Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 186 Professor's Micromanagement of Moscow (5.4K)

The moon is silent.

The television was playing only slight static from the signal transmission.

Hoyle has repeatedly mentioned this point in previous live streams.

"Sound is a form of vibration that propagates through a medium. The surface of the moon is almost a vacuum, lacking an atmosphere, so sound waves cannot propagate and there is no sound in the external environment."

The Earth has sound because its atmosphere acts as a medium.

But at this moment, viewers in front of the television will subconsciously feel that this is the sound from the moon, the sound from deep space 32 kilometers away.

Then, images from the moon appeared on the television screen. They were very blurry, with only the undulating mountains and a few traces of meteorite impacts visible.

It's more like a still image than a video—a completely silent scene.

“Oh, it’s incredible. Last century, humans were still exploring how to fly into the sky, and this century, humans have already landed on the moon and brought back images of the moon.” Cronkite’s voice rang out, adding a voice-over to the monotonous scene.

Hoyle corrected him: "The Wright brothers built the airplane in 1903, to be precise, sixty years ago, when mankind built the first successful airplane in the modern sense."

Sixty years later, we sent humans to the moon.

I eagerly await the day, sixty years from now, to see if humanity will have ventured beyond the solar system.

In other words, Lin Ran didn't watch the live stream. If Lin Ran had watched the live stream, he would have told you that not only did they not leave the solar system, but they actually regressed. No one in the entire 21st century will be able to land on the moon again.

This is also the significance of the Cold War; it spurred the development of human technology at an unprecedented speed.

After the Cold War, humanity lacked this drive.

It's not that technological progress is slow, but rather that there's a lack of motivation to bring a better future to humanity. The era of idealism has completely died out, and history has turned a new page.

“Compared to the vibrant Earth, the Moon is truly a unique kind of beauty, a beauty born of emptiness and solitude,” Cronkite said.

The entire scene lasted for half an hour, during which Cronkite and Hoyle talked for half an hour.

Different TV stations broadcast the same footage, but different hosts have different commentary styles.

Because the duration was so long, the screen remained motionless. Occasionally, when there were scenes where a large amount of moon dust was clearly being stirred up, the narrator would excitedly talk about it for a long time.

This proves that it's a live broadcast, not a still image.

Until a foot appeared in the frame.

Cronkite's voice trembled: "Oh!"

Gagarin! Gagarin has appeared!

At this point, Gagarin was the only one left on the moon.

If there were other people besides Gagarin, it would turn into a late-night horror show.

However, it's not just Gagarin who can go. Lin Ran has personally seen the fuel tank and inspected it one by one. If he wants to go, he can open a door and go in.

There was no need to turn the momentous occasion of humanity's moon landing into a fright.

Lin Ran didn't want to turn a technologically advanced world into a mystical one. He would wait until the 1970s, when the US and the Soviet Union were racing to research superpowers and qigong masters were emerging one after another.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is CBS News, and I am Walter Cronkite."

We are witnessing one of the most exciting moments in the history of space exploration.

Look! Yuri Gagarin's legs are visible in the shot as he emerges from near the U.S. fuel tanker 'Eagle'.

This was a crucial phase of the joint US-Soviet lunar mission. Gagarin would push the fuel tank back into the Soviet lunar module to prepare for the return to Earth.

Gagarin's legs came into view!

The distance of 1,200 meters represents a grueling half-hour wait for television viewers, but for Gagarin, it's a difficult half-hour march!
But he did it! He made it to the front of the fuel tank! Cronkite's tone was excited.

This means that one problem after another has been overcome, and Gagarin's chances of successfully returning to Earth are increasing.

With the exception of a few, the vast majority of people hope to see Gagarin return safely.

Hoyle explained, "That's right, this shows that NASA's lunar module was really close to the Soviet lunar module during the landing process."

Gagarin was so close that he could spot NASA's lunar module and even see its exact direction.

This way, he can get to the scene within 30 minutes.

Cronkite: "Professor Hoyle, this is a remarkable sight."

Gagarin's legs appear first in the shot, telling us what he's about to do.

Hoyle, equally excited, explained:

"Kronkett, Gagarin is now to complete the inspection of the fuel tanks and ensure that the propellant storage tanks are intact."

Then they prepared a mobile fuel system containing hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide for the launch of the Soviet lunar module.

The fuel tank is equipped with wheels for easy movement in the low gravity environment of the moon.

Look, he moves very carefully, adapting to gravity that is only one-sixth that of Earth.

It can be seen that although Gagarin's movements were relatively careful, they were still very smooth.

As the professor said, he must have practiced repeatedly on Earth.

The camera zooms out, bringing Gagarin's entire body into view.

He bent down, gripped the fuel tank lever with both hands, and began to slowly push. Lunar dust billowed beneath the wheels, leaving faint trails. Craters and distant mountains were visible in the background.

Cronkite said excitedly, “Now we see Gagarin in his entirety! He’s pushing the fuel tank across the lunar surface.”

Professor Hoyle, the lunar soil seems quite fine. How will this affect his operations?

Hoyle pointed to the screen and said:

"This is because of the resolution; the images we can transmit are not clear."

However, the lunar soil is indeed very fine, like talcum powder, and is easily blown up.

Gagarin's every step would have stirred up dust, but since the moon has no atmosphere, the dust would have settled quickly and wouldn't have remained suspended.

Look, the fuel tank wheels have left clear tracks on the lunar dust.

He needed to avoid small craters and rocks along the way to maintain his stability.

Cronkite listened through his headphones and raised his hand to signal.

Cronkite: "We've received Gagarin's audio. Let's listen to it."

Gagarin spoke in Russian, while the interpreter translated simultaneously:

"Control center, this is Gagarin. Moving the fuel tank, approximately 1000 meters from the lunar module. Terrain stable, systems normal."

Cronkite smiled and clapped: "Gagalin's voice was clear and strong! He reported that we were 1000 meters away from the Soviet lunar module."

Professor Hoyle, what does a distance of 1000 meters mean on the moon?

Hoyle said casually, “On the moon, 1000 meters isn’t far.”

After all, the gravity here is only 1.625 meters per second squared, and the fuel tank should weigh about the same as two adult men on Earth.

According to my calculations, Gagarin expects to complete this journey in 20 to 25 minutes.

His spacesuit has an oxygen and cooling system, sufficient to withstand temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Celsius under sunlight for more than an hour.

In the footage, Gagarin continues pushing, navigating around a small crater; his movements are slightly clumsy but steady.

The Soviet lunar module gradually appeared in the distance, with two flags clearly visible in front of it.

"Look at that scene! The Soviet lunar module is faintly visible in the background, with the Stars and Stripes and the hammer and sickle flag shining in the sunlight."

The cooperation during this Cold War was truly incredible.

Professor Hoyle, what is the significance of this for future space exploration?

Hoyle explained, "Crunkett, this proves that humans can find common goals in competition."

Engineers from both sides collaborated to design a compatible fuel system, which could lead to more joint missions in the future, and even a lunar base.

This is not only a technological victory, but also a symbol of peace.

Scientists in England would love to see such collaboration, as it symbolizes peace and a shared future for humanity.

But English politicians don't see it that way.

The concept of the Cold War was created by Churchill, encompassing both the Cold War and the Iron Curtain.

As a traditional troublemaker, England never wanted to see America cooperate with Soviet Russia.

Even so, the vast majority of Downing Street employees are still praying for Gagarin, hoping he can return to Earth safely.

In the footage, Gagarin is seen approaching the lunar module, at a distance of about 50 meters.

As Gagarin approached the lunar module, he slowed down and adjusted the position of the fuel tanks.

Cronkite: "Gagalin is very close to the lunar module now! He seems to be adjusting the fuel tanks in preparation for docking."

"Professor Hoyle, what's he going to do next?"

Hoyle said, "He's going to attach the fuel tank next to the lunar module and connect the transfer hose."

These hoses are designed to ensure a seal and prevent propellant leakage.

Gagarin is transferring fuel from America's fuel tank to the lunar lander.

This is a crucial step in the mission, as the lunar lander needs enough fuel to take off and return to Earth orbit.

He is connecting the fuel line, which has a double-sealed design to ensure no leakage in the vacuum environment of the moon.

The entire process was quite challenging. The low gravity made the movements slow and difficult to control, and it was clear that Gagarin had undergone rigorous training and knew how to cope.

Gagarin then needed to manually operate the valves to start the pump and transfer approximately 500 kilograms of fuel.

This may take 20 to 30 minutes.

In the footage, Gagarin stops at the fuel tank and bends down to inspect the connection. He takes out the hose and begins to connect it, his movements slow but precise.

Cronkite said nervously, "Gagarin is connecting the hose; this is a critical moment. Any mistake could affect the mission. You can tell from Gagarin's movements that he is indeed very familiar with this system; the entire movement is seamless!"

Gagarin's voice came through NASA: "Hose connection complete. Checking the seal, preparing to pump."

Hoyle explained, "Did you hear that? Gagarin confirmed the connection was successful."

This demonstrates that the interfaces of both parties are fully compatible.

Gagarin stood upright, waiting for the pumping to complete.

He crouched down, located the camera lens on the fuel tank, and smiled, giving a thumbs-up.

Cronkite was all smiles:

"Look! That's Gagarin's signature smile, and he's also giving us a thumbs up!"

It's clear that Gagarin has ample confidence in this success, a sign of triumph! Viewers, we are witnessing history.

Hoyle smiled and said, "Great! The fuel transfer should be completed soon."

Gagarin will then disconnect the hose, return to the lunar module, and prepare for launch.

Gagarin disconnected the hose, pushed open the fuel tank, and walked toward the lunar module hatch.

He glanced back at the fuel tank and entered the lunar module.

Cronkite spoke solemnly:

"Gagalin has completed his mission! He pushed the fuel tank across 1200 meters of lunar surface, successfully connecting and transferring the fuel. Now, he enters the lunar module to prepare for his return to Earth. Professor Hoyle, thank you for your excellent explanation."

Before the scene ended, Gagarin reappeared, using a pre-prepared device to collect lunar soil.

Hoyle exclaimed, "Gagalin is digging into lunar soil! We'll soon be able to know from Earth exactly what the soil on the moon is made of!"

Gagarin then returned to the lunar module and closed the hatch.

Hoyle continued, "Crunkett, we are witnessing an era, a moment to be remembered."

Cronkite faces the camera:

"Ladies and gentlemen, today we witness the power of human unity. The US-Soviet cooperation on the moon proves that space is a shared territory. We will continue to bring you the latest news. This is Walter Cronkite on behalf of CBS News."

Next, we will witness the final step: the return of the lunar module!

I thought ignition would happen soon, but I waited a long time and it never started.

"It seems there's been a slight mishap. According to the information I received earlier, ignition and return to Earth should take place within ten minutes," Hoyle said, his tone somewhat anxious.

The Redstone Base control center was brightly lit, and the atmosphere was relaxed.

Engineers gathered around the control panel, where screens displayed orbital data.

Lin Ran stood in the center, earpiece pressed tightly against earpiece, ready to communicate with the Moscow side.

The atmosphere at the Soviet mission control center in Moscow was much more tense than at NASA. Korolev supervised the operation, and the team checked Gagarin's ignition parameters.

The air was thick with the smell of smoke, and the teletype machine clicked and clattered.

"Randolv, estimated ignition time T+144 hours 35 minutes, combustion time 3 minutes 10 seconds, yaw angle 0.2 degrees," Korolev's voice came through.

Upon hearing this, Lin Ran began frantically calculating: "No! Korolev, there's a problem with this launch!"

After reviewing the data in his mind, Lin Ran said, "You have overlooked the phase changes of the elliptical orbit."

Using an approximate circle for regression is not feasible.

Launch parameters corrected: T+1 44 hours 55 minutes, burn time 3 minutes 10 seconds, yaw angle 0.4 degrees.

Korolev began to have doubts. "These are pre-designed and calculated data. You think I'll just change them because you tell me to?"

Even greater suspicions stemmed from the fact that America's fuel tank landed successfully and the fuel transfer was completed smoothly.

Now it remains to be seen whether Gagarin can successfully return to Earth.

If America were to deliberately cause trouble at this time and prevent Gagarin from returning, then things would get really interesting.

"How can you be so sure?" Korolev asked calmly, though his heart was filled with uncertainty.

He had met Lin Ran twice and knew that Lin Ran was not that kind of person, but what if it was an order from the White House?
What if Lyndon Johnson meant it?
Countless thoughts flashed through Korolev's mind.

Lin Ran's voice rang out: "I verified using gravitational field data and optimized algorithms that your launch carries the risk of missing Earth, resulting in an orbital error of 200 kilometers!"
Korolev, please believe me, I won't give you incorrect parameters. I, like you, hope Gagarin can return to Earth safely!

Korolev was still struggling internally: "Randolv, I know, but how can you guarantee you're right?"

Lin Ran said, "Just because I was able to land the fuel tank only 1200 meters away from the lunar lander, my data calculation accuracy is far superior to yours!"

I designed a completely new GRAIL gravity model and recalculated the launch using the RK4 integral.

The optimal ignition time and combustion duration are calculated using nonlinear optimization to ensure minimum Δv and track error.

In the field of mathematics, please don't question me.

Korolev fell silent.

It really is.

Even if someone could question Lin Ran in the field of mathematics, that person wouldn't be at the space control center in Moscow.

Korolev remained silent, struggling internally.

He trusted the team, but Lin Ran's tone and mathematical expertise were undeniable.

He turned to his assistant, Ivan Petrov: "How long does it take to verify NASA's data?"

Petrov warned, "It will take at least an hour; there won't be enough time."

Lin Ran said, "Korolev, please believe me, no one can calculate the launch accuracy more precisely than me."

Korolev closed his eyes for a moment, then said, "Okay."

Lin Ran breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you. Facts will prove that you made the right choice."

Korolev continued, "We will forward the signal to NASA, and you can contact Gagarin directly afterwards."

Lin Ran thought to himself, "This time I've really become the director of the Soviet Russian Space Agency."

At Redstone Base, Lin Ran turned to John Smith: "Connect Gagarin, relay through the fuel bay."

Moscow has transferred Gagarin's command authority to me.

Upon hearing this, John Smith inwardly thought, "Oh? That works?" but outwardly remained calm, replying, "Yes, Professor!"

The news quickly spread to every engineer in the control center.

Everyone had the same feeling: they thought they had completed their mission.

It turns out that only their task was completed; the professor's task was not yet finished.

Moscow actually trusted Lin Ran more than itself when it came to returning. What kind of reputation and spirit does that represent?

Everyone turned to look at Lin Ran.

Lin Ran shook his head helplessly: "If you have nothing else to do, go and collect the data. We will carry out our own lunar landing plan as early as next year, or at the latest three years from now!"

The communications officer adjusts the frequency, and the screen displays the signal strength.

Lin Ran: "Gagarin, this is NASA Redstone Base. Please respond."

Gagarin was slightly surprised to hear the familiar Russian, and pressed the communication button: "Professor, this is Gagarin, received."

What's going on?

He had overheard Lin Ran and Korolev's conversation before the launch and knew that Lin Ran was the only person at the entire Redstone base who dared to speak Russian openly.

So you can immediately tell who's calling.

Lin Ran commanded, "Gagalin, the Soviet calculations are not accurate enough."

Launch parameters corrected: T+144 hours 55 minutes, burn time 3 minutes 10 seconds, yaw angle 0.4 degrees. Please confirm!

Gagarin's heart raced, and a sense of unease flashed through his mind.

He trusted Moscow, but the professor's professionalism was equally convincing.

He flipped through his notes, checking the original plan: "Professor, received. I'll confirm with the Moscow side."

Thirty seconds later, Gagarin's voice rang out again: "Professor, ignition time T+144 hours 55 minutes, combustion time 3 minutes 10 seconds, yaw angle 0.4 degrees. Confirmed?"

Lin Ran: "Confirmed, Gagarin. Please update the navigation computer."

On Gagarin's control panel, enter new parameters, the screen flashes, and displays the new trajectory curve.

He was nervous: "What if the professor is right?"

He cleared his mind of distractions and focused on his appearance.

He contacted Moscow: "Control Center, Gagarin. NASA reported a quality error. I have updated the parameters. Please confirm."

Korolev responded: "Gagalin, execute NASA parameters. The data is reliable."

Gagarin nodded: "Okay."

He adjusted his posture, checked the oxygen, and prepared to ignite the oxygen.

On the lunar surface, the timer shows T+144 hours and 55 minutes.

Gagarin pressed the ignition button, the engine roared, and the cabin vibrated violently.

He gripped the control lever tightly, staring at the instruments. Flames shot out, moon dust billowed up, and quickly fell, silently.

Gagarin's voice came through the radio: "Ignition successful! Lifting up, systems normal."

In Moscow, Korolev stared intently at the data, feeling a slight sense of relief.

Gagarin's monitoring trajectory shows he has entered a 100-kilometer orbit.

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(End of this chapter)