Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 187 Can the White Horse Return? (5.2k views)

He looked out the small window at the moon, the gray-white craters receding into the distance, the starry sky dark and deep.

He adjusted the radio and called the command module: "Moscow Control Center, this is the lunar module, please respond."

A few seconds later, Commander Petrov responded: "Gagalin, this is Petrov. The return capsule is about 50 kilometers ahead of you, with a relative speed of 10 meters per second. Approaching."

Gagarin breathed a sigh of relief and smiled: "Roger that, prepare to dock with the mobile unit."

The Moscow mission control center was brightly lit. Korolev stared intently at the screen, while a NASA representative observed from the side.

Korolev whispered to his assistant, "The docking is crucial; Yuri must operate with precision."

Gagarin activated the small thrusters, causing the lunar module to vibrate slightly and reduce its speed to 5 meters per second.

He reported: "Relative speed adjustment complete, distance 40 kilometers."

Petrov responded: "Keep it up, pay attention to the angle of your stance."

Gagarin focused his attention on the 1964 technical requirements, which necessitated almost entirely manual docking. The automated system served at best as an auxiliary mechanism.
He kept a close eye on the screen data, ready to switch to manual mode at any time.

The screen displays the outline of the command module, at a distance of 20 kilometers and a relative speed of 2 meters per second.

Suddenly, the automatic system alarmed: "Docking misalignment, probes not aligned."

Gagarin quickly switched to manual mode, steadied his breathing, and fine-tuned the control lever: "Steady, steady."

He muttered to himself, sweat trickling down his forehead.

A few minutes later, the probe aligned with the docking ring, made gentle contact, and locked in place.

"Dock successful!" Gagarin shouted, his voice filled with joy.

When the sound reached the control room in Moscow, applause erupted. Korolev breathed a sigh of relief: "Well done, Yuri!"

Gagarin opened the hatch, walked through the docking tunnel, and returned to the return capsule.

Compared to the lunar module, the return capsule was much more spacious inside, with the instrument panel flashing green lights and the oxygen system humming.

Gagarin took off his spacesuit and put on a lightweight flight suit, and the fuel in the lunar module was ready to be transferred to the return capsule.

Once the transfer is complete, the return mission will begin.

“Magnificent, yet awe-inspiringly silent.” Gagarin’s thoughts were still on the moon, his eyes filled with memories.

Gagarin transferred lunar samples, scientific data, and equipment to the command module for safe storage.

Gagarin's checklist: "Moscow Control Center, samples complete, data intact."

"After the fuel transfer is complete, we will prepare to separate the lunar module," Petrov said. "We will then operate the control panel and unlock the docking mechanism."

With a soft thud, the lunar module detached and slowly drifted away.

Gagarin looked out the window as the lunar module receded into the distance against the backdrop of the moon, and thought to himself, "Goodbye, moon."

The command module orbits the moon, preparing to return to Earth for ignition.

The command came from the Moscow control center: "Gagalin, the returned data will be synchronized with NASA. Command authority is now transferred to NASA, and Randolph Lin will take command thereafter."

The reason for the handover only now, rather than at the moment of ignition, is that Korolev urgently obtained the Kremlin's consent, and Nikita personally approved the transfer of command authority to Lin Ran.

After all, this requires synchronizing a large amount of data to NASA in real time, which is not something Korolev can decide.

The Kremlin agreed quickly, and Korolev guessed that Nikita must be in a good mood when he received the reply.

Gagarin was somewhat surprised, but not entirely unexpected, since Lin Ran had directly commanded the departure from the moon.

"receive."

Lin Ran's voice came through the communication channel: "Gagalin, this is Randolph Lin."

Gagarin said, "Received, Professor, please give instructions."

“TEI点火时间T+150小时00分，燃烧5分30秒，姿态角30度。”

Gagarin repeated: "Received, T+150 hours 00 minutes, burn time 5 minutes 30 seconds, attitude angle 30 degrees."

Lin Ran continued, "Check the fuel and power systems."

After checking the fuel and power, Gagarin declared: "System ready."

The timer displays T+149 hours, 59 minutes, and 50 seconds.

Gagarin's countdown: "10, 9, 8... 3, 2, 1, ignition!"

The main engine ignites, and the thrust propels the return capsule toward Earth.

Gagarin gripped the armrest tightly, feeling the acceleration, as the moon outside the window rapidly shrank.

The engine shut off after 5 minutes and 30 seconds.

"Ignition complete!" Gagarin reported.

Lin Ran confirmed: "The trajectory is normal, and it is expected to enter the atmosphere in 3 days."

Gagarin smiled and said, "Professor, Gagarin is going home!"

Lin Ran: "Returned safely."

During the three days of returning to Earth, the command module flew at a speed of approximately 11 kilometers per second.

The next day, an alarm suddenly sounded, and the oxygen pressure dropped.

Gagarin inspected the instruments and discovered a tiny leak, possibly caused by a micrometeoroid impact.

After the news reached Earth, Lin Ran frowned and asked, "What's the situation?"

"The pressure is decreasing slowly, but it cannot be ignored." Gagarin's tone was somewhat tense.

Lin Ran ordered, "Prepare to exit the cabin for repairs."

Gagarin quickly donned his spacesuit and prepared for extravehicular activity (EVA), despite the high risks associated with the activity due to technological limitations.

But I can't care about that now.

Gagarin eventually located the leak—a pinhole-sized crack. He used special tape to seal it, and the pressure stabilized.

Gagarin contacted NASA: "Control center, the oxygen leak has been contained, please provide instructions."

Lin Ran responded, "Monitoring the pressure and using backup oxygen, you did a great job."

The command module approached Earth, increasing its speed to 11.2 kilometers per second.

Lin Ran commanded from the control room: "Angle 4.5 degrees, peak heat resistance 3000°C, pay attention to adjusting the return capsule's attitude to ensure the heat shield is facing forward!"

Gagarin adjusted the reentry capsule's attitude: "Prepare for reentry."

Gagarin gripped the seat tightly, his heart pounding with tension: "The crucial moment has arrived."

He recalled the silence of the moon and the impending clamor of the earth.

As the reentry capsule entered the atmosphere, its outer shell heated up, and orange flames leaped outside the window.

The cabin temperature rose, but the life support system functioned normally.

"Temperature 2800°C, normal," Gagarin reported, sweat dripping down his back.

A few minutes later, the flames subsided, and blue sky appeared outside the window.

Gagarin breathed a sigh of relief: "We've passed the most dangerous phase."

Lin Ran commanded: "At an altitude of 10 kilometers, prepare to deploy the parachute."

The parachute deployed, the command module slowed down, and the sounds of wind and the parachute flapping entered the module.

Gagarin smiled: "This is a voice from Earth."

The command module splashed into the Pacific Ocean, sending waves flying.

The rescue ship arrived, the hatch opened, and the sea breeze blew in, bringing a salty and humid smell.

Gagarin emerged to a cheering welcome from the rescue workers, whose eyes were almost blinded by the flash photography from Earth.

Gagarin looked up at the sky: "Thank you, Moscow, thank you, Professor."

In the CBS News studio, Walter Cronkite sat with a mission briefing and a model of a return capsule in front of him.

The background is a huge map of the Earth, marking the splashdown area in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 20 degrees north latitude and 160 degrees west longitude.

The right-hand screen displays footage from NASA's Redstone Base control center, while the left-hand screen shows live footage of the area near the Earth's impact point.

Inside the studio, staff were busy adjusting equipment.

Cronkite's guest this time was Robert Gilrus, a senior engineer from NASA, who held orbital charts and was ready to explain them to the audience.

The clock on the wall shows the mission time as T+219 hours, and the command module is about to enter the atmosphere.

Walter Cronkite adjusted his posture, looked directly at the camera, and said with anticipation in his voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is CBS News, and I'm Walter Cronkite. Tonight, we stand at a historical crossroads, witnessing the successful conclusion of the joint US-Soviet moon landing mission."

Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin is returning to Earth in his reentry capsule, which is expected to splash down in the Pacific Ocean.

He paused, flipped through his notes, and was filled with excitement.

This moon landing was only one step away from success, and the cooperation during the Cold War filled him with mixed emotions.

He continued, "This is not only a technological victory, but also a symbol of human unity. Scientists from the United States and the Soviet Union jointly designed this mission, from the moon to the earth, transcending political barriers."

Cronkite turned to Gilrus and said gently, “Robert, the reentry process of the return capsule may be complicated for the audience. Could you explain it simply?”

Gilrus smiled and pointed to the model: "Of course, Walter. The command capsule enters the atmosphere at a speed of 11 kilometers per second, and the heat shield withstands a temperature of about 3000 degrees Celsius. The parachute will deploy at an altitude of 10 kilometers to slow down the speed before finally splashing down. The whole process requires precise control, with an error margin of only a few seconds."

According to the latest news from NASA, Moscow has handed over command of the return to Earth to NASA, with the professor personally in charge.

Cronkite laughed loudly upon hearing this, "This is great news! It gives me even more confidence that Gagarin will successfully return to Earth."

Robert, I'm curious, is Professor Randolph Lin also called that within NASA? I thought you'd call him Director.

This is a topic that not only Cronkite is concerned about, but judging from the expressions of the audience in the studio, they are equally interested in this issue.

Gilrus laughed and said, "Of course, the director is much more stiff, while the professor is much more approachable."

Cronkite asked, "Isn't the professor supposed to be very strict within NASA?"

Gilrus nodded and said, "That's right, but his strictness doesn't stop us from respecting him. We hope the professor can give us more guidance in our work."

The same task, which would normally take you a year to complete, could perhaps be finished in just one week if your professor helps you.

Cronkite exclaimed, "That's outrageous!"

Gilrus spoke calmly, but inwardly he was recalling his several interactions with Lin Ran when he worked at NASA: "Yes, it's that exaggerated."

You know, the main computer we use internally is the IBM 7094. We do complex trajectory calculations, such as calculating the launch window, trans-lunar orbit injection, and landing trajectory for lunar missions. When these calculations involve multibody problems and gravitational perturbations, it might take us more than a year to calculate. But if a professor helps you with the calculations, the results can be obtained in a week.

The results the professor calculated in a week were better than the results the IBM 7094 calculated over a year with gradual adjustments.

A gasp rippled through the audience.

"In short, the professor's mind is far more powerful than a computer in the field of mathematical computation."

"Whenever it comes to data, professors are no different from God in our eyes," Gilrus concluded.

Cronkite remarked, "No wonder Moscow wants to hand over command authority to the professor."

Cronkite continued, "Okay, let's go back to Gagarin's return to the moon, and we're about to witness that moment."

I believe the professor's guidance will greatly facilitate Gagarin's safe return to Earth.

A voice came from the control room: "NASA reports, the reentry capsule has entered the atmosphere!"

Cronkite quickly put on his headphones, signaling for quiet.

The screen switched to a live feed of the rescue ship, with the camera shooting from above from a helicopter. Against the blue sky, three orange parachutes dragged the command module as it slowly descended.

The sea surface shimmered, and the rescue ship was ready to set sail.

Cronkite's voice boomed: "Look! The command module's parachute has opened! Gagarin is approaching Earth, just minutes away from splashdown!"

He stared intently at the screen, his hands clenched tightly, tears welling in his eyes, and he thought to himself, "This is the most complex space mission ever carried out in human history, and it is a victory for both countries."

For the first time, we left human footprints on the moon; for the first time, the US and USSR flags were planted on the moon simultaneously; and for the first time, we stood on the moon and looked back at Earth!

As the professor said, this is not just one small step for Gagarin, but one giant leap for mankind!

Gilrus added, "The parachute deployment went very smoothly, and the speed has been reduced to 10 meters per second. The thermal shield in the command module withstood the test."

In the footage, the command module touches the sea surface, stirring up white waves, and floats steadily.

Cronkite practically jumped up: "Splashdown successful! Gagarin is safely back on Earth! Oh my god, that's amazing!"

The studio erupted in enthusiastic applause, with staff cheering and high-fiving each other.

Cronkite took off his glasses, wiped away the tears glistening in the corners of his eyes, and smiled broadly: "This is the pinnacle of human space exploration!"

Cronkite composed himself and turned to Gilrus: "Robert, what does this mean for the future of space exploration?"

Gilrus was equally excited: "Kronkett, this mission has proven the potential of international cooperation."

The US and the Soviet Union overcame differences in technical standards and achieved compatibility in fuel systems and docking.

This paves the way for future joint missions, such as lunar bases.

Cronkite nodded: “That’s true. Let’s see how Moscow reacts.”

The screen switched to the Moscow control room, where Korolev and his team applauded in celebration.

Cronkite commented: "Look, Moscow is cheering too! This is a victory for all mankind."

He turned to the camera: "Viewers, we have received a joint statement from NASA and the Russian Space Agency: 'This mission demonstrates humanity's solidarity in the face of common challenges.'"

The screen returns to the Pacific Ocean, where a rescue ship approaches the command center. Navy personnel row in a rubber boat and open the hatch.

Gagarin stepped out first, wearing an orange life jacket, smiling, waving, holding onto the hatch, and taking a deep breath of the sea breeze.

Cronkite exclaimed excitedly, "Look! Gagarin is out! They're in great shape and full of energy! This space hero has completed an incredible journey."

The audio came through, with Gagarin saying in Russian: "Thank you Moscow, thank you NASA, thank you professor, I am home safely, and I feel better than ever before."

Translation will be broadcast simultaneously.

Cronkite smiled: "Gagalin thanked all the participants, especially the professor. It was a truly touching moment."

Gilrus added, "The spacesuits have cooling systems to protect them from the extreme temperatures on the moon and during reentry. Now, they can finally breathe Earth's air."

Rescuers brought Gagarin aboard the ship, where medical personnel examined him.

Cronkite commented: "The rescue operation went very smoothly, and the rescue team was equally well-trained."

Outside the studio, viewers watched on television, their excitement palpable. In Times Square, New York, the live broadcast was shown on a giant screen, drawing thousands of people who cheered wildly.

A reporter is interviewing members of the public in front of the technology ark.

An elderly white woman told a reporter, "I never thought I would see this day. America and the Soviet Union landed on the moon together. It's incredible!"

In a Chicago family, the children are gathered around the television. The father exclaims, "This is better than any movie. Kids, remember this moment."

Martin Luther King Jr. toasted with the Black people in the bar, shouting, "Professor, the all-powerful Professor, who brings us the symbol of peace, the hope of mankind's journey into the universe!"

Martin Luther King Jr. secretly resolved to bring the Chinese community onto the bandwagon of the pursuit of equality, to have those who could lead the charge and those who could provide the theoretical support.

Stan Lee and his assistant Roy Thomas watched the entire return to Earth from the company, and they clinked glasses: "I think we should give Professor X more screen time."

“The professor is omnipotent, I have never failed in my life. I’m not targeting any of you, but I’m saying that everyone here is trash. Such a high-class character, of course we should give him more screen time!” Stan Lee said.

(At this point, there was no word for "pretentious" in English, but "cachet" and "class" could express a similar meaning.)

Cachet emphasizes style and prestige, making it suitable for describing things or people with an elegant air. For example, "This brand has a lot of cachet" can be translated as "This brand has a lot of cachet."
CBS's phone lines were ringing non-stop, with viewers commenting, "This is a source of human pride!"

"The professor is indeed omnipotent."

"Gagalin is a hero, and the professor is a hero too. The cooperation between the US and the Soviet Union was truly remarkable!"

Inside the CBS studio, the live television broadcast continued.

Cronkite read aloud a letter from a viewer: “Mary from Boston wrote: ‘I cried when I saw Gagarin waving. It was a hope for peace.’”

Cronkite turned to the camera, his tone solemn: "Ladies and gentlemen, today we witness the birth of history. In 1964, the joint US-Soviet lunar mission concluded with the successful return of Gagarin and Petrov. This was not only a victory in space exploration, but also a symbol of human unity."

He turned to Gilrus: "Robert, is there anything to say last?"

Gilrus: "I would say that the universe is humanity's common territory. Today, we have taken the first step, and many more challenges await us in the future."

Cronkite nodded: "Well said."

He turned to the camera: "Thank you for watching. We'll continue to bring you follow-up reports. Let's look forward to an even more glorious future for human space travel. I'm Walter Cronkite, CBS News. Good night."

As the studio lights dimmed, the staff erupted in applause.

Cronkite removed his headphones, a sense of human accomplishment welling up inside him. He whispered to Gilrus, "This might be the most important moment we've ever covered."

The senior management of Area 51 also watched the entire live broadcast.

Dean Qian was mainly responsible for translation, while the other two were responsible for watching.

After Gagarin stepped out of the hatch, Dean Qian couldn't help but remark, "Will the white horse ever come back?"

The other two exchanged glances upon hearing this, then sighed deeply: "We need to think of something positive. The good news is that even if what White Horse did is exposed one day, America will at most put him under house arrest, but she won't do anything to him."

"Yes, coming back is probably a million times more difficult than bringing Dean Qian back back then."

Dean Qian gave a helpless, bitter smile upon hearing this.

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(End of this chapter)