Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 235 Professor, what do you want?
Aldrin said, "Professor, I'm at the hatch, the view is breathtaking, Earth is so beautiful!"

Lin Ran replied: "Received, Baz, remember to check the camera installation."

Aldrin said, "The camera was fixed in place, and I was filming the total solar eclipse. In addition to the total lunar eclipse, I also took a selfie."

Jim yelled, "No, Buzz, what are you doing? Don't forget about the important stuff!"

Aldrin chuckled, "Don't worry, Jim, I'm just making a record of history. I'll take a picture of you when you do your spacewalk later!"

The second EVA mission began 42 hours and 48 minutes ago; this time, the EVA was called Umbilical EVA.

The reason for this name is that Aldrin needed to completely leave the spaceship this time, connected only by a 9-meter umbilical cord, for more than 2 hours.

He moved along the handheld device to the spacecraft adapter section, secured himself with foot restraints, and completed 17 manual tasks, including using a torque wrench and connecting a 30-meter tether to the Agena adapter.

He took a two-minute break every few minutes to avoid the problem of excessive fatigue that had occurred during previous missions.

Back inside the spacecraft, Aldrin told control center, "Control center, mission is progressing smoothly, foot restraints are working perfectly."

What is physical fitness? This is physical fitness. Every astronaut's physical fitness far exceeds that of ordinary people.

Aldrin was at the pinnacle of this era, possessing both exceptional composure and unparalleled efficiency.

The only thing lacking is mindset.

Aldrin continued, "Control center, I'm at the adapter workstation, initiating the twist bolt task."

Lin Ran replied, "Okay, Bazz, watch your pace and remember to take regular breaks."

Ten minutes later, Aldrin replied, "The bolt task is complete. Next up is the electrical connector, Professor. I feel this is much easier than the underwater training."

Jim, standing nearby, chimed in at the opportune moment: "In control center, Buzz looks like he's fixing a car in space with ease."

Lin Ran replied, "Received, Gemini 12, keep it up."

Aldrin's fluidity seemed born of space.

The third EVA was a standing EVA, which took place 67 hours and 1 minute after the mission began.

Aldrin was required to perform a 55-minute standing EVA during this process to complete the remaining tasks, including further photography and equipment checks.

He photographed the edge of Earth and the ultraviolet starry sky. After completing his mission, he returned to the spacecraft and excitedly said, "Jim, this feeling is amazing."

Aldrin: "Control Center, third EVA complete, ultraviolet photography complete, ready to return."

Lin Ran replied, "Well done, Buzz. Confirm all missions completed and return safely."

Aldrin said, "Professor, it's eerily quiet in space; the only sound is my breathing."

Lin Ran said, "Stop reminiscing, Buzz, don't forget you still have experiments to do!"

Inside the control center, Lin Ran and Kranz exchanged a glance. They understood perfectly well that Aldrin's EVA success was due to the improved constraint system and training.

His performance was so relaxed, like a leisurely stroll in space, that it helped to completely dispel any doubts NASA had about the feasibility of extravehicular activities.

Although there weren't many doubts to begin with.

In the second EVA, Aldrin attached a 30-meter tether to Agena.

Gemini 12 detached from Agena, but remained connected by a tether.

The crew controlled the spacecraft's attitude using the thrusters to study the dynamic behavior of the two spacecraft.

The tether remains slack until 51 hours and 51 minutes into the mission, at which point the crew will jettison the docking rod and release the tether.

This experiment provides data for future tethered operations on space stations.

Every experiment has its significance.

It must be said that the Apollo program was indeed a great attempt in human history.

The more deeply Lin Ran was involved in the Apollo moon landing, the more speechless he felt about NASA sixty years later.

How come you've gotten worse and worse over the past sixty years?

Aldrin's voice interrupted Lin Ran's thoughts: "Control center, the tether is connected, prepare to disconnect."

Lin Ran: "Received, Gemini No. 12, confirm the tether status, ready to untie at any time."

Jim: "The docking is off, the tether is loose, and the dynamics appear stable."

The rope game in space—this data was crucial for the Apollo moon landing.

On their return to Earth, Aldrin and Jim checked off each of their completed tasks on a piece of paper:

"14"

The number 14 refers to the scientific experiments NASA planned for them before they went into space.

"Frog Egg Development: A Study on the Effects of Zero Gravity on Biological Development, Completed"

Terrain and Weather Photography: Capture Earth's terrain and weather patterns, and complete...
Astronomical photography: including ultraviolet and dark sky photography, completed

Micrometeoroid collection: partially completed

"

However, accidents always happen unexpectedly.

Problems with the fuel cell system can lead to insufficient water storage space, which in turn causes gas to enter the fuel cell, rendering the entire fuel cell inoperable.

In addition, both orbital attitude and maneuvering thrusters lost thrust at the start of the mission.

Aldrin: "Control center, the fuel cell tank pressure is a bit high, we are handling it."

Lin Ran: "Received, Gemini 12, try manual exhaust, keep monitoring."

Jim joked, "Baz is handling it; he looks like a space plumber now."

It's actually not easy at all.

According to Andrew Chaikin's subsequent investigative report, "The Man on the Moon," Aldrin fell into depression after returning to Earth from the mission.

This was something he had never done before.

This claim originates from Andrew Chaikin's interview with Aldrin's first wife.

On the very last day, Aldrin and Jim activated the automatic reentry system, returning to Earth, splashing water in the Atlantic Ocean, and were finally taken away by helicopter to the long-awaited USS Wasp aircraft carrier.

In June, the sweltering heat in Washington began to make the Oval Office of the White House feel particularly oppressive.

When Lin Ran arrived in Washington from Cape Canaveral on a special plane, he glanced at the blazing sun in the sky.

When he entered the office, one could clearly feel the tense atmosphere permeating the air.

Lyndon Johnson looks noticeably older than before.

Lin Ran knew exactly what had happened; the war in Baiyue was progressing very poorly.

The total number of American military deaths in 1966 reached 6350, a significant increase from 1928 the previous year.

The landmark Battle of Ashoka in March ended in failure, not only failing to achieve a tactical victory but also allowing the north to establish a base in the valley.

In the Battle of Sa Kam My in April, the American company was ambushed in a rubber plantation in Kam My village, east of Saigon. More than 100 soldiers were killed in the single attack, with a mortality rate as high as 80%.

This is also the origin of the idea in later American anti-war propaganda that Baiyue soldiers could emerge from the jungle at any time.

Lin Ran sat down in the leather armchair in front of his desk, opened his briefcase, and took out several pages of reports and charts.

He began his report in a calm and professional tone, “Mr. President, our Apollo program has made great progress in unmanned test flights, which are key cornerstones for the success of the Apollo program.”

Since the beginning of the year, the Apollo program has made significant progress in unmanned testing, laying a solid foundation for future manned flights. We successfully conducted the first test flight of the Saturn IB rocket.

On February 26, we successfully launched the AS-201 mission, the first test of the Saturn IB rocket and the Apollo Command/Service Module (Block I CSM).

Although it was a suborbital flight, it successfully delivered the command module into the Atlantic Ocean and verified the spacecraft's heat shield performance.

This is crucial for verifying the safety of manned aircraft.

On April 5, the AS-203 mission launched. This mission did not carry the Apollo spacecraft, but instead focused on observing the behavior of S-IVB liquid hydrogen fuel in orbit to support the design of the Saturn V rocket's restart capability.

The mission was successfully completed, and the construction of Saturn V is now on a smooth path, without any obstacles.

Unlike the original timeline where the AS-203 mission failed and the S-IVB was accidentally damaged during the final overpressure test, in this timeline, AS-203 achieved near-perfect results.

"On May 25, the AS-202 mission was carried out, which was also a suborbital flight. The command module splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, further testing the performance of the command module's heat shield at higher speeds, and successfully igniting the service module's engines."

Most importantly, on May 20, we successfully completed the final Gemini mission. The astronauts successfully completed the planned extravehicular activity and docking, and everything is progressing smoothly.

Mr. President, we will complete a solo manned lunar landing next November.

Next year, in 1967, Lin Ran's subtext was, "Mr. President, I have kept my promise to you and will complete the manned lunar landing during your presidency."

Lyndon Johnson used to be big and energetic, but now he doesn't look energetic at all.

As Lin Ran walked into this office as usual, the only thing that was the same was the other person's famous "resolute" desk.

Johnson's shirt collar was slightly loose, and his face showed undisguised weariness and anxiety, deeply frustrated by the stalemate on the Baiyue battlefield.

He had hoped to resolve the issue quickly through limited military action, but things didn't go as planned. The war dragged on, and public discontent and anti-war sentiment surged like a tide, eroding his political legacy.

"Very good job, Professor. Your work is always satisfying."

But will it be possible this year?

"There are still six months left until the end of the year. Can we complete the moon landing this year?" Lyndon Johnson said.

Lin Ran was somewhat surprised, not understanding why the other party was in such a hurry: "Mr. President, the timeframe is too tight this year, and many verifications cannot be carried out."

Lyndon Johnson bluntly stated, "Professor, you've never failed, have you?"

Lin Ran shook his head and said, "We need to respect science."

Despite these advances, Mr. President, the complexity of the Apollo program was unprecedented. The development, integration, and testing of the command module and lunar module still face numerous challenges, such as key technical issues like life support systems, thermal control, and carbon dioxide removal, all of which require time to resolve and validate.

To more clearly illustrate the huge time difference, Lin Ran pushed a table in front of Johnson:
"Mr. President, if we want to land on the moon by the end of this year, we need to compress all these milestones."

Before Lin Ran could finish speaking, Lyndon Johnson interrupted:
"Professor, my friend, you talk about rockets, modules, and tests, while my soldiers are bleeding in the swamps of Baiyue!"

Johnson's voice was deep and filled with suppressed anger, with a heavy Texas accent, each word striking the air like a hammer blow.

Lyndon Johnson abruptly stood up and walked up to Lin Ran. His tall frame almost loomed over Lin Ran, like a giant boulder rising from the Texas plains. He employed his signature "Johnson treatment": leaning forward, almost touching Lin Ran, his eyes sharp and scrutinizing, his voice low and imposing, yet carrying a hint of pleading and seduction.

(Lydon Johnson and Rhode Island Senator Theodore Green in Congress in 1957. This photo is on display at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery and was first published in The New York Times.)
Newspaper columnist Mary McGraw-Ry described Johnson's treatment as "an incredibly powerful mix of persuasion, entanglement, flattery, threats, and reminders of past favors and future advantages."

Washington Post editor Ben Bradley recalled feeling like “a Saint Bernard licking your face for an hour and scratching you all over” when he saw the “Johnson treatment”.

Lyndon Johnson's vice president, Hubert Humphrey, described it as "a tidal wave."

As a high-ranking White House official, Lin Ran was naturally aware of the famous treatment Johnson received.

However, this was the first time he had received such treatment.

He stared at Lyndon Johnson with a blank expression.

“We need a victory, Professor! A victory that the whole world can see, a victory that will allow the people of America to hold their heads high again!” Johnson’s voice carried an undeniable command, yet also contained a hint of desperate pleading.

"President Kennedy said he would land on the moon within ten years. It's 1966 now, Professor, we can't wait any longer. Imagine what it would mean if we sent Americans to the moon this year, right this year? It would be the loudest slap in the face to those anti-war activists and Commiens!"

Johnson practically roared out the last few words.

Lin Ran remained expressionless, slowly rose, and with undeniable force pressed Lyndon Johnson back into his chair before slowly sitting down again.

"Mr. President, we don't need to rely on such hypocrisy between us. Let's be more honest with each other."

I know exactly what you want.

You see it very clearly: the situation will only worsen, not improve.

This year, American soldiers are dying one after another on the Baiyue battlefield, and the death toll will only increase next year.

You've been swept up on this endless chariot.

Lin Ran chuckled and then continued, "War is a disaster for some, but a celebration for others."

The reason why the war situation will worsen is partly due to the resilience of the Baiyue people, but more importantly, it is due to the vested interests of certain groups.

The worse the war situation, the more justification there is for seeking funding from Congress; the more soldiers sent to the battlefield, the bigger the pie everyone can share.

This is really a good business.

Lyndon Johnson's previous expression had vanished; his somber face and bloodshot eyes suggested that he still possessed a remnant of conscience.

"Professor, you are so smart."

They neither said yes nor no.

He continued, "But what does this have to do with the moon landing?"
Battlefield matters are McNamara's responsibility. If you want to take over his work, I believe McNamara would be happy to be your deputy.

"If we successfully land on the moon this year, I'll transfer you to the Department of Defense next year, and I'll help you persuade those members of Congress."

Lin Ran shook his head: "I have no interest in the Minister of National Defense."

What I want to say is that the moon landing and the Baiyue people have absolutely nothing to do with each other.

But both of these relate to one thing: your approval rating.

More precisely, it's your presidential throne.

Lyndon Johnson tried to retort: ​​"Professor, next year will still be my term."

Lin Ran said quietly, "Mr. President, at this point, are you still not going to be honest?"

Fine, I'll just say it directly.

It's very simple. Once we complete the moon landing by the end of next year, the spotlight will be on the astronauts, and on me.

The professor, who had never failed, completed the Apollo moon landing, and the astronauts bravely and fearlessly set foot on the lunar soil.

From the completion of the moon landing to the fermentation of public opinion, the entire early stage will revolve around the people and events related to the moon landing. By the time positive public opinion sweeps across the Lyndon Johnson administration's assistance to the moon landing, the election may already be nearing its end.

However, with an extra year of operation by the end of this year, it may be possible to claim credit for the moon landing in the public's mind.

The Civil Rights Act is still fresh in our minds. Although you were the one who pushed for its passage, and President Kennedy has passed away, the people still believe that President Kennedy was the greatest contributor to the cause of equality, and you are only secondarily worthy of recognition.

After Lin Ran finished speaking, the gloom on Lyndon Johnson's face disappeared. He was calmer than ever before, and he clapped his hands: "Professor, you are indeed very smart."

The moment I open my mouth, you can read my true intentions.

Is this the wisdom of political struggle that the Chinese people have accumulated over thousands of years?

Yes, you're absolutely right.

I need to turn around my own image, Lyndon Johnson's popularity among the people of America. I need the media to help me. I can't just do this for four years; I still have a lot to do.

After finishing his string of words, he let out a long sigh:

"So, Professor, what do you want? Let's make a deal."

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(End of this chapter)