Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 192 Lin Ran angrily rebukes Korolev (62k)

"The moon is there, and we can't wait until there's a 100% success rate before we can go on a lunar landing."

Space exploration has never been an easy path; it is a magnificent feat of humankind challenging the unknown.

We also face the risk of failure when implementing the Vostok series of plans.

They also face risks of failure in various areas, including rocket launch failure, orbital deviation, communication interruption, and reentry loss of control.

We succeeded in the end.

Scientific progress requires bold experimentation.

The lunar mission is not only about sending astronauts to the moon, but also about exploring the mysteries of the universe.

Even if the mission is not entirely successful, the scientific data and technological experience we gain will pave the way for the future.

From Sputnik to Gagarin's first spaceflight, every step was fraught with risk, but it is these efforts that have brought us to where we are today.

History tells us that great achievements are often accompanied by enormous sacrifices.

Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe and Scott's Antarctic expedition—these pioneers faced unknown dangers, yet opened up new horizons for humankind.

Our astronauts volunteered for this mission, and their courage represents the spirit of exploration of all humankind.

Furthermore, I want to emphasize that the Soviet space program was not a blind adventure.

We have conducted many unmanned test flights and optimized the rocket, lunar module, and return system.

Our team works day and night to ensure that every step meets the highest standards.

The risks cannot be completely eliminated, but we have done our best to raise the probability to the highest level currently available.

The Slavs have never lacked a spirit of sacrifice, especially when it comes to sacrifices made for all mankind's exploration of the universe.

Before carrying out the mission, we had fully informed Gagarin and his family of the risks.

He demonstrated remarkable willpower and courage in this mission, as evidenced by his performance during the moon landing.

Finally, as a nation committed to space exploration, we have a responsibility to lead this field.

Because we know that the moon landing was not only an achievement of the Soviet Union, but also a victory for all mankind.

The Cold War may have divided us into different camps, but as the professor said, the universe is boundless and belongs to everyone.

Korolev spoke calmly, yet his words were full of emotion, deeply resonating with the guests in the audience.

At the same time, the astute diplomats present realized that Soviet Russia desired peace and a de-escalation of the Cold War.

To be precise, they read different information: the current White House clearly does not want a de-escalation of the Cold War, but the professor does.

In contrast, Nikita's public speech at the Kremlin and Korolev's remarks, which referred to all of humanity and did not emphasize that the Soviets won the space race, were taken into account.

They could read very clear signals: from bureaucrats to scientists, Soviet Russia hoped that the Cold War situation could be eased.

After listening, Lin Ran clapped and said, "Indeed, Gagarin has shown unprecedented courage and conviction."

It was this courage and conviction that helped him successfully complete his mission.

As Korolev said, the chances of a successful lunar landing mission are very low.

But in the end we succeeded. With the cooperation of America and the Soviet Union, we successfully completed the lunar landing mission.

"Frankly, Korolev, have you ever doubted whether our fuel tanks could actually land safely near your landing site?"

Korolev's tense face finally broke into a slight smile: "Of course, Randolph, before experiencing it firsthand, I find it hard to imagine that human technology could achieve this level of precision."

It not only has extremely high requirements for the control, navigation, and communication systems of lunar landers, but also requires incredibly precise mathematical calculations.

Randolph, you are indeed ahead of your time in mathematical calculations.

Without these precise parameters, it would be very difficult for us to safely bring Gagarin back to Earth.

The diplomats in the audience remarked, "It's rare to see American and Soviet scientists exchanging ideas on the same stage."

The German citizens, witnessing this, began to argue: "Look how brilliant the Americans' calculations are! Without them, the Soviets wouldn't have been able to go to the moon." Someone nearby countered, "The Soviet Union's rockets and spacecraft were also excellent!"

Randolph turned to Korolev and said in a relaxed tone, "Mr. Korolev, we have encountered many difficulties in this cooperation, such as differences in technical standards and language barriers."

Korolev nodded and said, "Language is indeed a problem, but fortunately we have excellent translation teams."

Regarding technical standards, both sides made compromises, such as on the design of the interface. We also exchanged a large amount of data to ensure system compatibility.

Randolph added with a laugh: "I remember the conversion between imperial and metric units was a big problem, and it almost caused an accident in the end."

Soviet Russia used the metric system, while we use the imperial system.

During the mission planning phase, the Soviet team provided the United States with orbital parameters in kilometers.

Our team instinctively thought it was miles.

During the orbital calculations, a communication misunderstanding nearly caused the fuel tank to be sent into the wrong orbit, preventing it from aligning with Gagarin's landing site.

Korolev nodded: "On this point, I think America should also use metric units."

Historically, all the Commonwealth countries, whether they were or are now, including England, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, began to promote the metric system of units in the 1960s and 1970s.

Only America used imperial units until sixty years later.

Lin Ran was deeply troubled both in this timeline and sixty years later. After hearing Korolev's advice, he smiled wryly:
"This is not something I can decide. I am the NASA administrator, and this requires pushing for relevant legislation."

British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, sitting in the audience, turned to Humphrey and whispered, "Mr. Vice President, you should definitely consider this issue carefully."

Humphrey looked puzzled. "Everyone uses imperial units. What are you asking us to consider?"
Harold noticed Humphrey's confusion and continued, "We'll be fully implementing the metric system next year."

Indeed, England was among the first Commonwealth countries to adopt the metric system.

The metric system was adopted in 1965.

(On May 24, 1965, Douglas Jay, Chairman of the English Trade Commission, announced in the House of Commons that England would gradually adopt the metric system over the next ten years to replace the imperial system. This plan was promoted by the Standards Institution of England and the Confederation of Industry.)

Imperial units are not even used in England itself.

Humphrey found it strange, a very odd feeling. Korolev said on stage that they should use the metric system, and England's Prime Minister Harold Wilson immediately said from below the stage that they would use it next year.

To be honest, Humphrey had heard rumors that the Soviet Union had a very deep control over England. He didn't believe it in the past, thinking it was just a rumor to undermine the unbreakable alliance between England and America.

Now he's starting to believe it.

Otherwise, why would you cooperate so well?

Harold Wilson, a shrewd and calculating man, quickly explained in a low voice, "Most countries have adopted the metric system. We should align ourselves with the European Economic Community countries. This has nothing to do with the Soviets."

After Harold finished speaking, he emphasized again: "Absolutely irrelevant!"

Humphrey nodded: "Okay, I'll report back to the President when I get back."

He thought to himself, "It seems I have to reduce military research and development cooperation with England. You've switched to the metric system. Is it more important to be aligned with France and Germany than with America's military technology research and development cooperation?"
Humphrey felt that the possibility of an ambiguous relationship between England and Soviet Russia had increased somewhat.

On stage, Lin Ran continued, "Before we discuss the technical details of the lunar mission, I would like to raise a more fundamental question: Why does humanity explore space? Is this pursuit of the unknown an inevitable part of our destiny?"

Korolev thought for a moment: "Human beings have been looking up at the stars for longer than any other civilization."

From the earliest star maps to today's moon landing, every step forward is a challenge to the unknown.

Space exploration is not only a victory for technology, but also a testament to the human spirit. We live on Earth, but only through exploration can we find the meaning of our existence.

Lin Ran nodded gently: "Your answer reminds me of existentialist views, such as Sartre's statement that humans define themselves through free choice."

Is space exploration also a manifestation of this freedom, breaking free from Earth's constraints to pursue broader possibilities?

After a moment of contemplation, Korolev said, "Yes, space symbolizes infinite possibilities."

There, there are no national borders, no ideologies, only the existence of humanity as a whole.

But this freedom also comes with responsibility; we must ensure it serves peace and progress, not division and destruction.

Within Columbia University's philosophy department, professors discussed, "The professor and Korolev have linked space with existentialism; the professor should naturally be teaching in our philosophy department."

The Department of Philosophy at Columbia University is probably the group most eager for Lin Ran to return to Columbia University to teach.

Horkheimer is getting old, and the Frankfurt School urgently needs new top minds to take up his mantle.

And whose brain on this planet is more advanced than Lin Ran's?

Even though Lin Ran has never proven himself in the field of philosophy, the Frankfurt School still firmly believes that Lin Ran is the one who can take over the mantle and lead the Frankfurt School to its peak.

Another professor said, "Yes, it's not easy to interpret peace from a higher dimension, rather than from the perspective of peace itself."

"This reminds me of Sartre's 'Being and Nothingness,' in which humanity creates meaning through choices."

Lin Ran continued to guide the conversation: "Mr. Korolev, this joint US-Soviet lunar mission was particularly special in the context of the Cold War. What do you think this cooperation means for human unity? Does it foreshadow the possibility of transcending political confrontation?"

Didn't Humphrey tell me not to talk about peace?

Surely I can ask Korolev for his opinion?

To be honest, Lin Ran has been deeply moved by this era.

The Cold War was indeed a war, and the technology was certainly not as advanced as it is sixty years later.

But this era also means endless possibilities.

This means that humanity can avoid entering a future where capitalism alienates humanity, a future where humans go from gazing at the stars to being confined to Earth and focused solely on money and profit.

He can still change things.

He can change things 60 years from now, and Lin Ran believes he can change things in the present timeline as well.

He doesn't expect to bring about peace or human unity through interviews, but he needs to do something.

We shouldn't refrain from doing something just because it seems meaningless.

Korolev's gaze softened: "The Cold War put us on opposite sides, but space allows us to see a common goal."

The lunar mission proved that when humanity puts aside its differences and works together, nothing is insurmountable.

I hope, and the Kremlin hopes, that this is just the beginning, a starting point for a more united future.

"Randolph, like you, I also enjoy reading philosophy books. These philosophy books accompanied me through my long years in the Gulag." A gasp rippled through the audience.

Because Korolev was an absolute mystery to them.

At first, they only had code names, and later they were given names.

But it's just a name.

We knew nothing about his life, and it wasn't until many years later that Korolev's materials were gradually declassified.

The history of the Gulag might be unknown to ordinary people, but everyone here is an elite. Even if there are women who are not familiar with it, they can learn about the history of the Gulag from their male companions.

"Simply put, the Gulag refers to being sent to Siberia to grow potatoes. Spending long years in such a place, you'd definitely go crazy sooner or later if you didn't read some books."

I never expected Korolev to have such a background.

"That's truly remarkable; to have grown into the head of Soviet/Russian spaceflight in such an environment."

"Isn't a professor even more impressive? An orphan, raised in Europe, educated in Göttingen, and he became the director of NASA," his female companion said with dissatisfaction after hearing this.

Women are all attracted to good looks. As a 21st-century young person with plenty of meat, eggs, and milk, Lin Ran is far superior to a Slavic old man who grew up malnourished in the Gulag. In addition, Lin Ran's appearance is not bad either. In terms of appearance alone, Lin Ran's advantage is too obvious.

Korolev continued, "This reminds me of Levi-Strauss's structuralism, which emphasizes the deep commonalities beneath the surface."

From the moment I embarked on space exploration, I wondered if it could reveal some essential aspect of human society, transcending the conflicts we face today.

Structuralism reminds us that there are common foundations beneath differences.

Space exploration is a manifestation of this fundamental spirit—a thirst for knowledge and an anticipation of the future.

Sir Haley and Major Freeman whispered in the audience, "They incorporated philosophy into the dialogue, with professors acting as moderators. The style of this dialogue is something you simply can't achieve."

Haley is a jazz musician, so it's not surprising that he got a ticket.

It's not surprising that Freeman was a staff member.

Freeman smiled wryly and said, "Yes, even though it's my job, which is just a hobby for the professor, I do it so well, right next to the best of human brains."

Haley nodded: "Yes, geniuses are always capricious. A space genius who came out of the Gulag, a space genius who grew up in Göttingen—it's fascinating to see them compete against each other in this era!"

A German journalist standing nearby whispered, "Cooperation during the Cold War, space truly is humanity's new hope."

In front of the television, a worker in Moscow said to his wife, "Korolev is right, space unites us."

The wife nodded: "If the Americans could think like this, that would be true unity."

Lin Ran adjusted his posture, his tone slightly serious: "Korolev, space exploration has brought about a technological leap, but it has also raised ethical dilemmas."

For example, the risks of resource allocation and the militarization of space.

We need to respond to these external voices, and I think today's occasion is a good opportunity.

How do you view these challenges?

Korolev frowned slightly and said in a deep voice, "Technology is a double-edged sword. It can illuminate the future, or it can cast shadows."

I hope that Soviet Russia also hoped that the purpose of space exploration would be peace and science, not war and plunder.

But this requires the joint efforts of all humankind to establish rules and trust.

This requires the efforts of both of us.

Although America has consistently accused us of nuclear weapons expansion and testing, let's not forget that America is the only country that has used nuclear weapons.

The Japanese are sitting right there in the audience.

Lin Ran reminded them, "Sorry, there are no Japanese people in the audience."

Korolev said, "Well, in short, the only one who ever used nuclear weapons was America."

"Even the Bay of Pigs invasion was initiated by you. The Soviet Union has always valued peace and will strive to avoid the militarization of space. However, we also need America's restraint."

Humphrey's face turned black.

Mikoyan applauded Korolev's performance.

Lin Ran said: "We have never used nuclear weapons since the end of World War II. On the contrary, it was the Soviet Union that threatened to use nuclear weapons in the newspapers, and it was against my motherland."

Excuse me, Mr. Korolev, I must correct you on one point: the restraint shown by Soviet Russia was directed against the American people. You have never shown restraint towards other countries.

Soviet Russia's 'restraint' was merely a selective performance on the surface.

Your open threats in the newspapers to use nuclear weapons against our southern neighbor are not empty words, but a display of power and an act of oppression against other countries.

Criticism shows us that true equality should not only exist in declarations, but should be reflected in action.

While you preach socialist unity, you threaten other countries that do not meet your expectations with the shadow of nuclear weapons. This double standard exposes the hypocritical nature of Soviet Russia.

As a Chinese person, I cannot ignore what this threat means for my motherland and people.

In 1963, Nikita's remarks showed the world that Soviet Russia's nuclear policy was not only a strategic game against America, but also a form of power suppression against other countries.

This behavior is not only immoral, but it also pushes all of humanity into the abyss of a nuclear arms race.

Nuclear weapons should not be used as a bargaining chip to resolve differences; their very existence is a mockery of peace.

However, we are not without hope. The cooperation between the US and the Soviet Union in the lunar missions showed that dialogue and cooperation were still possible even under the pressure of the Cold War.

I urge Soviet Russia to reconsider its nuclear policy, abandon its threats, and stop treating America as peace while labeling other countries as threats and coercion. Only a single standard can propel us toward genuine international cooperation. Only in this way can we overcome fear and jointly pursue human progress.

The international community must face up to this injustice and work together to eliminate the shadow of nuclear weapons.

Lin Ran didn't want to speak, but when he heard this, he couldn't help himself.

After Lin Ran finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

It wasn't just because they enjoyed seeing the Soviet Union suffer a setback, but because Lin Ran's words made perfect sense.

America is far away, but Europe is right under the iron heel of Soviet Russia and under the shadow of nuclear war.

Lin Ran was referring to China, but the Europeans present couldn't have felt it more deeply.

When Lin Ran, a globally renowned figure, labeled Soviet Russia with adjectives like hypocritical, double-standard, and outwardly fierce but inwardly weak, the old Europeans present were practically in a frenzy.

This time it was Humphrey's turn to applaud, while Mikoyan's face darkened.

1964年12月31日伦敦时间晚上8点半，相当于香江时间1965年1月1日凌晨4点半。

Hong Kong is in the UTC+8 time zone, while London is in the UTC+0 time zone, a difference of 8 hours.

Therefore, while London residents were listening to the radio on New Year's Eve, Hong Kong had already entered the dawn of the new year.

At 4:30 a.m., the night in Hong Kong had not yet faded, and the streets were still quiet.

Televisions in many public places lit up as people gathered to watch a live broadcast from London, including a BBC special program called "Face to Face."

The people of Hong Kong deeply resonated with Lin Ran's criticism.

"The professor is absolutely right. The Soviets had a double standard."

"Well said! The Soviet Union deserves to be criticized!"

"The professor is indeed a source of pride for the Chinese people, publicly rebuking Korolev."

Korolev said, "I'm sorry, this is political, I don't know the specifics, and I won't comment."

However, this reminds me of the postmodernist critique: should we reflect on the costs of technological progress? Perhaps the technological advancements brought about by space exploration will exacerbate inequality on Earth.

Postmodernism keeps us alert: exploration itself is not wrong, but how we use the results can lead to further inequality between countries.

Space technology can improve life on Earth, for example, by introducing new forms of energy or climate monitoring.

Soviet Russia would be willing to share technology with its allies, while America would only think of itself.

Lin Ran sighed: "No, reality will prove who can make better use of space technology."

I think we shouldn't discuss politics anymore, even if we don't think it's not politics, it's still closely related to politics.

Korolev, what do you think was the most stressful moment of the lunar mission?

Korolev said, "For me, it was the moment the lunar module landed. The signal was delayed, and I held my breath until the success was confirmed. At that moment, I experienced the greatness of human courage."

Lin Ran smiled and recalled, "For me, it was the final adjustment before ignition. The lack of coordination between units meant we had to work overnight to make corrections. At that moment, I felt not only the pressure of technology, but also the responsibility."

Sir Haley in the audience sighed softly: "The professor still left Korolev some leeway, and didn't relentlessly attack the Soviet Union's double standards."

Major Freeman nodded in agreement: "That's right."

They are all industry insiders and know very well who has the upper hand.

Or rather, Lin Ran, as a host, has a natural advantage.

Because this is Europe, and America helped rebuild the industrial base of the whole of Europe through the Marshall Plan.

Korolev clearly didn't understand the context when he said this in Europe.

Moreover, Lin Ran's Chinese identity at this point in time allows for a great deal of manipulation.

It wasn't long after the Soviet experts left.

Haley and Freeman knew very well that Lin Ran couldn't possibly be unaware of these things, and compared to Lin Ran, Korolev was clearly unprepared.

Applause erupted from the audience: "Thank you for your perseverance."

As the program drew to a close, Lin Ran concluded, "Thank you, Mr. Korolev, for your profound insights. Tonight, we not only reviewed the feat of the moon landing, but also discussed human freedom, responsibility, and the future. May such dialogues continue to inspire us."

Korolev bowed slightly: "Thank you, BBC. Thank you, Randolph. May space bring us peace and wisdom."

The audience erupted in applause and stood up to pay their respects.

As Lin Ran stepped off the stage, the celebrities present flocked to him.

　I found writing this part a bit difficult. I wanted to make it as engaging as possible, but it was really hard to find the right balance. I don't know if everyone is satisfied, but I'm really struggling to write it.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)