Okay, thanks. I'll take electronics expert.
Urist smiled as he read back the letter from his Chinese counterpart. It looked like they were interested in going forward with the joint station. Given the strong relations between their governments, this should not be a problem with the higher-ups.
There was much research to be done to get ready, though. Thankfully the expo had produced two talented young scientists that were taken into the fold. With their help, new designs and ideas could quickly be produced.
Research:
Space Shuttle: Decrease the weight more.
[Electronics Expert] Computer Feedback: Increase the safety improvement.
[Fuel Scientist] XL Fuel Tank: Increase its capacity.
[Thruster Scientist] Large thruster: More power.
Designs:
[Personal Design]
Explorer Space Shuttle Mk II
Height: 20m
Weight: 10556 kg
Available Payload: N/A (Still can't launch under own power, but much closer!)
Thrust: 8465.625 kg
Components:
Space Shuttle hull (20m): 20*350 = 7000kg
Large thruster (2 meter): 350kg, 8465.625 kg To LEO
XL normal fuel tanks (3*5 meter): 2625 kg
Computer Feedback: 100kg
Cockpit module (3 meter): 481 kg
Building:
Expand Mission Control to allow a second launch/year. (5k)
Other:
Donate the rockets to the museum in a generous gesture designed to increase my prestige.
When they're gone, those designs can be obsoleted as well.
Train both Scotonauts. Spend 5k on hiring a couple more of at least 7/10 quality.
Send China the Space Shuttle tech [including anything I find this turn] in exchange for the space station tech he is sending me.
Expenses:
15k (5k research, 5k building, 5k hiring)