Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 189 Versailles from the Professor (4K)

The atmosphere in the East Room of the White House was lively and intense.

The golden chandelier cast a soft glow, illuminating rows of wooden chairs where reporters filled the seats, all with notebooks open and pens in hand.

The reporters responsible for taking photos stood in the aisle between the chairs, with their lenses pointed at the entrance to the east hall, ready to capture the decisive moment.

A huge American flag on the wall and a NASA flag next to it.

This time, there was no hammer and sickle flag of Soviet Russia, nor was Dobrynin invited.

In the center of the East Room, behind the podium was a blue curtain with the White House emblem inlaid on it.

When Lyndon Johnson and members of his core White House team entered the East Room, they were greeted with enthusiastic applause from the White House reporters who had been waiting there.

Everyone was genuinely happy about the successful completion of this collaboration.

Even journalists holding conservative views who believed the Cold War should continue would be happy because humans set foot on the moon for the first time and returned safely to Earth, marking the first time that humanity's exploration had expanded into the universe.

At this moment, all stances, political views, and likes or dislikes towards the Soviet Union seem so irrelevant; everyone has only one identity: human beings trapped on Earth.

President Lyndon Johnson strode onto the podium, his figure casting a long shadow under the lights.

His suit was impeccably tailored, and his tie was impeccably neat.

He adjusted his glasses, his gaze sweeping over the group of reporters, a confident smile playing on his lips.

The reporters in the audience all raised their hands, clearly wanting to be the first to interview Lyndon Johnson after the successful completion of the joint US-Soviet moon landing mission.

Reporters had countless questions for him.

White House Press Secretary Bill Moyes stood to one side, holding a folder, speaking quietly to an aide. Vice President Humphrey and National Security Advisor George Bundy stood behind, their expressions serious, occasionally exchanging a few words.

The reporters were eager to answer, and questions flooded in like a tidal wave.

Bill Moyes strode forward, patted the microphone, and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the White House's special press conference on the moon landing."

I fully understand your excitement; I feel just as excited as you do. I also fully understand that you have countless questions you want to ask President Johnson.

But we still need to follow the procedure. First, let's invite the President to give his opening remarks.

Johnson cleared his throat, his voice booming with a Texas accent: "Ladies and gentlemen, today is a glorious moment in human history. Astronaut Yuri Gagarin has successfully landed on the moon and returned safely to Earth—an unprecedented feat."

America's collaboration with the Soviet Union made this dream a reality, especially NASA's technology, which ensured the mission's complete success.

He paused, looked around the room, and knew very well: I need to let the people know that this is our victory. It is true that Gagarin was a Soviet citizen, but in this moon landing, the real key was NASA.

He continued, "This mission demonstrates the borderless power of science and proves America's leadership in space exploration. We applaud Gagarin's courage and are even more proud of the professor's great performance and NASA's outstanding technology."

Great, needless to say.

Reporters bent down to take notes, their cameras flashing incessantly.

Johnson gripped the edge of the podium, bracing himself for a question.

He knew the reporters wouldn't let him get away with it so easily.

CBS News reporter Wright was the first to raise his hand: "Mr. President, does this joint US-Soviet moon landing mark a new era in relations between the two countries? Can we expect a détente in the Cold War?"

Johnson smiled slightly, but his mind was racing: the reporters really wanted me to say something.

He adjusted his tone, cautious yet firm: "This mission is a model of scientific cooperation, proving that humanity can work hand in hand in exploring the universe."

But international relations are never as simple as technology, and America always prioritizes national interests. We welcome cooperation, but we also remain vigilant.

The reporters thought to themselves, just as they had expected, the mere absence of the hammer and sickle flag and Dobrynin was enough to make the White House reporters realize that the Cold War was far from over.

UPI's Helen Thomas stood up, her tone sharp: "Mr. President, why was it the Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin who landed on the moon, and not an American? Does this mean we've fallen behind in the space race?"
Or is it a symbol of the White House's compromise with the Soviet Union? Giving away the honor of being the first to walk on the moon to the Soviets?

Johnson's jaw tightened slightly, a flicker of displeasure crossing his mind. Women were such a hassle, Thomas was one, and Jenny was another.

Jenny and Thomas are the only two female journalists at the White House.

Thomas's question hit the nail on the head.

He took a deep breath, his smile unwavering: "Helen, the moon landing wasn't a solo performance; it was a team victory."

Gagarin's role is part of the agreement, but the core of the mission is America's technology.

Without our fuel tanks, Gagarin would have had a hard time setting foot on the moon, let alone being able to return.

We have never fallen behind in the space race. We applaud Gagarin's courage and determination, but our NASA engineers are the greatest contributors.

ABC's Edward R. Murrow raised his hand: "Mr. President, could you elaborate on the role of the U.S. fuel tank in the mission? How did it ensure Gagarin's safe return?"

Johnson breathed a sigh of relief; the problem was within his comfort zone.

He turned to Bill Moyes, gesturing to confirm the data, and said proudly, "Edward, the fuel tank is a masterpiece of NASA, carrying 550 kilograms of hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide, precisely calculated to ensure the lunar module's launch and return."

Our professor, single-handedly, completed almost all the trajectory calculations, ensuring that the fuel tank and Gagarin's landing trajectories almost perfectly overlapped. This was the pinnacle of the America Project!

The journalists present nodded frequently, inwardly marveling: NASA's technology is indeed amazing.

From the moment the US and the Soviet Union announced their joint moon landing, newspapers and television stations alike sought out experts and scholars to analyze the collaboration.

The technical details, difficulties in cooperation, and chances of success are all things that any person who follows the news can easily explain.

Not to mention the journalists who make a living by spreading information; they know very well that Lyndon Johnson is right, even the Soviet Union cannot deny that the technology America demonstrated would be more difficult.

James Reston of The Washington Post asked, "Mr. President, is this joint mission a one-off event, or the beginning of future cooperation? Will we see more joint US-Soviet space missions?"

After a moment's thought, Johnson said, "James, the path of scientific exploration is open. We will evaluate every opportunity to ensure it is in America's best interest."

NASA's Saturn V program is accelerating, and we will continue to lead space exploration.

Reston took notes and then asked, "Mr. President, you just mentioned that our technology is advanced and that we have an advantage, but this time it was the Soviets who became the first humans to land on the moon."

Does this indicate that NASA lacked focus in its technological planning and overall coordination in the space race to the moon, leading to unavoidable setbacks in our lunar landing progress and forcing us to cooperate with the Soviet Union, ultimately making Gagarin the first human to walk on the moon?

Johnson countered, "No, I don't think so. We are pursuing a sustainable development model. We are not pursuing victory in the space race in the short term. We are pursuing the ability to repeatedly land on the moon and gradually establish a lunar base."

We can land on the moon now, but only once; what if we can't land on the moon in the future? Isn't that a joke? Our competition with the Soviet Union isn't determined by who lands on the moon first. Similarly, our technological strength in the space domain won't prove us to be the loser just because Gagarin was the one who carried out the mission.

Jenny from The New York Times stood up: "Mr. President, some critics at home believe that cooperation with Soviet Russia is a compromise with socialism. How do you respond?"

Johnson narrowed his eyes, straightened his back, and said in a loud voice, "Strength isn't about slogans, it's about action. We provided fuel tanks, computing and communications support, and led the key aspects of the mission."

Cooperation is for science, not compromise.

Anyone who doubts our resolve should look at NASA’s achievements!
"America will one day walk on the moon on her own!"

Jenny pressed further, "Will NASA carry out subsequent lunar missions on its own?" Johnson replied matter-of-factly, "Of course, that has always been our goal."

As the Q&A session drew to a close, Johnson surveyed the room and said solemnly, "Thank you for your questions. This mission is a milestone for humanity, and America is proud to have been a part of it. We will continue to explore the stars and open up new horizons for all mankind."

He turned and left the podium, his steps firm.

Moyes quickly followed and whispered, "Mr. President, a perfect performance."

Johnson responded in a low voice: "I hope so, Bill. But the reporters won't let us off easily."

Humphrey and Bondi then left, and Humphrey whispered to Bondi, "He kept the cooperation to a minimum, and voters will like that."

Bondi nodded.

Johnson returned to the Oval Office, reclined in his leather chair, lit a cigar, and exhaled a puff of smoke. He felt both excited and exhausted. This could easily be portrayed as a personal success, but that depended on how public opinion was guided.

Reporters swarmed out to the telegraph machine, ready to send their stories.

The launch to the moon took place on December 15th, and Gagarin returned to Earth safely six days later.

NASA employees get to enjoy a long vacation, and Lin Ran is no exception.

As in previous years, the annual New York Mathematicians' Christmas Party is held on December 24th.

Because of Lin Ran's participation, the overall level of the meeting was raised to a new level.

American mathematicians consider it an honor to receive an invitation to the New York Mathematicians' Christmas party.

Even those in Los Angeles on the West Coast would fly thousands of miles to attend.

It's less about New York and more about the whole of America.

Princeton is very sour.

They couldn't get it done even if they wanted to, and Columbia University and the City University of New York ended up getting it.

"Hello everyone, to be honest, I'm a little ashamed." Lin Ran walked onto the podium, which was Columbia University's largest lecture hall, and the audience consisted of mathematicians from all over the United States and even Europe.

Lin Ran originally didn't want to speak, but both Harvey Cohen and the head of the mathematics department at Columbia University hoped that he could give the opening speech at this time.

Even if we don't talk about math, it's fine.

Say whatever you want.

Harvey Cohen meant that even if you talk about the best food in Huntsville, the city surrounding Redstone Base, you have to come on stage and say a few words about it this year.

Unable to refuse such hospitality, Lin Ran had no choice.

"I haven't done mathematical research in a long time, and I've almost forgotten that I'm a mathematician."

It's only when I meet with my colleagues the day before Christmas each year that I realize I'm still a mathematician.

After Lin Ran finished speaking, a burst of laughter rang out from the audience.

Another year has passed.

I feel like I've gotten another year older.

Unable to produce satisfactory results in mathematics, he participated in a project involving hundreds of thousands of people, which sent a human to the moon, 38 kilometers away, and also brought him back.

It played a certain role in it.

Although no one knew what Versailles was, everyone could still sense a strong sense of pretentiousness in Lin Ran's words.

What does "that is" mean? What does "certain effect" mean?

Harvey Cohen led the cheers and screams from the audience:

"Randolph, well done!"

"Professor, well done."

"Please sign my autograph later! I want it as a Christmas present for my son."

"Could you go to the moon yourself next time?!"

The atmosphere was very lively.

This was a stark contrast to the atmosphere of a typical math seminar, where everyone is deep in thought, furrowing their brows, and if they're not online for even a moment, you'll lose track of what's going on.

"Okay, I'll definitely satisfy everyone."

If anyone needs an autograph, come find me and I'll sign them for you one by one.

"My name, Randolph, is at least a person's name," Lin Ran said with a smile.

The audience burst into laughter again.

Lin Ran continued, "But considering this is a gathering of mathematicians."

It is an annual event that brings together mathematicians from New York and across the United States.

I think I still need to talk about some math-related content.

Since joining NASA in 61, I have indeed been far removed from the front lines of mathematical research. Compared to Professor Grothendieck, he has actually made faster progress on the Randolph Program in recent years.

I don't want to use my ideas to fool everyone.

Of course, the proof of the four-color map conjecture that I proposed at the Mathematicians' Congress two years ago seemed to have received a good response.

I know that the results obtained by the mathematicians at Columbia University using computers have been submitted to the journal *New Advances in Mathematics* for review.

But this time, I'm not going to share my ideas. I'll wait two years until I create something of value, and then I'll show it to you all.

For example, regarding the twin prime conjecture, I think I'll provide a complete proof for everyone in New York within a year at most.

There was a discussion among the audience. They thought that only Lin Ran would say such a thing; if it were anyone else, they definitely wouldn't believe it.

Because it's Lin Ran, everyone is already looking forward to next year's New York Mathematicians' Christmas Party.

"So let's talk about something light today."

Let's talk about mathematics, especially the mathematics used in the moon landing.

I believe that the content of these applied mathematics concepts is easy for everyone in the audience to understand.

My presentation serves as a prelude, laying the groundwork for the mathematicians who will speak later.

(End of this chapter)