Technology invades the modern world

Chapter 305 Deweaponization of Space
As mentioned before, when Lyndon Johnson urged Lin Ran to quickly launch the Apollo moon landing, he offered GATT as a bargaining chip.

Lin Ran didn't agree at the time, but it was always a card in Lyndon Johnson's hand, waiting to be played.

After seeing the Star Wars program, this card became a bargaining chip in Lyndon Johnson's hand.

From the passage of the America Act to China's actual accession to the GATT, countless steps required the help of Lyndon Johnson.

Lin Ran believes he will work well with Lyndon Johnson for at least the next two years.

If a different person were to come in, without the burden of the Vietnam War defeat, they might not necessarily support his Star Wars program.

After a brief two-day delay in Washington, Lin Ran returned to Redstone Base in Huntsville, now known as the Marshall Space Flight Center.

However, Lin Ran still prefers its old name: Redstone Base.

Inside the Redstone base, the roar of rocket testing platforms could be heard intermittently.

In Wernher von Braun's office, the bookshelves were filled with models of rockets such as the V-2, Saturn I, and Saturn V, and the walls were covered with complex rocket design drawings.

Wernher von Braun was sitting behind his desk, reviewing a report on improvements to the Saturn V's first-stage propulsion system.

He looked focused, occasionally making marks on the paper with a pen.

A soft knock on the door broke the silence.

Wernher von Braun: "Please come in."

The door opened, and Lin Ran walked in.

Lin Ran said, "Good morning, Dr. Braun."

Wernher von Braun put down his pen and smiled, "Professor, you're finally back. I've seen your designs for reusable rockets and Merlin engines, and I was hoping to have a good chat with you about them."

He continued, "The Merlin engine uses RP-1 and liquid oxygen as propellants, which is similar to our past designs for the F-1 and H-1 engines, but it is designed to support reusable launch vehicles."

I believe your design will completely change the way we go into space.

When I first proposed the concept of the transitional rocket in the 1950s, I envisioned a reusable rocket stage.

In 1948, Wernher von Braun, along with other German soldiers brought back to America from Operation Paperclip, was imprisoned in the New Mexico desert.

During this process, he designed the ferry rocket.

(Ferry rocket model)
This is a three-stage launch vehicle. The first stage has a large, drum-shaped stabilizing fin, 20 meters in diameter and 29 meters in height, with a net weight of 700 tons and a propellant load of 4800 tons.

Therefore, the weight of the first stage alone is almost twice that of the Saturn V rocket, which weighs about 3000 tons.

The combined weight of the second and third stages of the rocket will bring the total weight of the ferry rocket to a staggering 6400 tons at launch, with the propellant accounting for a whopping 5583 tons.

This design is so outrageous that no one has been able to build it up until 2020.

Von Bryan opened the blueprints and pointed to a detailed cross-sectional view of the engine.

The structure of the combustion chamber, nozzles, and turbopump is clearly visible on the drawings, along with a string of densely packed performance parameters.

Lin Ran nodded and said, "That's right. The core features of the Merlin engine are its throttling capability and multiple ignition function."

It can be adjusted within a thrust range of 40% to 100%, which is crucial for the vertical landing of the rocket's first stage.

Furthermore, it employs a needle valve injector, similar to the injectors we designed for the lunar module's descent engines, providing excellent combustion stability.

Wernher von Braun picked up the blueprints and pointed to the design of the needle valve injector, saying, "Professor, I fully understand your design, but the needle valve injector..."
Our lunar module's descent engines did indeed use this design, and it worked well.

But that's a bicomponent propellant, a combination of nitrogen tetroxide and hydrazine.

RP-1 and liquid oxygen have completely different combustion characteristics, Professor. Are you sure the needle valve injector can be adapted to this propellant?

Lin Ran replied, "Of course, the advantage of needle valve injectors lies in their simplicity and stability."

In my design, by optimizing the geometry of the injector and the atomization method of the propellant, we can ensure the thorough mixing of RP-1 and liquid oxygen.

Has Robert's group not started the combustion simulation yet?

Von Blaine looked somewhat embarrassed: "Professor, as you know, we've just completed the moon landing, and many people haven't even gotten back to work yet. Many engineers are still on vacation."

I'll go immediately and urge them to prepare for high-intensity work!

Lin Ran waved his hand: "I have conducted preliminary combustion simulations, and the results show that it can remain stable under both high and low thrust."

This made von Bryan feel somewhat ashamed; the professor worked so hard even while on vacation, truly befitting his status as a professor.

"Okay, Professor, the injector problem can be solved. What are your thoughts on the throttling capability?"
Our F-1 and H-1 engines operate at full power without any throttling function.

The lunar module's engines can be throttled, but their thrust is less than 10000 pounds, while the Merlin you designed has a thrust of 192000 pounds, slightly less than the 205000 pounds of the latest version of the H-1.

How can we achieve precise control of propellant flow rate in terms of throttling?
Because I've seen your rocket design, it requires multiple engines to provide sufficient total thrust.

Lin Ran replied, "Brian, you've hit the nail on the head. We need to develop hydraulic-based valves and control systems."

More effort needs to be put into coordination and control.

"We've got the eight H-1 engines for Saturn I sorted out, and the nine engines won't be a problem for us either."

"Professor, the problem is that multiple ignitions are not common for a first-stage engine."

The J-2's up-engine can be restarted, but that's a liquid hydrogen engine; your Merlin engine doesn't use liquid hydrogen.

Lin Ran found the design drawings for the turbo pump and ignition system: "That's right, that's what I wanted to tell you."

Multiple ignitions are indeed a challenge, and Merlin needs a reliable ignition system. My idea is to use triethylaluminum-triethylborane as the igniter.

Let them conduct thorough testing in an experimental engine.

In addition, the turbopump and combustion chamber need to be designed to be more durable to withstand the stress of multiple thermal cycles.

You either need to improve the design of the cooling channels or have the engineering team develop a more heat-resistant alloy.

Wernher von Braun looked thoughtful: "The materials are a problem."

Our F-1 engines use Inco nickel alloy, but that was designed for single-use.

If the engine is to be reused, it needs to withstand the stress of multiple launches and landings.

Our current materials certainly cannot support this durability requirement, so I think we still need to develop new alloys.

Lin Ran nodded and said, "My idea is that we can contact GM, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, etc. The high-temperature alloy used in jet engines should be usable after some improvements."

Furthermore, in terms of design philosophy, this time we only accept modular components to facilitate the inspection and replacement of damaged parts. We absolutely cannot repeat the Saturn V design where every part was handcrafted; any different person could have made a completely different result.

In this timeline, there is no Lockheed Martin, only Lockheed; Glenn Martin was acquired by General Aerospace.

After listening, Wernher von Braun nodded in agreement, and then asked, "Professor, there is one more crucial question: landing."

In your plan, you want the first stage to land vertically?
This is far more complicated than landing the lunar module.

The lunar module was much smaller and was in the low gravity environment of the moon.

If the first stage of a rocket were to land on Earth, it would require an extremely precise navigation and control system.

Our Apollo navigation computer had only 2048 bytes of memory, limiting its processing power.

Professor, how do you plan to solve this problem?

This time, Lin Ran didn't look for blueprints on the other person's desk, but instead took out a document from his own folder, showing a simplified schematic diagram of a control system.

"Vertical landing does require an advanced control system, and we need to develop a dedicated analog controller."

My idea is to draw on the military's missile guidance technology and combine it with gyroscopes and accelerometers to achieve real-time control.

Here is the detailed plan; you can take a look.

Wernher clapped and said, "As expected of a professor, reducing costs is an attractive goal, enough to shut up all the Washington lawmakers who think NASA is burning through too much money."

I had considered something similar when I designed a ferry rocket in the past, but I opted for the simpler parachute recovery method.

Professor, your vertical landing plan is very risky, but if successful, it will completely change the game in the aerospace field.

There are only two types of rockets in the world: reusable rockets and non-reusable rockets.

Lin Ran said, "So, Braun, you prepare a detailed report listing all the technical challenges and possible solutions."

We need to allocate resources as soon as possible to begin promoting this plan.

I'd also like to add that, if all goes well, we'll soon receive more funding from the White House.

This surprised von Bryant: "What? More?"

Given the nature of Washington lawmakers, they'll definitely cut your budget after the Apollo moon landing.

Lin Ran actually told him that he wanted to add more.

This couldn't help but make von Bryan wonder what the professor had done to manage to get a meal from the White House. And the media dared to report that the professor had fallen out with the president.

Even after a falling out, there's still so much support. What would happen if they hadn't fallen out?

Negotiations on the Outer Space Treaty were held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

Negotiations regarding the Berlin Crisis and the establishment of a hotline between the US and the Soviet Union were once held here.

Although the United Nations was in New York, negotiations on the Outer Space Treaty were being held at the Palais des Nations.

Representatives from 28 countries sat around the table, but all eyes were on two key figures: Americana, representing Ambassador John Smith, and Soviet representative Ivan Petrov.

The meeting was chaired by Maria González, chair of the legal subcommittee.

Smith and Petrov sat on opposite sides of the long table. Each representative had a thick stack of legal documents in front of them.

Today they agreed to reach a conclusion, focusing on Article IV of the Outer Space Treaty: the core provision concerning the deweaponization of outer space.

This is also where the two sides have been unable to reach an agreement.

González began, “Distinguished delegates, today we continue our discussion on Article IV of the draft Outer Space Treaty, concerning the prohibition of placing weapons in space and the restriction of the use of celestial bodies.”

Ambassador Smith, please speak first.

Smith stood up: "Thank you, Madam Chair."

We firmly believe that outer space should not become a new battlefield.

We propose that no country may place nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in Earth's orbit, on celestial bodies, or in any other way in outer space.

The Moon and other celestial bodies should be used solely for peaceful purposes.

Petrov was filled with vigilance: peace had been destroyed by the Vietnam War, and there was no peace between the US and the Soviet Union at this moment.

Leonard, who replaced Nikita, was an even more deeply ingrained Cold War mentality in his decision-making.

Petrov interrupted, saying, "We fully support the proposal to ban nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction."

But we must clarify the definition of peaceful uses.

Does America intend to exclude military reconnaissance satellites from the treaty? These satellites could be used for offensive purposes, which is inconsistent with the spirit of peace.

Smith frowned, sensing that Petrov's questioning hit the nail on the head.

He quickly recalled Washington's instructions: ensure that the treaty does not restrict U.S. satellite reconnaissance programs, an indispensable strategic advantage in the Cold War.

Especially after the White House decided to push forward with the Star Wars program, there is no room for compromise on this issue.

Smith replied, "Ambassador Petrov, reconnaissance satellites are used for defense and intelligence gathering, and do not fall under the category of weapons of mass destruction."

Our proposal explicitly prohibits nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, which are the real threats to global security.

We hope the treaty will focus on preventing outer space from becoming a stage for nuclear confrontation.

Dr. Gonzalez nodded, attempting to ease the tension.

She opened the draft document in front of her, which was covered with handwritten notes from representatives of various countries.

González: "Both ambassadors have made their positions very clear, and perhaps we can put it this way: the moon and other celestial bodies are for peaceful purposes only, and the establishment of military bases, weapons testing, or military exercises is prohibited."

At the same time, military personnel are permitted to participate in scientific research or other peaceful activities.

Is this an acceptable compromise?

Petrov felt this was also problematic: "Allowing military personnel to participate in peaceful activities sounds reasonable, but how can we ensure that these activities are not used as cover for military purposes?"

We need clear boundaries. Is America willing to accept international oversight mechanisms to verify the nature of its space activities?

Smith felt a surge of pressure.

He knew that both the White House and Washington were wary of international oversight, as it could expose details of their satellite technology.

With Korolev gone but the professor still alive, America's advantage in the aerospace field will only grow stronger with the professor's presence.

He quickly adjusted his strategy and tried to change the subject.

"Monitoring is a complex issue, and our space tracking system is already able to detect objects in orbit, which provides technical assurance for the implementation of the treaty."

Importantly, we reached a consensus to prohibit the placement of weapons of mass destruction in orbit or on celestial bodies.

As for conventional weapons, current technology has not advanced to the point where a complete ban is necessary.

Petrov chuckled coldly and shook his head.

In fact, he was also filled with contradictions: Soviet Russia wanted to limit America's military expansion through the treaty, but it also needed to retain its own flexibility.

Petrov said, "Ambassador Smith, you mentioned conventional weapons, but who can guarantee that these weapons won't evolve into offensive weapons?"
The Soviet Union proposed that the treaty should prohibit the deployment of all weapons as broadly as possible to ensure the peaceful nature of outer space.

A murmur rippled through the conference room as representatives from other countries began whispering among themselves.

The England representative raised his hand to speak in an attempt to ease the tension, but González gestured for him to wait.

She sensed the growing tension at the meeting and knew she had to find a way to break through it as soon as possible.

"Our goal is to reach an enforceable treaty, Your Excellencies."

Perhaps we can first focus on the prohibition of weapons of mass destruction, while clarifying that military personnel and equipment can be used for peaceful purposes, such as scientific research.

Could this serve as a starting point?

Smith and Petrov exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with probing and wariness.

Smith knew that Washington wanted to preserve the legitimacy of reconnaissance satellites, while Petrov was trying to secure the maximum strategic space for Moscow.

Both were weighing whether an agreement could be reached without sacrificing national interests if they compromised.

Ambassador Smith softened his tone: "We agree that military personnel and equipment can be used for peaceful purposes, such as NASA's scientific missions."

However, we must make it clear that establishing military bases, testing any type of weapons, or conducting military exercises on the moon and other celestial bodies is prohibited.

This will ensure that space is not used for offensive purposes.

Petrov remained silent for a moment.

He knew that the Soviet space program also relied on military resources, and a complete ban on military activities could limit future development.

But he also understands that prohibiting weapons of mass destruction is in the common interest of both sides.

Petrov: "Well, Moscow can accept this wording."

However, we hope the treaty will make it clear that any form of weapons testing or military exercise is prohibited on celestial bodies.

We cannot allow space to become another Cuba.

Smith felt that things were progressing like never before today.

Petrov mentioned Cuba to remind everyone of the danger of nuclear war, while also seeing hope in reaching an agreement.

Smith said, "We completely agree."

Let us work together to ensure that space becomes a shared heritage of all humanity, not a stage for conflict.

After the meeting, Smith and Petrov had a private meeting in a small lounge at the Palais des Nations.

The room contained only a small round table and a few chairs.

Smith, holding a cup of coffee, tried to break the deadlock.

Smith: "Ivan, we all know that sending nuclear weapons into space would be a disaster."

The Cuban Missile Crisis showed us just how close the brink can be.

"If we can reach this treaty, it will be a giant leap for mankind."

Petrov lit a cigarette, his eyes still wary, but his tone softened slightly.

“John, I agree, but the Kremlin is concerned that America’s missile defense program may utilize space technology, and we need to ensure that the treaty is not circumvented.”

Smith put down his coffee cup and said sincerely, "The treaty explicitly prohibits weapons of mass destruction. As for defense systems, that's a matter for the future."

We can discuss this in other settings, such as a nuclear disarmament conference; let's first finalize this agreement.

Petrov nodded and stubbed out his cigarette.

He knew that Moscow wanted to reach a treaty as soon as possible to demonstrate the new Kremlin's leadership on the international stage.

Petrov: "Okay, we'll give it a try. But we'll be monitoring the implementation of the treaty closely."

Ultimately, Article 4 of the Outer Space Treaty explicitly states: "The placement of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in orbit or on celestial bodies is prohibited. The Moon and other celestial bodies shall be used for peaceful purposes only. Military bases, weapons testing and military exercises are prohibited."

When the negotiations took place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, and the final text was adopted at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, applause rang out in the meeting room.

Lin Ran is the most famous figure in the contemporary aerospace field, and even in the entire history of aerospace, he can be considered the most famous figure. Inviting him to give the closing speech at this conference has always been on the agenda of the conference organizers.

"I am pleased to see the Outer Space Treaty adopted. It reflects the importance and cherishment of peace between the United States and the Soviet Union, and shows that neither of us wanted to see space become an arena for Cold War struggles."

I hope that humanity can have a pure land.

Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, the treaty was adopted today, and space has gained peace in a legal sense.

But I am disappointed by the actions of the Soviet Union, which launched 10 nuclear-powered satellites into low Earth orbit in the past year.

These nuclear-powered satellites, though not weapons, could cause far more damage if they went out of control than weapons.

I am saddened to see this, and I have even greater doubts about the Soviet Union's definition of peace and the deweaponization of outer space.

Because the day after the Outer Space Treaty established the clause on the deweaponization of outer space, the Soviet Union launched another nuclear-powered satellite into space.

Lin Ran pointed to space, and as soon as he finished speaking, the representatives from various countries present were in an uproar and all looked at the Soviet Russian representative sitting in the first row.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Allied nations sitting around the Soviet representative were also asking questions.

Lin Ran's words plunged the entire scene into chaos.

(End of this chapter)