
He wasn’t wrong, so I smiled and nodded.
However—
“There’s a misunderstanding. While our company is based in Korea…”
I paused, pointing to the bottom of the slide.
“We’re listed on the U.S. NASDAQ. The Luna Link project itself is an international joint development with ESA, ISRO, ISA, and others.”
Considering the complex partnerships, we weren’t at a networking disadvantage, and there was ample rationale for the U.S. government to accept us.