Chapter 445 |
Allen Eberhardt revealed his vision.
"Thanks to the development of data and communication, and the reduction in launch costs, the demand for communication satellites is gradually increasing. SpaceZ plans to dominate this market."
He recently announced the SpaceLink plan to launch over 10,000 satellites to create a dense internet network around the world. This plan has been approved by the US government and is already in progress.
Communication satellites may sound like someone else's story, but in reality, they are closely related to us.
That's VRMMORPG. Virtual reality games exchange thousands of times more data than existing online games, so they require a faster and more accurate communication network than now.
Well, this is not just for us, but for all companies that handle data.
So is that why he's launching satellites in advance? Even now, rockets carrying 50 to 60 satellites are being launched into space.
"In the long run, humanity must go to Mars."
Taekgyu's eyes sparkled.
I asked him.
"When will that be possible?"
"We will send a cargo spaceship within three years to build a Mars base, and send people within five years. We will create a habitable environment within ten years, and gradually expand it to create a colony where one million people can live."
In addition to this, there is also a plan to build a base and factory on the moon.
These are unrealistic stories that sound like they came from a science fiction movie. If someone had said this a few years ago, they might have been treated as a madman.
But now, the situation has changed. Although the speed may be a bit slow, these plans are being implemented one by one.
He said as if making a declaration.
"In the end, humanity will go into space. It's just a matter of when."
If such a day really comes, what will happen to SpaceZ? Couldn't it be reborn as a huge company that can't even be compared to Nikola?
I was inwardly impressed.
While most people are fighting over limited resources and markets on Earth, someone is dreaming of pioneering space.
Someday, their dreams will become a reality, and everyone will enjoy the benefits.
Thanks to Allen Eberhardt's fame, SpaceZ is the most famous, but in the United States alone, dozens of private space companies have been established and are competitively launching satellites and spaceships.
The space development race, which was led by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), Roscosmos (Russian Federal Space Agency), ESA (European Space Agency), and CNSA (China National Space Administration), seems to have shifted to private companies.
It is no exaggeration to say that this is the second space boom since the Cold War.
Another famous company in this field is Red Origin. This company was created by Jake Byron, the CEO of AMZ, with his own money.
Some say that they are sacrificing for the future of humanity, but the reality is different.
A company never does something that doesn't make money. The reason they are embarking on space technology development, which requires a huge amount of money, is because they have judged that the market potential is that great.
At the current rate of technological development, tangible results will be seen in a few years at the shortest, and within 10 years at the longest. In fact, they are already conducting profitable businesses such as satellite launches and space travel ticket sales.
After hearing the story, Taekgyu was impressed.
"Why aren't these things well known in Korea?"
"Because there isn't a single Korean company among them."
Although Korea is considered a world-class technological powerhouse, unfortunately, it is still in its infancy in terms of space technology development.
You get what you invest in, but neither the government nor companies are very interested in things that don't make money right away.
Allen Eberhardt leaned forward.
"I have another plan that I haven't announced yet. That's why I asked to see you today."
Wasn't it just because of the Nikola acquisition?
"What is it?"
"I'm thinking of establishing a SpaceZ subsidiary to make electric airplanes."
I was surprised inwardly, but I asked calmly.
"Electric airplanes?"
"Electric airplanes are similar to electric cars in many ways. The basic principle of using a battery to move a motor and generate power is the same. The only difference is whether you're driving on the road or flying in the sky."
The electric airplane mentioned here is closer to a small airplane or a manned drone than a large passenger plane. It's for carrying a small number of people and traveling short distances, like a car.
This ultimately falls into the category of mobility. That's why ride-sharing companies are jumping in, and car manufacturers are also showing interest.
Some companies have even created flying cars that can usually drive on the road and then unfold their wings to fly.
It may not sound plausible, but these are things that are actually happening.
"Electric airplanes are much safer and more efficient than existing airplanes. If you eliminate the engine, you can also solve the noise problem, so it's possible to build airports that connect cities."
Usually, airports are located tens of kilometers away from the city center. There are issues with land acquisition and safety, but the biggest reason is the noise from the jet engines.
Allen Eberhardt's idea is that if this problem is solved, it is possible to create urban airports that connect cities, just like intercity bus terminals.
"Originally, I was thinking of entering the market after Nikola had grown a bit more. But now that the car is out of my hands, I'm going to seriously challenge the electric airplane field."
How realistic is this story?
Large passenger planes are only made by a few companies like Boeing and Airbus. But small airplanes have a relatively simple structure and are easy to manufacture. This would be even more so if an engine is not needed. That's why even new startups can take on the challenge.
What would happen if SpaceZ jumped into this market?
He has never made an electric airplane, but he has experience making electric cars and spaceships. Aviation and space are closely related and are usually grouped into the same category.
In a way, it's natural for SpaceZ to turn its attention to the aviation field. Above all, electric airplanes are more likely to make money more immediately than space technology development.
Allen Eberhardt got to the point.
"I would like to create a joint venture with OTK Company for the development of electric airplanes."
I was inwardly impressed.
If it were someone else, they would be frustrated by their failure, but he is already looking for new opportunities and jumping in.
Where does this passion come from?
It seems that he has a personality that makes him constantly challenge himself, regardless of money. In a way, this could also be called a talent that he has.
But SpaceZ is already stretched thin with its current projects. It will need investment funds to establish a subsidiary.
"There will be many people who want to invest if you establish a company."
He already has a track record of successfully launching Nikola and SpaceZ.
Although Nikola went bankrupt, this was due to the emergence of a strong competitor. Until CarOS released the AD3 and AD4, Nikola was praised as the company that made the best electric cars.
If he just shows the potential, investors will gladly open their wallets and offer him money.
"The investment money is not the important thing."
"Then what is important?"
"The battery. The key to both electric cars and electric airplanes is the battery. The reason Nikola failed was also because of the emergence of the OTK battery."
I nodded my head.
"It's harder to increase the weight and volume of the battery in an airplane than in a car."
"We need the cooperation of OTK Company in supplying batteries."
In the first place, the reason why investment in electric airplanes is so active is because of the OTK battery.
All the electric airplanes currently under construction are using OTK batteries, and they are requesting that they be produced to their specifications.
"So you're saying that in a joint venture, SpaceZ will make the airplanes, and OTK Company will make the batteries that fit them."
"That's right."
It's not a bad proposal.
Battery technology continues to develop. Although he failed to commercialize the JN battery, Professor Kim Ho-min is working to create another battery.
As he said, if electric airplanes become more common, they could not only replace existing airplanes but also create a new market. And that would be a new opportunity.
As I was thinking that, something appeared before my eyes.
- Allen Eberhardt succeeds in commercializing electric airplanes -
A moment later, when I came to my senses, Taekgyu and Allen Eberhardt were staring at me.
I said as if nothing had happened.
"I think I need to discuss this with Professor Kim Ho-min. Are you free now?"
At my words, Allen Eberhardt's face lit up.
"Of course. I've been wanting to meet Professor Kim Ho-min, the creator of the OTK battery."
"Just a moment. I'll ask him now."
I made a phone call. Professor Kim Ho-min answered the phone with a tired voice.
[What is it?]
"Someone wants to see you."
[I'm sorry, but tell them I'm busy. When will I have time for research and development if I meet everyone who wants to see me?]
I pretended to hang up and said.
"I understand. I'll tell him that. Don't regret it later."
Then Professor Kim Ho-min asked.
[Who is it? A politician or a businessman?]
"Allen Eberhardt."
[Who's that? The name sounds familiar.]
"The founder of Nikola and SpaceZ."
At those words, Professor Kim Ho-min was surprised.
[What? That Eberhardt? You should have told me sooner!]
"You must be busy with your research and development, so I'll hang up now."
[No! Bring him over quickly. No, should I go up to Seoul?]
I said with a smile.
"We'll head over there now."
We took a car to the OTK Research Institute.
Professor Kim Ho-min greeted us with his usual shaggy hair and rough beard.
"Welcome. Please come in."
Allen Eberhardt also shook his hand with joy.
"I've been wanting to meet you, Professor."
Professor Kim Ho-min gave us a tour of the research institute. The other researchers were surprised but happy to see him suddenly.
The two of them talked for hours without getting tired, as if they were old friends. The topics were also diverse. Electric cars, batteries, electric airplanes, spaceships, a moon factory, a Mars base, solar energy, traveling wave reactors, and so on.
With all the technical jargon, it was difficult for Taekgyu and me to even follow the conversation.
Is there something that developers have in common?
***
Daryl Segan, the CEO of CarOS, announced the acquisition plan for Nikola and began negotiations with the creditors. Even if companies agree on a merger and acquisition, they still need government approval.
Even if CarOS acquires Nikola, its production volume will still be far short of GM or Ford, so there will be no problem if the negotiations are concluded well.
Unlike Zhou Auto, CarOS is an American company.
President Ronald tweeted that it was a good thing for the American manufacturing industry.
At the same time, another piece of news was reported.
[OTK Company announces the establishment of a joint venture with SpaceZ!]
[Kang Jin-hoo collaborates with Allen Eberhardt to enter the electric airplane market!]
[Yesterday's enemy is today's friend]
[In the business world, there are no eternal enemies or allies]
They had only just announced a joint venture, but related companies were wary that OTK Company might take this opportunity to seriously enter the aerospace field.
Electric cars, batteries, VRMMORPG, Saemangeum development, TWR, data centers, porn, and so on. We are so busy with our current work that we don't have the capacity for that.
Taekgyu said to me.
"The precognition is working properly. I was worried that there might be a problem because you didn't marry Rothschild."
"No way."
I didn't say it, but I was actually a little worried too.
"But if the precognition was wrong, can you still trust it? It means it could be wrong at any time in the future. Or, is it not a fixed future, but the most probable future, so you can pick and choose?"
"Hmm."
That's a sharp analysis for an otaku.
Taekgyu got up from his seat.
"I'm going to be out for a bit."
"Where are you going?"
"Hayoung wants to see me urgently."
"What's it about?"
"I don't know either. I'll be back in a bit."
Could it be that Min Hayoung is going to confess her feelings?
***
Taekgyu, who arrived at the cafe in a Lamborghini, handed over the car for valet parking and went inside. He saw Min Hayoung, who had arrived first, sitting in a corner.
Taekgyu waved his hand.
"I'm here."
The moment Min Hayoung looked up and saw Taekgyu, she suddenly burst into tears.
"Waaaaah! Taekgyu!"
She cried so loudly that everyone in the cafe looked at her at once.
Taekgyu asked in embarrassment.
"Huh! What's wrong? Did you get hate comments? Did they say it's not funny? Did they say they can't watch it anymore? Did they say they're going to quit watching? Did they say you should quit webtoons and learn a skill?"
"Sob, sob, that's not it..."
Min Hayoung started to talk, sobbing.