Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 270 The Hexagram is Fully Struck

Nothing in life is more dramatic than this.

The moment Qian Fei felt something was wrong with his body, he realized something was amiss.

As China's rocket launch base, Wenchang has seen a continuous increase in the number of launches in recent years, and its supporting capabilities for rocket launches are also under construction.

Tongji Wenchang Hospital, which has been managed by Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology since 14, has been responsible for the medical support work of Wenchang Space Launch Site since its construction.

There is an astronaut-only area here, providing a place for astronauts to rest and recuperate after returning to Earth. It has a range of professional equipment for measuring physical indicators.

During their time at Tongji Wenchang Hospital, Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo mainly focused on rehabilitation training and flight simulation training.

Both Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo possess exceptional physical qualities to have become astronauts and reached this point.

Just like Buzz, who is 90 years old and looks younger than most 70-year-olds, that's because he has such good physical condition.

Therefore, when Qian Fei sneezed for the first time, he realized that something was very wrong.

Upon examination, it turned out to be the most familiar ailment at present.

Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo felt like the sky was falling. Their lofty ambitions during the lunar orbit and their fantasies during the lunar landing simulation were all like a dream.

What's worse is that this thing can have long-term effects, potentially causing delays not only this time but also in the future.

"Mr. Lin, I'm sorry, we were careless and didn't expect this."

Lin Ran couldn't go to see them in person, so he could only do it via video.

Seeing Qian Fei's expression, Lin Ran felt equally bad.

He had indeed always planned to go to space.

After obtaining the door, Lin Ran immediately used his knowledge of astronauts from university to check his physical condition.

During his studies in astronaut-related courses, Lin Ran learned many methods for testing his body.

Lin Ran had already determined that his physical fitness was better than that of any astronaut, including limb positioning, repetitive movement trajectories, and muscle control, all of which did not require the use of props.

His level of control over his body is arguably the highest among humankind.

With such physical gifts and the ability to do things, he would definitely be the best astronaut.

In the past, Lin Ran's idea of ​​personally taking charge was that after the lunar landing was successful, he would go to the front line on the moon as a scientist to direct the construction of the lunar base.

It's not just about providing guidance, but also about giving myself stronger motivation.

Since I am going to lead humanity into the universe, my motivation will eventually fade if I stay on Earth every day and don't see and experience things for myself.

So in Lin Ran's schedule, he would go sooner or later, it was just a matter of time.

Unexpectedly, the US resorted to such a ruthless tactic to prevent China from landing on the moon.

Having traveled overnight to Wenchang, Song Nanping took a car immediately after getting off the plane without resting for a moment. His first words to Lin Ran were:

"President Lin, the matter has been investigated and clarified on their end."

The medical staff responsible for the astronauts were carefully selected from those over forty years old and had extensive experience, but loopholes still emerged.

Our risk identification in the cryptocurrency sector was inadequate, leading to a case where a nurse's husband suffered huge losses from cryptocurrency investments, prompting him to take further risks.

Her husband was already in Canada, and we intercepted her.

Song Nanping looked annoyed, feeling that they hadn't done their job properly.

Lin Ran waved his hand, "That's right, the interests involved are too great. The impact of a moon landing on the Democratic Party is too great. Next year is the midterm election, and they will not allow us to complete the moon landing at this time."

We had anticipated this, but we didn't expect that despite our thorough preparations, there would still be a loophole that the other side could exploit.

But it's actually quite normal. Isn't there a saying that goes like this?
Only a thousand days to be a thief, not a thousand days to guard against thieves.

No matter how perfect the work is, if the enemy wants to cause trouble, they will always find an opportunity.

"You'll learn from your mistakes."

Lin Ran waved his hand, and Song Nanping said with a wry smile, "Sigh, yes, we made a mistake when we were only one step away from success."

The journey of a hundred miles is only half complete at ninety; our security team will comprehensively strengthen related work going forward.

However, it seems unlikely that a moon landing will be completed by Christmas this year.

After finishing his sentence, Song Nanping let out a long sigh.

He knew that Lin Ran had met with the bigwig and had given him the assurance that the moon landing would be completed this year.

Lin Ran raised an eyebrow: "Who said we're not going to the moon?"
We have a total of 5 astronauts. Two of them have fallen ill, but there are still 3 left, right?
Choose one of them to be the cruiser in the command module; I'll do it myself!

Song Nanping could understand what was said earlier, because everyone's training content had always been the same, except that Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo had the opportunity to participate in manned spaceflight.

I couldn't understand what he meant by "you do it yourself".

"You're going to do it yourself?" Song Nanping's voice trembled.

Lin Ran nodded: "That's right, there are still half a month left, more than enough time."

Fortunately, Wenchang had training facilities, so I trained there for half a month. On Christmas Day, I carried out this mission as an astronaut.

Song Nanping shook his head repeatedly, even faster than a rattle drum: "No, no, no, President Lin, Professor, please don't joke around anymore."

Lin Ran said seriously, "I'm not joking."

The more the enemy doesn't want us to do something, the more we must do it.

Moreover, in my opinion, Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo are just safe choices; I am the best choice.

No one on Earth knows more about the moon landing than me, whether in theory or practice!

Lin Ran's tone was one of "I'm going, that's it," leaving no room for discussion, which almost made Song Nanping cry.

He had seen many storms in his long life, but this was the first time he had encountered such a difficult situation.

Lin Ran was about the same age as his son. To deal with his son, he would have to resort to beatings, but this was Lin Ran.

Song Nanping was assigned to this task. After the moon landing went from being a pipe dream to a reality, his arrangement was that if Lin Ran's life was in danger, he would use his body to shield him from bullets.

Now that the other side wants to go to the moon and die, how can I stop them?
He quickly replied, "Professor, even if it's a year later, no one will think you're bragging."

The astronauts' unexpected encounter actually proved that our moon landing was real.

The lunar orbit test in October also fully proved that we were just one step away from success.

You say no one knows more about the moon landing than you, which is perfectly fine. No one can challenge you in this regard, but you don't need to prove it by going up there yourself.

Professor, your idea is absolutely insane.

If you had prior training, that would be one thing, but you hadn't trained at all and suddenly you're going to the moon.

I disagree, and the country won't agree either!

For the first time, Song Nanping regretted not paying attention during his internal negotiation training, which left him completely unable to grasp the key points and unsure how to persuade Lin Ran.

Song Nanping had always known that Lin Ran was a national treasure, a Fields Medal-level mathematician. Not to mention Chinese people, even if you include Chinese people, there are very few with this level of skill.

After witnessing the miracle of the 2020 moon landing, the treasure has now risen to the level of the Imperial Seal of the State.

He not only knew that ensuring Lin Ran's safety with his own life was a task assigned by his superiors, but he also agreed that Lin Ran could not die, as Lin Ran's potential contribution to the country, both now and in the future, far outweighed his own life.

Lin Ran grinned as he looked at Lao Song.

"Old Song, it's alright, don't worry, I never do anything I'm not sure I can do."

A year and a half to the moon—who would have dared to dream of that before I did it?
Most people probably wouldn't even dare to think about it.

Completing lunar landing training in half a month is a piece of cake for me.

I've watched their astronaut training regularly, so don't worry. Okay, that's enough."

Lin Ran waved for him to leave, saying, "My mind is made up."

Song Nanping left Lin Ran's office with a wry smile. He thought to himself that if he couldn't persuade Lin Ran, then someone else would have to do it.

In short, it just won't work.

The first call came from Songjiang:
"Professor Lin, I know you're passionate about going to the moon. You're a young man, and you're in good health, so you always want to go and see the moon."

If I weren't so old, I would also like to go up and take a look.

However, there's an old Chinese saying: "A wise man does not stand under a dangerous wall." If you want to go, we support you; after all, we also train scientists to become astronauts. But the risk of going for the first time is still too high. I suggest you take it slow. There are lunar landing windows every year; go next year, and you'll still be the first person to land on the moon in the 21st century.

Given the US's production mechanisms and capabilities, it's impossible for them to catch up in just one year.

The person on the other end of the phone was quite earnest and persuasive.

Lin Ran understood, and he said:

"Rest assured, this is not a rash decision made without preparation. It is precisely the most appropriate decision made under the right circumstances, with favorable timing, location, and people."

Well then, I know what you're worried about—it's my safety, isn't it?

In this way, I will definitely need to undergo training before going up, and China's space program can send its most elite astronauts.

We'll undergo pre-moon landing training together, and if they can outperform me, then I'll give up.

If even the Chinese astronauts, who have only undergone half a month of lunar landing training, cannot match me, then I will carry out the lunar landing mission according to the original plan.

This is the advantage of private enterprises.

The rockets, lunar landers, and everything else are all their own.

The other party can only negotiate in a consultative tone.

If I were a member of China's aerospace industry, even as the chief engineer, I wouldn't be able to act so recklessly.

After a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, only one word came through: "Okay."

"Our astronauts Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo have tested positive for COVID-19. In light of this, the official lunar landing, originally scheduled for December 25, may be delayed."

The moment Apollo Technology's official Weibo account posted the news, conspiracy theories began to circulate.

"Why are Americans so mean?.jpg"

"No way, have the Americans really gone this far?"

"Before, when I said I was anxious, I was just pretending. This time, I'm really anxious."

"Holy crap, I was really looking forward to seeing the Chinese Christmas offensive, but I have to say the Christmas offensive is toxic!"

"I didn't go anywhere during the New Year's holiday, I was just waiting to stay home and watch the Chinese moon landing live stream, and this is what I got? The Americans are so mean."

At this time, China's two astronauts were Li Cong and Li Guang.

The two were selected as part of the third batch of astronauts by China, and were considered to be the juniors of Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo.

The third batch of astronauts consisted of 18 people selected from 2500, and then China's space program sent two more people from those 18.

The leaders of China's aerospace sector were already unhappy because they couldn't find a humanoid computer, so why should they only have Lin Ran?
They discovered that even training couldn't bring them to Lin Ran's level.

Of course, this was also a requirement of the leader's leadership, to make Lin Ran realize the gap and not think that he was omnipotent. No one can have both full intelligence and strength at the same time.

The term "military force" here is in quotation marks.

Li Cong and Li Guang were absolutely confident that they couldn't compare to scientists; wasn't that a joke?

But their smiles soon faded.

The first items were a lunar topographic map and a spacecraft structure diagram, with tablets and mission manuals placed in front of everyone.

Aldrin said, "Today we will learn about the lunar landing procedure. Next, Qian Fei will remotely explain the steps from lunar orbit to landing."

"Okay, first, we'll separate the lunar module from the command module, then activate the descent orbit insertion ignition to lower the lunar orbit to 15 kilometers. Next, we'll proceed with a powered descent, using the descent engines to slow down. In the final approach phase, we'll locate a suitable landing site and make adjustments."

Qian Fei assumed that the astronauts sent by China's space program were receiving his training as part of the lunar landing mission next year.

He felt a mix of bitterness and relief, thinking that perhaps this was fate, and one should not force what is not meant to be.

The astronauts of China's space program are certainly more professional than them.

Lin Ran was also seated, with a notebook in front of him. Qian Fei assumed that Professor Lin just wanted to come along and listen.

"During this process, we need to monitor parameters including altitude, descent rate, horizontal speed, and fuel level, while also paying attention to obstacles and terrain."

"In addition, the communications officer is responsible for monitoring the system, being ready to manually control it at any time, and maintaining communication with the mission control center and the command module pilot. The commander in lunar orbit is responsible for maintaining the orbit, conducting scientific observations, and responding to emergencies at any time."

"Today we will learn about spacecraft systems, mission procedures, and lunar geology to ensure we are familiar with every step from launch to return."

Aldrin corrected, “The money, not for today, is for two hours. You need to finish everything in two hours, regardless of how well they can accept it.”

Location: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, simulator facilities

Characters: Commander Li, Astronaut Wang, Astronaut Zhang, Simulator Technician
The simulated practice began one day later.

The simulator brought from Shenhai was placed in a room, with a full-size model of the lunar lander in the center, surrounded by large screens simulating the lunar surface and orbital views.

Aldrin said, "Alright, let the simulation begin. You can go one by one."

Professor, you go first.

You are now in lunar orbit, preparing to separate.

Lin Ran: "Received. Initiate separation sequence."

The simulator vibrates slightly to simulate the separation action.

"Separation confirmed. Begin descent and insertion ignition."

"Ignition complete. Now entering power reduction mode."

Lin Ran adjusted the controls based on the simulation data, simulating the landing process, keeping his eyes fixed on the altitude and speed data on the screen, and steadily adjusting the joystick with both hands.

The training included simulated spacecraft separation, orbit adjustment, powered descent, and landing, practicing operations under both normal and emergency conditions.

Li Cong and Li Guang didn't know what to say. No, is the training at your private aerospace organization really this wild?

They trained for at least two and a half years.

(Selection was completed in September 2020, and a press release announcing the completion of training was issued in May 2023, exactly two and a half years later.)

For simulator operation, you first learn the theory, then watch the instructor demonstrate, and finally get hands-on practice. When you first start practicing, the instructor will stand by and watch. Only after you are familiar with each step can you connect them to perform a complete operation.

This is the first time they've seen a company like Apollo Technology that can deliver a two-hour theoretical lecture and then immediately put the entire process into practice.

Professor Lin's series of actions left them speechless. No, you really haven't trained before?

"Return successful." After the success notification sounded, Lin Ran waited for Aldrin's instructions before getting up and leaving the simulator.

Li Cong and Li Fei initially thought the simulator was particularly simple, which explained its smooth performance.

When they tried it themselves, they found that it wasn't like that at all.

This simulator is incredibly difficult. It has very little fully automated functionality, not to mention the huge instantaneous computation requirements. The user interface is also outdated and extremely user-unfriendly, lacking any reflection of modern software design and user-centric thinking.

But that's all.

The manual calculation phase, which included orbit calculation, orbital maneuver time determination, and rapid celestial body positioning, made Lin Ran question his very existence.

Aldrin taught them to quickly determine the location using rulers and compasses, while Lin Ran could determine it with the naked eye.

Of course, this is not the most vulnerable.

The most challenging part is underwater physical training.

In the past two years, underwater training facilities have also been built in Wenchang to simulate the low gravity of space.

"Today we are practicing extravehicular activities in the pool. You need to get used to moving in your spacesuits and simulating the low gravity of the moon."

Everyone went into the water wearing spacesuits.

As a result, whether walking, jumping, or using tools underwater—including deploying equipment and collecting samples—Li Cong and Li Guang found that they couldn't even match Lin Ran in terms of physical fitness.

You should know that they are the elite of the military.

With only three days left until the moon landing simulation, they had absolutely no desire to participate and lacked any confidence whatsoever.

They were training with all their might simply because it was a mission.

That evening, Song Nanping saw the final scores. The Chinese astronauts all scored 80 points. To achieve this score in 12 days was already very good. They truly deserve to be called the elite of the elite.

Lin Ran got a perfect score, which immediately made Song Nanping realize the gap between them. "No way, you even got the six-pointed star full!"

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(End of this chapter)