Chapter: 200

The so-called space operation robot, in reality, does not have a humanoid structure. In order to create a better illusion that the orbital weapons satellites have been retrieved, Mark needs to hide some ordinary satellite components in advance.

This way, after wandering in space for a while, he can produce the items and present them to the prying eyes, completing his plan of deceiving others.

Therefore, the overall shape of the space operation robot resembles a sunflower seed-shaped aircraft. It has a pointed head and a large rear end, which not only ensures aerodynamic efficiency and reduces air resistance during flight but also provides sufficient storage space that Mark requires.

In addition, there is a storage compartment on each side of the robot. When opened, two folding octagonal mechanical arms can extend from them. The flexibility and precision of their movements are comparable to the top micro-sculptors among humans, allowing for precise installation of the stealth modules.

Furthermore, Mark has equipped the space operation robot with his latest invention, the augmented reality system, which can create virtual images to deceive cameras and human eyes. Even if there are forces using satellites or telescopes to secretly monitor the entire plan, Mark's plan can still be executed smoothly.

With everything ready, Mark applied for special launch permission in advance. With the assistance of S.H.I.E.L.D., he received a green light all the way and obtained permission for his space operation robot to ascend in the City of Angels.

And, for a rare occasion, Mark broke his tradition of naming it with a negative connotation and named this robot [Angel] to commemorate its special ascent in the City of Angels.

Since [Angel] used the same superconducting magnetic levitation system as Mark's suit, it did not need to carry heavy fuel like traditional rockets or spacecraft. The takeoff process lacked the earth-shattering effects.

Even the noise generated during the ascent was quieter than the sound of a Formula One car starting. With just two ion thrusters powered by the Arc Reactor, the Angel smoothly reached the first orbital velocity and successfully maneuvered into the next level orbit of the orbital weapons satellite.

Before entering the same orbit as the satellite, they needed to close the distance between them. Attempting to accelerate and catch up while on the same orbit was not only difficult to maintain their own trajectory but also risked collision accidents.

If Mark's orbital weapons satellite collided with the operation robot, the resulting financial loss would be a minor concern compared to the real danger of space debris.

The fragments produced from such impacts, whether large or small, would travel at high speeds on their respective orbits. However, since they lack propulsion devices, they could change orbits at any time. This could lead to collisions with other satellites operating normally on different orbits, generating even more space debris.

As space debris increases, the difficulty and risks of launching satellites or probes for humanity will greatly increase, slowing down the progress of human civilization towards space.

Therefore, as a precaution, even though Mark is confident in his invention, he adopted the safest approach.

Although this slightly slowed down the progress, things proceeded smoothly, and each operation was precisely executed without revealing any flaws.

After activating the stealth devices, the achieved effects met Mark's previous expectations, and no malfunctions occurred. Since the four satellites were in geostationary orbit, after several orbital changes and pursuits, they completed the "retrieval" mission and successfully returned within a day.

However, the landing site for the return journey could not be set in the City of Angels. According to the suggestions of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Space Force, carrying the dismantled satellite components would result in an extremely heavy payload.

To avoid the potential hazards of a crash, the landing site should be chosen in an area with sparse population and vast land.

Eventually, the chosen location was Old Bridge Town in New Mexico, which was where Thor first arrived on Earth and encountered Jane.

However, due to the battle between the Destroyer and the Howitzer, the town was reduced to rubble by an antimatter annihilation bomb. Although Mark promised to compensate the local residents and rebuild Old Bridge Town, most of them chose to move to more prosperous cities after receiving Mark's substantial compensation. As a result, the town remained in a dilapidated state over the past two years.

Although the suggestions from NASA and the Space Force may seem reasonable, based on the chosen location and Mark's understanding of them, things would not be so straightforward.

Old Bridge Town is remote, and even driving to the nearest airport would take a day, let alone the fact that the town has declined in recent years, and the surrounding roads have received no maintenance or management, further increasing travel time.

This long transportation route presents ample opportunities for the numerous factions eager to obtain the orbital weapons.

Firstly, the area is sparsely populated, and as long as they make some disguises, they can choose a suitable location along the route to attack and seize the cargo without leaving any evidence. Mark would be helpless against them without any proof afterward.

Secondly, the journey is long, so even if they fail in their first attempt, they can launch a second operation. The transportation team won't find any shelter along the way, and Mark's support won't arrive in time.

Although Mark knows exactly what they are up to, he doesn't expose their intentions. Let them plot all they want, as the most they can obtain in the end is some ordinary components with no real value.

Besides, it will also provide Mark with an opportunity to present a splendid performance, so why not?

However, for this performance to be truly spectacular, having only NASA and the Space Force is not enough. There needs to be an equally greedy and powerful competitor to ignite the dramatic conflict.

And that role undoubtedly belongs to Hydra. So, Mark directly called Nick Fury and asked him to help transport the recovered satellite components back to his company.

In a situation where Hydra has infiltrated the entire S.H.I.E.L.D., Mark's action is clearly offering them assistance. This way, all the roles in this grand play have been assembled, and a battle for the "orbital weapons" components is about to unfold...

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