Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 239 How can you compare to a professor?

After a moment of contemplation, Lyndon Johnson said, "After the successful moon landing, I will personally award medals to the astronauts and, in my speech, emphasize the government's decisions and support, so that everyone knows that this is my achievement."

Humphrey said with a wry smile, "That's probably not enough, after all, the professor left too deep an impression on NASA."

Furthermore, you must ensure that the astronauts only mention your contributions during interviews, and not the professor's.

I suspect they did the opposite in their interviews, mentioning only the professor and not the president.

In ancient times, this was similar to how soldiers only knew about their generals but not about their emperors.

Lyndon Johnson's face darkened further, because he knew very well that Humphrey was telling the truth.

The moon landing was one of the most important missions during the Cold War, and as president, Lyndon Johnson visited the astronaut corps on more than one occasion.

He went there on his own, and also with Lin Ran.

Lyndon Johnson could clearly sense that the astronauts respected him for his presidential status, and they also respected Lin Ran, but that respect was for Lin Ran as a person.

This distinction, coupled with the fact that Lin Ran was their direct superior, meant that the micro-operations personally directed by Lin Ran during Gagarin's moon landing were repeatedly studied by astronauts within NASA.

It would be a miracle if the astronauts claimed credit for it.

Furthermore, the astronauts genuinely didn't know what contributions he had made.

Would any other president have allocated funds to NASA?
"Is it possible for us to 'guide' astronauts on what to say and what not to say during interviews?" Lyndon Johnson said quietly after a long pause.

Humphrey thought the other man was crazy. He whispered, "Mr. President, we are America, not Soviet Russia. If we do this, it will be exposed sooner or later."

We lack a confidentiality mechanism for these types of incidents, and we cannot control all media outlets.

Furthermore, you have to consider that you can't control the astronauts' thoughts. If they are potential supporters of the Elephant Party and expose this during the presidential election, it would be extremely damaging.

Lyndon Johnson sighed; he suddenly felt a pang of envy for Nikita.

Humphrey continued, "I think we should still arrange media coverage to highlight your vision and full support for NASA, and to portray the moon landing as a symbol of national will."

That's all we can do.

Humphrey thought to himself, "If it were President Kennedy, he might be able to steal some credit for the moon landing from the professor. As for you, forget it."

Lyndon Johnson’s eyes lit up: “During the live broadcast of the moon landing, I will be personally present in mission control so that the whole nation can see that I am leading all of this.”

Humphrey asked, "Mr. President, are you going to personally direct the astronauts' operations?"

Lyndon Johnson was interested, but he couldn't handle the fact that he lacked the ability. If he were to lead the operation and ultimately fail, the overwhelming public opinion would be something he couldn't withstand: "That's unnecessary. It's enough to show that I was there to direct the moon landing."

Finally, when the astronauts returned to Earth, I was there at the salvage site. I personally hugged the astronauts, which was enough to show my warmth as president.

Professors typically don't appear at astronauts' return to Earth, so news photos only show the president, not the professor.

The goal is to get the media to feature these kinds of photos—those showing only the president and not the professor—more often on the front page of newspapers and the cover of magazines.

Humphrey thought to himself, "You've got a way." He nodded and added, "In addition, we can launch a series of publicity campaigns that emphasize that the moon landing was the result of collective effort, not the heroic deeds of one person."

Humphrey suggested, "Mr. President, it might have been more effective if the professor had praised you a bit during his interview after the successful moon landing."

Lyndon Johnson nodded and said, "Don't worry, I'll find an opportunity to talk to the professor."

Lin Ran never expected that before the moon landing even began, Lyndon Johnson would already be trying to steal the credit.

After Humphrey left, Lyndon Johnson stood by the office window, gazing at the night sky, thinking, "History will remember me, Lyndon Johnson, the true driving force behind the moon landing."

On the morning of December 15, 1966, the launch site at Cape Canaveral was bathed in golden sunlight.

The Saturn V rocket stands tall on Launch Pad 39A, its white shell gleaming in the sunlight.

Around the launch tower, technicians were busy conducting final checks, and the air was filled with the smell of fuel and metal.

The rooms where the astronauts stayed stood in stark contrast to the rocket.

They stayed in the preparation room, dimly lit, the only bright spot being the dashboard on their spacesuits' life support systems that displayed oxygen pressure and temperature.

Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Michael Collins are putting on bulky spacesuits.

The room reeked of disinfectant and rubber, and task flowcharts and the American flag hung on the walls.

Technicians are helping them adjust the connections of their spacesuits to ensure that every detail is perfect.

Aldrin stood before the mirror, gazing at his reflection in his white spacesuit. His eyes were calm and resolute, but a sense of unease about the unknown surged within him.

He took a deep breath, recalling countless scenarios from simulation training: emergency escape procedures, handling navigation system malfunctions...

He silently said to himself, "I'm ready."

He turned to Armstrong and Collins, smiled, and said, "Guys, today is the day we achieve our dreams."

Aldrin was extremely excited because he was the first astronaut to land on the moon during the mission.

He stepped out of the lunar module first, and then Armstrong.

Aldrin thought it was because he was a PhD that the professors preferred knowledgeable people, and that his hard work in calculus outside of training had finally paid off!
This is what Aldrin thought.

He could never have imagined that this qualification would be obtained by Aldrin 60 years later by exploding 30 million dollars in gold coins.

If he had known, he would have thought that the $30 million was a steal.

If not the professor, should he expose it to his ex-wife who's suing him? Or his children who're accusing him of Alzheimer's?
If you knew that Aldrin would never even get married, you wouldn't have only been able to give the professor 30 million; if he hadn't gotten married, you could have given him 100 million.

Compared to Aldrin, Armstrong appeared much calmer.

He patted Aldrin on the shoulder forcefully: "Doctor, we're really going to the moon! I've been waiting for this moment for far too long."

His slightly trembling voice revealed that Armstrong was not as calm as he appeared.

Armstrong felt a mix of anticipation for the upcoming feat and fear of the unknown risks. He envisioned the lunar module landing while simultaneously worrying about whether the rocket would launch successfully.

Collins was truly at peace because he didn't need to go to the moon; he would stay in the command module, orbiting the moon, waiting for the two men to return.

Collins whispered, "I'll be here waiting for you. Come back safely."

But in his mind, he was thinking, "What should I do if they can't return? Will the professor make me carry out the rescue plan then?"

Just then, the door opened, and Lyndon Johnson walked in, surrounded by his entourage.

He was wearing a dark blue suit and had a smile on his face, but his eyes revealed an undeniable determination.

Lyndon Johnson walked up to the astronauts and shook Aldrin's hand: "Buzz, you are the pride of America. Today's mission is not only a scientific exploration, but also a symbol of national honor. The whole world is watching you."

Aldrin responded firmly, "Mr. President, we will do everything in our power to accomplish the mission."

Johnson turned to Armstrong and patted him on the shoulder: “Neil, your courage will inspire a generation.”

Armstrong saluted and said, "Thank you, Mr. President. We will not let you down."

Finally, Johnson looked at Collins: "Michael, your role is crucial; you are their backbone."

Collins nodded: "I understand, Mr. President. I will keep to my post."

A moment later, Lin Ran walked into the preparation room and shook hands with each of the astronauts, his tone full of confidence: "Baz, Neil, Michael, you are the best team. I have full confidence in you and our technology."

Finally, Lin Ran uttered his signature line: "In short, no matter what happens, don't worry. Don't forget, in my life, there is only success, not failure. We have made thorough preparations!"

Aldrin stretched out his hands and asked, "Professor, could I have a hug before I go up?"

Lin Ran nodded and gave the other person a hug. As he hugged, he thought to himself, "Would ninety-year-old Aldrin want me to give him a hug when he goes to the moon?"

As they embraced, Aldrin whispered in Lin Ran's ear, "Professor, I won't let you down."

Seeing Aldrin's stance, Armstrong and Collins stood beside Aldrin, extending their hands in a gesture of wanting to hug Lin Ran before carrying out their mission.

“Professor, we are ready to meet the challenge,” Armstrong said.

Collins smiled and said, "Professor, thank you for your trust." Humphrey, who hadn't left and was still in the preparation room, shook his head after seeing this. "Mr. President, how can you compare to the professor?"

Finally, Lin Ran said to Aldrin, "Buzz, the landing of the lunar module depends on you. Your precision is the key to our success."

Aldrin grinned. "I've practiced it thousands of times, Professor. Don't worry, I can do it."

Lin Ran then looked at Collins: "Michael, your orbital mission is the cornerstone of the entire plan. Stay calm, we need you."

Collins said softly, "I will hold the line, Professor."

On December 15, 1966, the moment Apollo 11 was launched, major television stations around the world began live broadcasting.

In America, CBS, NBC, and ABC presenters described the spectacular rocket launch to their viewers in an excited tone.

The words of renowned commentator Walter Cronkite resonated throughout the world: "The Saturn V rocket soared into the sky, trailing a dazzling flame as it hurtled towards the heavens. This is a significant step for humanity toward the universe, and the United States has demonstrated its undisputed leading position in the space race."

The television screen froze on the rocket's fiery spray and its gradually shrinking silhouette, before switching to a cheering crowd, leaving viewers in awe.

In Europe, Asia, and Latin America, the live broadcast crossed borders, and hundreds of millions of families gathered around their television sets to witness this historic moment.

A BBC commentator exclaimed, "This will not only be a victory for America, but also a source of pride for all mankind."

The NHK commentator excitedly stated, "Children are seeing the future through television."

The enthusiasm of audiences around the world was completely ignited, discussions in front of televisions rose and fell, and children imitated rocket launches, dreaming of becoming astronauts one day.

This is what the propaganda capabilities of the Freedom faction are all about.

Even though the Soviets had already been there once, when the Americans wanted to go again, they were still able to promote it as if it were the first time humans had ever been there.

Meanwhile, at the mission control center at Cape Canaveral, Lin Ran and his engineering team were intently watching the data screens to ensure the spacecraft successfully entered its designated orbit.

The atmosphere in the control room was tense yet orderly, with engineers exchanging information about navigation and engine status in hushed tones.

Lin Ran gripped his pen tightly and whispered to Lyndon Johnson sitting beside him, "The first step is complete, but we can't let our guard down yet."

Once the spacecraft successfully entered Earth orbit, the third-stage engine ignited to perform translunar injection.

Armstrong calmly reported over the radio: "Control Center, TLI complete, we are en route to the Moon."

Applause erupted in the control room, and Lin Ran's tense shoulders relaxed slightly.

Lyndon Johnson patted Lin Ran on the shoulder: "Professor, this day will be remembered in history."

Lin Ran nodded in response: "Mr. President, this is just the beginning of our journey."

For three days after the launch, television coverage of the Apollo 11 mission never stopped.

Experts were invited to the studio to analyze the spacecraft's trajectory and the expected lunar landing time, explaining the scientific principles of space travel to the audience.

In a CBS special, scientists used models to demonstrate how a spacecraft traverses the 38 kilometers between the Earth and the Moon, captivating the audience.

The television station also interviewed the astronauts' families, capturing their emotional moments.

Armstrong's wife, Janet, fought back tears as she spoke to the camera: "I'm proud of Neil, but I pray for him every single second."

Aldrin's son, Andrew, excitedly asked the reporter, "Will Dad bring back a moonstone?"

The coverage was equally enthusiastic worldwide.

However, there are very few television reports from the Soviet Union, and the Soviet Union has been acting unusually lately.

Meanwhile, Indian radio and television programs claimed that "humanity's space dream belongs to every country; America can do it, and India will one day be able to as well."

Inside the spacecraft, the astronauts adapted to the weightless environment and carried out their daily tasks.

Armstrong was responsible for checking the navigation system to ensure the spacecraft maintained the correct course.

Aldrin was adjusting the communication equipment to maintain contact with Earth.

Collins, on the other hand, maintained the operation of the command module.

They occasionally share their travel experiences via radio and phone calls.

During a phone call, Aldrin laughed and said, "Professor, the Earth looks so beautiful from here. You're still young. If you train hard, you can go to the moon too."

Lin Ran just smiled and didn't say anything after hearing that. He thought to himself, if I wanted to go up, I could go up anytime. But you, kid, I can make sure you can't go up.

On the ground, Lin Ran and his team analyzed the data non-stop to ensure that the spacecraft's trajectory was absolutely accurate.

They worked almost non-stop, and coffee cups piled up like mountains in the control room.

Engineers worked in shifts to monitor every system of the spacecraft, from the thrusters to the life support systems, leaving nothing out.

On December 18, 1966, Apollo 11 finally reached lunar orbit after a three-day interplanetary journey.

The spacecraft slowly glided into the moon's gravitational embrace, and the astronauts gazed through the portholes at the desolate landscape below, a mix of gray and white, dotted with craters.

The moon's magnificence and desolation intertwined before their eyes, bringing a sense of awe that transcended the mundane world.

The atmosphere inside the Cape Canaveral mission control center was so tense it was almost frozen.

Lin Ran stood in front of the central control console, staring intently at the screen displaying the spaceship's trajectory.

The engineers sat around their workstations, listening to the astronauts' real-time conversations through their headsets, while busily recording data.

The clock on the wall ticked away, reminding everyone of the preciousness of time.

Lin Ran turned to von Bryan and said, "Hans, confirm the spacecraft's orbital parameters and make sure we're in the correct lunar orbit."

Wernher von Braun nodded and quickly typed instructions on the keyboard; the data jumping on the screen gradually stabilized.

"Professor, the orbital eccentricity is within an acceptable range. We have successfully entered lunar orbit."

Lin Ran breathed a sigh of relief, but his tense nerves did not relax.

He knew that the real challenge was about to begin: the separation and landing of the lunar module.

Although it was successful in history, this was still a moon landing three years ahead of schedule.

He shouted to his team, "Everyone, prepare the lunar module separation procedure, check all systems, and make sure everything is in perfect working order."

The engineers responded in unison, making the atmosphere in the control room even more tense.

Meanwhile, President Lyndon Johnson sat in a corner of the control room, his hands clasped together, his eyes fixed on the main screen.

He felt both anticipation and trepidation.

Lyndon Johnson whispered to Humphrey, "This is a moment of glory for our nation, and we cannot fail."

Humphrey nodded and replied in a low voice, "Mr. President, the professor will never fail!"

Inside the spacecraft, Aldrin, Armstrong, and Collins were making final preparations for the separation of the lunar module.

Armstrong stood at the porthole of the command module, gazing at the lunar surface, a complex mix of emotions welling up within him.

He recalled saying goodbye to his wife and children before he left. Janet's eyes were filled with tears, and the children waved excitedly.

He took a deep breath and forced himself to focus on the task: "I can't let them down."

Aldrin was both excited and nervous as he inspected the systems of the lunar module "Eagle".

He knew he was about to become the first person in American history to set foot on the moon, an honor that came with immense pressure.

He muttered to himself, "This is my lifelong dream, and I must succeed."

He turned to Armstrong and said, "Neil, everything's ready. I think we're ready."

(End of this chapter)