by Max Barry

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Region: Commonwealth of Liberty

The Bundesrepublik of New Provenance

        THE COMMONWEALTH OF INDONESIA

PEMERINTAH NASIONAL INDONESIA

      ______

      INDONESIA MAKES HISTORY AFTER R8 SOYUZ LAUNCH, BECOMES THE 11TH NATION TO LAUNCH A SATELLITE INTO LOW EARTH ORBIT

    In the early days of February 2024, Indonesians were buzzing with excitement as the R8 Soyuz orbital launch vehicle prepared for its first orbital flight test. With the pandemic long gone, people began scheduling vacations to South Borneo to watch the historic launch. By February 11, the Ministry of Humanitarian Services had established several temporary civilian camps around the Space Center in South Borneo, with the other civilians staying at Pontianak, only 440 kilometers west of the Borneo Space Center. Four days before the launch date on February 12, an estimated 24,000 Indonesian civilians had arrived at Pontianak in advance to witness the launch. Cryogenic proof tests, and a 5-second static fire test went flawlessly on February 13, and on Valentine's Day, the High Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, ISA Administrator, Defense Minister, Supreme General, and Humanitarian Services Minister arrived at the Borneo Space Center and took lodging at the Sergei Korolev Administration Building. On February 15, civilians began arriving by the busload from the new Highway West, connecting the Space Center to Pontianak. By this time, bleachers and viewing zones were set up 3 kilometers out from the launchpad to accomodate viewers of the launch.

    As February 16, 2024 dawned on Indonesia, white vapor billowed out of the R8 as it stood majestically on Launch Complex A. Onboard was the INSPIRE-X independent communications satellite test, which was an INSPIRE program test article for the Indo-Pacific Space Commission. Numerous HD 4K television cameras were pointed at the launch vehicle, where the R8 slowly fuelled itself up for the launch. The government officials at the Space Center spoke next to the rocket to the world via livestream, commemorating Korolev and remembering two Indonesian engineers who had perished after falling off the gantry the day before. 'They may have not lived to see their success, their dreams accomplished, but they and their spirits will forever live on in us as we dare to dream and accomplish mighty things', said the High Chancellor. The government officials departed the launch site and arrived at Mission Control to view the launch in its entirety. At 9:32AM, the crowds went silent as the final countdown began. All systems were go, said the controllers. All engines are go, said the Flight Dynamics Officer (FIDO). Go for launch, said the Flight Director. 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1...

    Massive clouds of smoke billowed out and around the launchpad, shielding the rocket from view as the gantries retracted and gave the rocket clearance to head up into the heavens. After a few seconds, loud cheers erupted from the crowds nearby the Mission Control building; the rocket was off. 'Oh my actual godly goodness, it flew' exclaimed High Chancellor Anetta Komarudin. The commander-in-chief stood at awe as the R8 flew upwards, towards the heavens and the cosmos. Crowds cheered and cameras panned upwards as the rocket disappeared above the cloud layer, leaving a massive tower of smoke in its wake. In the engineering halls, French, Japanese and Indonesian engineers celebrated, but they were far from over. The rocket cruised through the atmosphere flawlessly, and the beautiful Korolev Cross was seen from cameras as the four side boosters separated gracefully. The engineers now stood silent, praying for the best. First stage separation and second stage ignition was reported successful, and the rocket was on its way to orbit. After five minutes, the entire nation stood silent, waiting for the call that the rocket had reached orbit. A few seconds passed from the mark, and none came. 45 seconds later, nothing. As the announcer prepared to open his microphone and announce that no confirmation had been received of the rocket reaching orbit, a subtle bleep began sounding.

    "What is it, what is it?" said the High Chancellor as she walked towards the FIDO. "Ma'am, its...we....the rocket...." stammered the Flight Dynamics Officer (FIDO) as he stared at the screen, apparently dumbstruck. "Oh for goodness sake" muttered the High Chancellor as she bent down and stared at the screen. Her eyes grew wide, and a tear of joy fell out of her eye. On the screen, a blinking sign red in bold green, 'ORBIT ACHIEVED'. Cheers erupted in Mission Control, in the engineering halls, and in the crowds outside. The INSPIRE-X test satellite had achieved a Low Earth Orbit, with telemetry confirming just that. Almost two years of work had paid off, said one of the junior engineers. Onboard the rocket, a photo of Sergei Korolev framed with platinum was separated, leaving it to float in orbit forever, to commemorate the rocket scientist. The French and Japanese scientists were given the week off with full pay, and Indonesia released the news not short after. 'After almost two years of hard work and dedication, Indonesia, thanks to her partners Japan, France, and Russia, has succeeded in launching a satellite into orbit', said Grace Natalie, CNN Indonesia CEO and news anchor. The French, Japanese, and Russian anthems were played on national television, followed by the Indonesian anthem. Thank you messages were dispatched to the Macron, Suga, and Ivchenko administrations immediately.

    Rutannia, Nosautempopulus, Philanialle, Cascadla, and 5 othersRanponian, Somerania, The Fire Born, Metropolitan Francais, and Abessinienreich

    Context • Report