Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 273 Perfect Operation

"When I chose aerospace engineering in high school, I never thought I would become an astronaut one day, let alone go to the moon in person."

I feel truly happy.

Lin Ran smiled.

Lin Ran has always believed that with great power comes great responsibility.

For him, the "door" signifies both superpowers and responsibilities, destined to make him extraordinary.

He knew very well that once he had a way out, he would naturally develop greater desires and more ideas. As these ideas gradually became reality, he, as a social animal, would inevitably have more interactions with the world and thus influence the entire world.

Since this is inevitable, and determined by human nature, rather than passively waiting for the tide of the times to sweep over us, we might as well choose to become the wind and actively stir up the tide of the times.

The female anchor smiled and said, "Yes, it's so nice to be able to do what you want to do."

Professor Lin, I believe this is something that I, and the viewers in front of the television, are very curious about: how did you become an astronaut? And how were you chosen to carry out this lunar mission?

"This is actually a coincidence."

After announcing our goal of going to the moon, various brokers approached us, saying that next year was America's midterm elections and they hoped we wouldn't go to the moon.

Upon hearing Lin Ran's words, Aldrin, who didn't understand Chinese very well, and Wei Xuhang's expression changed. He thought to himself, "Professor, is this something you can just say directly?"
Even the female anchor on the other end of the video call, whose smiling face was originally looking at Lin Ran, suddenly froze.

He didn't look at the camera, but instead looked at the director, and his whole expression seemed very flustered.

These so-called live streams are actually fake, with a delay of a few seconds.

(Regulations on the Administration of Safe Broadcasting of Radio and Television)
This isn't about whether there's a delay or not; it's a regulation. Article 15, paragraph (ii) of Chapter 3 of the "Regulations on the Administration of Safe Broadcasting of Radio and Television" issued by the relevant authorities clearly stipulates that live broadcasts must have a delay.

The central bank is no exception.

After all, the central bank is also under the jurisdiction of a certain State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

Lin Ran bluntly called them American brokers, bringing this kind of behind-the-scenes stuff into the open, which immediately put CCTV on the defensive.

The live stream suddenly switched to commercials while Lin Ran was talking, and it was interrupted for a full five minutes before it resumed.

The news that "Lin Ran's live stream was interrupted" even topped the Weibo hot search list within a minute.

It made everyone think that the spaceship had crashed.

"What happened?"

"Is there something wrong with Burning God? I was watching a live broadcast on CCTV and it suddenly cut to commercials!"

"No, I'm willing to give up masturbation for the rest of my life in exchange for the safe return of the God of Burning."

"It's okay, everyone can watch the live stream on Bilibili, it's doing fine."

"Can I go back on my promise to never masturbate?"

Five minutes later, the live stream resumed.

"The Americans said that the midterm elections are very important and that they can't let us go to the moon and ruin the Democratic Party's midterm elections. They asked us to set conditions, saying that as long as the moon landing is delayed, they can talk about anything."

The offer was very tempting; they said that as long as I delayed, they could help me get listed on NASDAQ, and I could easily become a billionaire.

In short, the offer was very tempting. I said, "Sure, I'll get Tencent to give me a VIP membership for moon landing, $100 billion a month. You just need to renew it when it expires. As long as you renew, I won't go up there."

Unfortunately, they refused, and the deal fell through.

I'm not saying it's certain, I'm just speculating from a motive perspective that America is the most likely culprit.

The female anchor's smile became even more stiff; she didn't know how to respond to such explosive news.

Lin Ran didn't make things difficult for her and continued, "The astronaut collapsed, and someone told me that they thought you were very suitable. Why don't you become an astronaut and go to the moon?"

After internal discussions, they felt I was indeed the most suitable candidate. So I boarded the flight to the moon.

The female anchor was completely dumbfounded, and the little stares of admiration in her eyes disappeared. The live stream then switched to an advertisement and didn't return to the scene until five minutes later.

Watching his junior on the lunar spacecraft in the live stream, the old man smiled broadly and waved to his secretary.

“Xiao Wu, when Lin Ran returns to Earth, give him the book I wrote a couple of days ago called ‘After Passing the Imperial Examination’. Tell him it’s a gift to celebrate his perfect completion of the moon landing mission.”

On the television screen, the live broadcast continued, and the female anchor hoped to end this agonizing interview as soon as possible: "Professor Lin, is there anything you would like to say to the viewers in front of the television, as well as to your relatives and friends who are watching your moon landing?"

Lin Ran held up his index finger and said, "Everyone, don't worry about me. Like I said, the professor never fails."

"Okay, I also believe that Professor Lin will successfully return to Earth! I wish Professor Lin a safe journey to the moon! This concludes the interview. Thank you, Professor Lin, for accepting our interview. We hope that our next interview with you will be on Earth!" The female anchor finished with a familiar monologue.

The internet is in an uproar.

Because Lin Ran's interview conveyed a very clear message, namely, his motive.

The online discussion surrounding the Apollo astronauts' infection with the virus has been heated, with many people pointing the finger at America through conspiracy theories.

However, most Chinese people are skeptical of this accusation.

Because the consistent tone for cleaning up a place is:
"Why would America do something so thankless? Will America be affected? Apollo Technology isn't China's space program. When a private company goes to the moon, it's SpaceX that should be affected."

If you dare to mention that it was an American conspiracy, these whitewashers will slap labels like 3D, Pringles, and "core base" on you.

Conspiracy theorists can't really find a good reason to link this to the midterm elections, since very few people can connect it to the midterm elections.

The interview with Lin Ran from Earth's orbit, coupled with two consecutive commercial breaks, made this interview incredibly valuable.

The biggest news on the Simplified Chinese internet was Lin Ran's interview.

"I told you it was the Americans who did it, Brother Feng, this time it's your turn to get 3D!"

Feng Ge is a big influencer on Weibo. He likes to talk about conspiracy theories about people with low education, low character, and low intelligence.

This time, he really bit the hand that feeds him. After Lin Ran's interview aired, Feng Ge's comment section was flooded with insults and private messages for refuting the claim that the Apollo astronauts' illnesses were caused by the American Federation.

The pro-election big V's were in a frenzy, especially those who guessed it was related to the midterm elections.

"What did I tell you? I said it was related to Americans. Now the professor has given us the motive and the judgment. If the professor thinks so, he must have the most complete information, right?"

"That's true. I thought the Americans were just angry and embarrassed, but it turns out it's all about interests. But it's true, both the Democratic and Republican parties have 50 seats in the midterm elections, so the situation is not good for the Democratic Party."

Then there are topics like Nasdaq listing and moon landing memberships, which are also hotly debated in the media.

QQ has indeed followed suit and launched a "Moon Landing Premium Membership," which is even more expensive than QQ's Super Supreme Membership at 100 yuan per month. It includes a dynamic moon landing avatar and matching decorations.

The lunar probe has returned to Earth's orbit.

12:14:14，T+2小时44分14秒，飞船此刻已经完成约1.5次地球轨道环绕（TLI），准备执行跨月注入燃烧。

Lin Ran reminded them, "Prepare for TLI, fasten your seatbelts."

The astronauts returned to their seats, fastened their seatbelts, and stared at the instrument panel.

The third-stage engine ignited at the precise moment, causing the spacecraft to vibrate violently, and the roar of the J-2 engine came through the bulkhead.

It was 9:30 PM Earth time, and various media outlets had already announced in advance that tonight would be the night of the lunar injection.

In just one day, the Chinese people understood the process of the moon landing.

So everyone was already in front of the TV at 8:30, choosing their favorite live streaming platform.

There are only two platforms: Bilibili and CCTV.

Excluding the small-time YouTubers, there are only two such individuals in China.

Bilibili has made a fortune from this move.

If calculated based on the revenue share from virtual gifts, the entire moon landing could potentially recoup 12 billion in costs through the revenue share from virtual gifts.

The official Apollo Technology anchor on Bilibili said, "Lunar injection and combustion have begun! The Saturn V's S-IVB engine is igniting, propelling the Lunar Rover into lunar orbit!"

The burn lasted for 5 minutes and 47 seconds, during which the spacecraft's speed increased from 7.8 km/s to approximately 10.8 km/s, enough to escape Earth's gravity.

Lin Ran stared intently at the speed indicator and said in a low voice, "Speed ​​is approaching the target, combustion is normal."

Wei Xuhang was responsible for monitoring the engine status and life support system: "Thrust is stable, temperature is normal."

"All parameters of the life support system are within safe limits."

When the burning ended, the spaceship gave a slight jolt, and the engines shut down.

Lin Ran reported: "Wenchang Control Center, TLI burn complete, we are now on our way to the moon."

The control center erupted in applause, responding: "Lunar mission, received. TLI successful. Have a safe journey!"

TLI燃烧后约3小时17分钟（GET 003:17:00），飞船已稳定在跨月轨道上。

Lin Ran confirmed with the Wenchang Control Center via communicator: "Wenchang Control Center, this is Benyue. TLI combustion successful. Requesting separation permission."

The control center responded: "Lunar Lander, separation permitted, proceed with caution."

The separation here refers to the separation of the command module from the lunar module. After separation, the command module will deflect 180 degrees and then re-dock.

The lunar module here is not just the lunar module, but also includes the third stage of the rocket.

This is equivalent to turning around, which is a crucial step in entering lunar orbit.

The reason for doing this is that this design can reduce the cost and complexity of the task, but that's too complicated to explain here.

Lin Ran turned to Wei Xuhang and said calmly, "Wei Xuhang, prepare for the repositioning and docking."

Wei Xuhang nodded: "Understood, Professor."

He first checked the life support system to make sure the oxygen and temperature were normal, then adjusted the seat, gripped the control levers with both hands, and focused his gaze on the dashboard.

"Professor, all parameters are normal, ready at any time."

Wei Xuhang pressed the CSM/LV Sep button to detonate the explosive cord of the separation device.

With a low "bang," the command module separated from the lunar module, and the spacecraft trembled slightly, as if it had broken free of its restraints.

Outside the porthole, the four adapter panels of the lunar module unfolded like flower petals and slowly drifted away, exposing the gold and silver foil shell of the lunar module to the sunlight and making it gleam.

At this moment, Xiao Wang said in the live broadcast with trembling hands: "The command module has successfully separated from the third stage of the rocket! The adapter panel has been opened, and the lunar lander is currently exposed and ready for docking!"
This is a crucial step.

Wei Xuhang operated the RCS thruster to make the command module drift about 20 meters away from the third stage of the rocket, ensuring a safe distance.

He reported: "Separation successful, stable at stage three."

Lin Ran nodded: "Very good, begin the maneuver."

Lin Ran took over the operation, activated the rotary thrusters, and the command module began to slowly rotate, performing a 180-degree pitch maneuver.

The spacecraft turned gracefully like a ballerina, and the view outside the porthole switched from Earth to the third stage of the rocket and the lunar module.

Aldrin gazed out the window and exclaimed, "It's so similar."

Wei Xuhang glanced at it briefly and muttered, "This is much more impressive than the graphics in the simulator."

Lin Ran stared at the crosshairs on the docking window, adjusted the spacecraft's attitude, and ensured that it was aligned with the docking cone of the lunar lander.

He said softly, "Attitude calibration in progress, target within line of sight."

After the transposition is complete: "Transposition complete, preparing to approach docking."

Lin Ran operated the translation thrusters, and the command module slowly approached the lunar module.

He stared at the radar screen, the distance reading steadily decreasing: "15 meters... 10 meters... 5 meters..."

He gently pushed the control lever, keeping the speed below 0.1 meters per second to ensure a smooth contact. The CSM's docking probe entered the lunar module's cone-shaped base, and with a slight impact, the three capture latches clicked into place with a crisp "click".

The indicator light on the dashboard turned green, and Lin Ran breathed a sigh of relief: "Soft docking confirmed, three locks are locked."

Aldrin reminded him, "Professor, remember to check the latches."

Lin Ran nodded and activated the probe retraction mechanism.

The nitrogen-driven system pulled the probe back, bringing the command module and lunar module closer together. The 12 latches on the tunnel ring engaged one by one, producing a continuous metallic clanging sound.

Lin Ran stared at the docking indicator, confirming that all 12 latches were locked: "Hard docking complete, all 12 latches are green!"

He then immediately reported via communicator: "Wenchang, hard connection successful, requesting permission to increase pressure."

The control center responded: "Lunar mission, pressurization permitted, ensure tunnel sealing."

Wei Xuhang floated to the front hatch of the command module and opened the pressure equalization valve.

Air rushed into the tunnel, hissing, and the pressure gauge needle slowly rose. The pressure reading was monitored: "Pressure 4.4 psi, close to the target of 5 psi."

About 10 minutes later, the pressure stabilized, and Lin Ran confirmed: "Tunnel pressurization complete, prepare to open the chamber."

Wei Xuhang carefully removed the command module hatch, revealing the tunnel leading to the lunar lander.

Wei Xuhang was the first to float in. He entered the "Chang'e" spacecraft, turned on the lights, and the instrument panel of the lunar module gradually lit up.

The power umbilical cord was then connected to link the lunar module's power system with that of the command module.

He pressed the start switch, and the systems activated one by one, displaying the status of the navigation, propulsion, and life support systems on the screen.

Wei Xuhang checked each item one by one, muttering to himself, "Navigation normal...propulsion normal...oxygen normal..."

After completing the initial inspection, he reported via communicator: "Professor, the lunar module system is all green, ready to be withdrawn."

Lin Ran replied: "Received, well done!"

After Wei Xuhang returned to the command module.

Lin Ran prepared to extract the command module-lunar module combination from the third stage of the rocket.

He operated the thrusters of the reaction control system to release the anchoring device between the lunar module and the third stage of the rocket.

With a soft thud, the combined structure began to drift away from the rocket's third stage.

The three observed through the porthole that the rocket's third stage was gradually receding into the distance, resembling an abandoned spaceship.

Wei Xuhang reported: "Extraction complete, approximately 50 meters from the third stage of the rocket."

Lin Ran ordered: "Execute separate combustion and ensure a safe distance."

Wei Xuhang then activated the service module thrusters, performing a brief 3-second burn, and the spacecraft moved away from the rocket's third stage at a speed of 6 meters per second.

The rocket's third stage was then guided by ground control into a solar orbit.

Once the entire process was completed, the recorded video was transmitted back to Earth, where it was broadcast live with commentary using 3D simulation animation combined with the video recorded by the lunar probe.

At this point, the number of viewers on Bilibili had exceeded 50 million, and in terms of viewership, it had reached a staggering 2 billion.

It's pretty much the same as the Spring Festival Gala.

Even with CCTV diverting viewership, this still attracted a huge number of viewers.

Across China, countless homes lit up with lights as viewers watched the live broadcast of the moon landing, the announcer's voice filled with excitement and emotion.

Because they knew in advance that they would succeed.

"The lunar lander has successfully separated from the third stage of the rocket! The adapter panel has opened, exposing the lunar module; ready for docking."

"Hard docking complete! The command module and lunar module are securely connected. The astronauts will soon pressurize the tunnel in preparation for the lunar module's inspection!"

"The lunar module has been successfully extracted! The command module and lunar module combination has separated from the rocket and officially embarked on its journey to the moon! We are on the road to making history!"

Over the next three days, the spacecraft glided along its trans-lunar orbit, gradually increasing its distance from Earth, while the moon appeared larger and larger in the porthole.

The astronauts made multiple mid-course corrections to ensure the trajectory was accurate.

Lin Ran operated the navigation system to calibrate the spacecraft's attitude, while Wei Xuhang monitored the propulsion system.

Scientific data does not need to be recorded by humans; the spacecraft's onboard scientific measurement system records it automatically.

At 75 hours, 30 minutes, and 46 seconds into the mission, the spacecraft was approximately 572 kilometers from the moon.

The lunar orbit insertion is about to take place.

This is also the part with the highest operational requirements in the entire process, during which there will be brief signal interruptions.

The Wenchang Control Center confirmed via communicator: "Benyue spacecraft, Wenchang Control Center, you are about to conduct lunar orbit injection operation."

Lin Ran responded: "Received, Wenchang Control Center, we are preparing to conduct an inspection."

His feelings at this moment were not quite the same as when he set off.

Lin Ran not only had to go up, but also return safely, and bring Wei Xuhang and Aldrin back to Earth. He said, "This is a critical moment. Check all systems and stay focused."

The astronauts began performing pre-Land of Inquiry (LOI) checks. Lin Ran operated the navigation computer to calibrate the spacecraft's attitude, ensuring that the engine thrust direction was opposite to the flight path.

The flight guidance attitude indicator shows that the spacecraft's attitude is stable.

Wei Xuhang inspected the main engine of the service compartment and confirmed the fuel pressure and engine status: "SPS is ready, liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen pressure are normal."

Then he checked the propulsion system display screen to confirm that the thrust vector control was working properly.

Aldrin was monitoring the life support system and power to ensure that oxygen, temperature and humidity were within safe ranges: "Life support system is all green, power is sufficient."

He also checked the emergency abort mode to ensure the spacecraft could safely return to Earth should the combustion fail.

At 075:41:23, the spacecraft entered the far side of the moon, and communication signals were lost.

The control center's large screen displayed LOS (Loss of Signal). The team members sent by China frowned, while the engineers from Apollo Technology stared at the clock, waiting for the scheduled time to restore communication.

若燃烧成功，预计在GET 076:15:29重新获取信号；若失败，将在GET 076:05:30。

The host's voice rang out in the Bilibili live stream room: "The lunar probe has entered the far side of the moon, and communication has been lost! Lunar orbit injection and combustion will soon proceed without human monitoring. Let's wait together for the spacecraft to resume communication!"

Countless viewers are praying for the astronauts.

Inside the command module, the astronauts felt an unprecedented loneliness. Aldrin grinned and said, "This feeling is back."

GET 075:49:51, SPS engine ignites on time.

The engines spewed out scorching flames, the spacecraft shook violently, and a roaring sound came through the cabin walls. The astronauts were pushed into their seats by the thrust and felt an acceleration of about 0.5G.

Wei Xuhang kept a close eye on the Delta-V counter and reported: "Delta-V is rising, 100 ft/s... 200 ft/s..."

He monitored the speed changes to ensure the combustion proceeded as planned.

Lin Ran focused on the time and attitude, staring at FDAI: "Attitude stable, thrust direction correct."

He silently counted down the seconds, preparing to shut off the engine after 6 minutes and 2 seconds.

Wei Xuhang then glanced at the monitoring system parameters. The temperature and pressure data on the screen were stable: "Engine temperature is normal, and fuel consumption is in line with expectations."

The burning lasted for 6 minutes and 2 seconds, and the spacecraft's speed decreased by approximately 889 meters per second.

The SPS engine, fueled by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen, precisely decelerates the spacecraft from trans-lunar orbit to lunar orbit speed.

Wei Xuhang reported every 30 seconds: "Delta-V 1500 ft/s…2000 ft/s…"

His voice was calm, masking his inner tension.

Lin Ran stared at the timer and said in a low voice, "30 seconds left, keep it steady."

He was certain that he had done the right thing.

"Power supply is stable, no abnormalities reported."

GET 075:55:53, combustion ends, engine automatically shuts off.

The spacecraft gave a slight jolt, the jolt disappeared, and the astronauts returned to a state of weightlessness.

Lin Ran confirmed: "With the engine off, the Delta-V reached 2917 ft/s."

Because they were on the far side of the moon, the astronauts could not immediately contact the ground.

Before the navigation computer could calculate the orbit, Lin Ran had already spoken: "Perilunar point 60.9 nautical miles, apolunar point 169.6 nautical miles."

As he spoke, Wei Xuhang was inputting burning data. A moment later, the screen displayed the calculation results: "Perilune 60.9 nautical miles, Aphelion 169.6 nautical miles."

The results were exactly the same as Lin Ran's calculations.

Wei Xuhang glanced at Lin Ran: "Professor, you're a superhuman, and you're still working so hard. How are other people supposed to live?"

Lin Ran ignored him: "It is very close to the target orbit of 61 x 169.2 nautical miles, with an error of only 0.1 nautical miles."

The target orbit was 113 km perigee and 314 km apogee, while the actual orbit was 112.8 x 314.1 km, with negligible error, demonstrating the exquisite skill of Lin Ran's operation.

At 076:15:29, the spacecraft rotated out from the far side of the moon and entered the near side, and the Wenchang Control Center regained signal.

The large screen displayed "AOS" (Acquisition of Signal), and the engineers cheered.

A voice from the control center came through: "Benyue, Wenchang Control Center received. Welcome back to communication! Please report LOI status."

Lin Ran responded: "Wenchang Control Center, LOI-1 combustion successful, orbital parameters: perigee 112.8 km, apogee 314.1 km."

The commander of China's space program pumped his fist in celebration, responding: "Well done, lunar probe! The orbital parameters are almost perfect. Prepare for the next mission."

At this moment, there was no longer any barrier between the engineers of China Aerospace and Apollo Technology; everyone felt that they were working for China Aerospace.

"Success! The lunar probe has entered lunar orbit! President Lin has completed a perfect LOI burn, and the orbital parameters are remarkably consistent with the target! President Lin did it!" Xiao Wang's voice in the live broadcast room ignited the audience's enthusiasm.

The gifts never stopped.

After entering orbit, the astronauts observed the lunar surface up close for the first time through the porthole.

Under the sunlight, the ring mountains, rift valleys, and gray-white plains unfold like a scroll painting, both desolate and magnificent.

Lin Ran exclaimed, "This scenery is so breathtaking; it's worth all our efforts."

He pointed to a huge crater: "Is that the Copernicus Crater?"

Aldrin laughed and said, "Professor, you've become a geologist? To be honest, I didn't know that either."

Wei Xuhang was busy taking photos with his camera to record the historic moments: "These photos will serve as a testament to our journey!"

After the success of LOI-1, the spacecraft entered an elliptical orbit with a perigee of 112.8 kilometers and an apogee of 314.1 kilometers.

The astronauts will conduct system checks, photograph the lunar surface, and prepare for the separation of the lunar module.

About two hours later, they will perform LOI-2 burn to adjust the orbit to a near-circular altitude of 100 kilometers, creating conditions for lunar landing.

Lin Ran said to the two of them, "The first step is complete. Next is the moon landing."

　I didn't intentionally break it off; I actually wrote a bit more in this chapter, 6600 words!

　　As I mentioned a couple of days ago, I'll finish writing this week. In short, I'll definitely finish writing about the moon landing this week, okay?

　　Asking for monthly votes isn't too much to ask, is it? I saw your votes! Throw them at me! I wrote an extra 1600 words today!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)