Chapter 159: You Too?
1963 was a critical year for NASA.
It was also the year the Mercury Program concluded and the subsequent Gemini Program launched.
The former, on May 15-16 this year, Gordon Cooper successfully carried out the final mission of the Mercury Program.
He piloted Faith 7 to complete 22 Earth orbits, lasting 34 hours and 20 minutes, which was also the longest mission in the Mercury Program, successfully proving that humanity can stay in space for extended periods.
The Mercury Program came to a smooth end, and in this process, the basic technologies of manned spaceflight were verified, including rocket launch, orbital flight, spacecraft design, and recovery system.
The Gemini Program that was about to begin was aimed at developing more complex aerospace technologies, such as spacewalk, orbital rendezvous, and spacecraft docking, to prepare for the subsequent manned moon landing.
Of course, outside of these two programs, there were also scattered ones like the Ranger program for taking high-resolution photos of the lunar surface.
The photos here were mainly to be used for site selection for the manned moon landing.
There was also the highly successful Mariner Program, which for the first time helped NASA surpass the Soviet Union.
Last year, Mariner 2 successfully flew past Venus for the first time.
It was precisely because of the success of Mariner 2 that Kennedy had the confidence to go to the United Nations and say we can join forces with the Soviet Union for the moon landing.
After all, if you keep falling behind, saying such things would be seen as you can’t afford it, and anything about saving budget would be considered an excuse for not being able to afford it.
But with Mariner 2, those words become much more convincing.
There were also Explorer series satellites for studying Earth’s magnetic field, solar wind, and cosmic rays.
The Saturn rocket that had already begun development, with the Saturn I rocket having multiple successful launches this year.
The design of the Saturn V rocket was also underway, but it had not yet entered the actual testing phase.
The design work for the Apollo command/service module and lunar module (LM) was outsourced to General Aerospace, who brought in partners like Northrop Grumman and Boeing to collaborate and solve technical problems.
NASA’s Florida space center and Houston space center were both under construction.
In short, this year held numerous key figures for NASA.
And Lin Ran also found an utterly legitimate reason to make a trip each to Houston and Dallas.
The latter was where Kennedy’s open-top car had its wild ideas.
Lin Ran wanted to scout ahead.
Then rely on the door to go to Dallas later.
“Understood, my professor.” Jenny replied.
Lin Ran did not stay in the villa given to him by John Morgan, but stayed in Jenny’s apartment in Washington D.C.
The two had clearly entered a very delicate state.
“I heard John Morgan say that everyone is dissatisfied with Kennedy.” Lin Ran sighed, “A good man like President Kennedy, what a pity.”
After hearing this, Jenny said: “If America had no President Roosevelt, America might have been done for.
But no one wants to see another President Roosevelt appear.
Obviously, President Kennedy has this potential and this will; he has even already started trying.
Previously, when the steel companies raised prices, his forceful threat to the steel companies scared a lot of people.”
After hearing this, Lin Ran felt profound emotions inwardly; in America’s upper circles, everyone clearly knew what Kennedy wanted to do.
“And his policies did not flatter white people either.
Put it this way: compared to welfare benefits, those bottom white people would rather keep their privileges over black people and other minority ethnic groups.
And President Kennedy pushing the Civil Rights Act and associating with Martin Luther King, even if he increased welfare, white people, especially bottom white males, still wouldn’t buy it.
It’s just that the Elephant Party’s potential candidate next year is too trashy; otherwise, the Elephant Party might still have a chance to win.”
Jenny seemed unaware that Kennedy was about to die.
“How is Fred doing?” Lin Ran said, “I saw Fred on a TV program at Redstone Arsenal; I think he performed very well.”
With Nixon’s resource support, Fred was already a somewhat famous figure within the Elephant Party at this time.
He was about to participate in the New York City councilman election.
Because New York is America’s business center, the media here can reach all of America.
So even if Fred only appeared on local New York newspapers, TV programs, and radio stations, Lin Ran could occasionally see him.
He thought maybe it was genetic, but not T passing it to Fred, rather Fred passing it to T.
T had super strong charisma, and Fred did too.
On TV, he talked eloquently about New York municipal affairs, looking like a seasoned politician.
Lin Ran had thought at the time that Nixon was Eisenhower’s vice president and supported Fred in running for president.
On this timeline, could Fred have turned T into a political family?
Sixty years later, someone who had also been vice president would run the operation for T.
What a bizarre timeline this was.
“His performance on TV and debates with political enemies are certainly exciting.” Jenny, usually in Washington, had work far less busy than Lin Ran’s, so she watched more TV.
After knowing the idea Lin Ran gave Nixon, Jenny consciously tracked Fred’s performance and had Hearst’s media empire give Fred a little exposure.
Don’t underestimate this little exposure; it’s a resource other candidates desperately seek.
For Fred at this time, both Lin Ran and Jenny were his benefactors, at least in politics.
“His biggest problem is lack of nationwide fame.
His fame is limited to TV networks and around New York.
Nixon was Eisenhower’s vice president for eight years, and if you count his previous congressman career, his fame has ample accumulation.
Even the kitchen debate wasn’t Eisenhower’s, but his.
Compared to Nixon, what does Fred have?
What does he rely on to win the Northern states?
The Southern states wouldn’t even welcome a New York real estate businessman.
In short, in the political game, Fred is far, far behind; his only reliance is probably Nixon.
But for him, this is just a show, and not bad at all.
He can gain reputation now.
When Nixon really enters the White House, he can gain political interests.
He won’t lose out.”
Jenny was equally amazed by the strategy Lin Ran gave Nixon, deepening her impression of the professor’s omnipotence.
“By the way, professor, have you decided whether to sell the rights to The Truman Show to Warner Bros. or Mikoyan?”
Due to the space race plus the dark clouds of nuclear war lingering globally.
Sci-fi movies already had a certain market at this time and were slowly becoming popular.
Like Godzilla and The Day the Earth Stood Still, both from the 1950s.
However, sci-fi movies were usually produced by small or medium studios or independent companies, aimed at youth audiences or the B-movie market.
Mainstream major studios rarely got involved; they preferred historical films or musicals.
But The Truman Show was different; it was a sci-fi novel personally crafted by Lin Ran.
Philip K. Dick? Negligible in front of the professor.
Last month’s X-Men Issue 1 (September 1963) featured Magneto, named Randolph Lee, making his debut.
Magneto changed from Max Eisenhardt to Randolph Lee, from a German Jewish middle-class family to an adopted son of Chinese descent by a German Jewish middle-class family.
After World War II broke out, he was sent to Frankfurt University, influenced by cutting-edge philosophical trends.
Just short of directly naming him Randolph Lin.
Even comics tried every way to ride on Lin Ran’s popularity.
Movies, let alone.
Plus, Warner Bros. and Mikoyan weren’t unwilling to make sci-fi movies; they just lacked confidence.
They wanted to make something shocking enough to receive rave reviews and explode at the box office upon release.
And the best script had already appeared.
The Truman Show.
The novel was a big sale exceeding two million copies; Lin Ran production, protagonist is white and Chinese descent mixed race, fitting current social trends, plot sufficiently interesting.
Dream adaptation would have far more gimmick than what Lin Ran wrote.
So a battle for the rights to The Truman Show unfolded between Warner Bros. and Mikoyan.
“I have no opinion; handle the rights entirely as you see fit.” Lin Ran really didn’t care how much money was in his account.
He planned to convert it all to gold and pack it away before leaving America.
Houston, NASA Manned Spaceflight Center control room
In the control room, the air was filled with the low hum of electric current and the bitter smell of coffee.
The screen flickered with green data streams, simulating orbital flight curves.
Engineers spoke in low voices, tension coursing through like electric current.
This was Lin Ran’s second time at the Houston Manned Spaceflight Center, which would later be renamed Johnson Space Center.
Lin Ran stood in the center of the room, suited up, his gaze sweeping over the console; if not for finding an excuse, he wouldn’t want to come to Houston.
However, Lin Ran still held a notebook, pretending to be very serious, while Jenny followed behind him.
Jenny had obtained the corresponding security clearance; more precisely, Jenny’s security clearance level was no different from Lin Ran’s.
Christopher Kraft, who had previously served as flight director at Mercury Control Center, had been transferred here to serve as flight director.
“Kraft, you look a bit fatigued.” Lin Ran teased.
Kraft said helplessly: “Professor, since coming here, I’ve aged at least ten years!
The work here isn’t for humans.”
Although Lin Ran was special assistant for aerospace affairs, everyone was used to calling him professor.
He was only in his forties, with faint dark circles under his eyes looking just like he’d taken America’s classic stress-relief drug; even with focused expression, it couldn’t hide his fatigue.
“Kraft, orbital rendezvous simulation is one thing, but you need to pay attention to your health too.
How is your progress? I heard navigation precision is a difficult problem.”
Kraft looked up, a flash of anxiety in his eyes: “We’re working hard, professor. Vostok has successfully docked; we can’t fall behind again. But the navigation system is like a disobedient child. It keeps having issues.”
The senior engineer transferred here was also an acquaintance: Haines.
Kraft gestured for Haines to give a detailed introduction.
Haines said: “Orbital rendezvous is a key technology for spacecraft approaching and docking in orbit, crucial for the Gemini Program and Apollo Program.
Our current problems mainly focus on spacecraft navigation relying on inertial navigation system and ground tracking data, but these systems have limited precision in real-time calculation of orbital parameters, especially in dynamic rendezvous processes.
IBM 7090 is advanced, but its speed and precision in handling complex orbital calculations are insufficient; errors often appear in simulation tests.
Another difficult problem is our radar system; orbital rendezvous requires precise radar ranging and relative speed data, but the radar systems at the time perform unstably in space environments.”
Haines felt emotional; he had previously been a mid-level NASA engineer and bumped into Lin Ran on New York streets.
Even though he knew back then this guy was no small fry.
Still, the other’s skyrocketing speed far exceeded his imagination.
Now Lin Ran was his superior’s superior’s superior’s superior.
Spanning four levels.
And this was premised on him already having been promoted.
His previous leader, Rudolf, who should have been sitting here introducing to Lin Ran, had long vanished without a trace, dead or alive unknown.
Rudolf’s fate also instantly stripped the German scientists of the courage to oppose Lin Ran.
Who dared to take the lead?
Lin Ran nodded, his gaze turning to the data stream on the screen, tone firm: “This is not just a technical challenge; it’s a difficulty we must overcome.”
“Exactly, mainly the Soviet Union’s progress is too fast.
Last year their Vostok 3 and Vostok 4 weren’t exactly docking, but two spacecraft in orbit already put them ahead of us.
At least they could achieve approach at the orbital level between two different spacecraft through precise orbital parameters.
We suspect they could achieve orbital docking as early as this year, at latest next year.
We should speed up.” Kraft added.
Lin Ran casually wrote an equation on the blackboard: “Everyone, our core problem is insufficient real-time mathematical precision. The current orbit prediction algorithms have serious error accumulation. Let’s break down the problem.” Lin Ran pointed at the blackboard and continued: “First, orbit propagation. Currently using Kepler model, fine for short term, but in long simulations, perturbation effects enlarge errors. We need to upgrade the model, considering Earth’s oblateness and atmospheric drag.”
Suddenly, Lin Ran said: “Haines, do you still remember the error reduction method I once taught you?”
Haines was suddenly called out, looking embarrassed: “Sorry, professor, I don’t know what you’re referring to.
Perturbation algorithms don’t seem to solve this. We tried Encke’s method to reduce error, but the computation load is too heavy; IBM 7090 can’t handle it.”
Lin Ran smiled and said: “Encke’s method is a good direction, but it’s too verbose. You can consider using variable step-size Runge-Kutta method for optimization.
Smaller steps at perigee, larger at apogee, improving precision while reducing computational burden.”
Haines thought thoughtfully, began calculating on his own notebook, and after ten minutes or so, he looked up in surprise: “This really saves a lot of time!”
Kraft asked: “Professor, but sensor data fusion is still a problem; radar and inertial navigation often disagree.”
Kraft thought Lin Ran rarely came to Houston once, so squeeze as much wool as possible.
As NASA management who had worked with Lin Ran, Kraft knew the professor’s skills all too well.
Lin Ran drew a filter schematic on the blackboard: “This can be solved with Kalman filter. It fuses multi-source data in real time, reducing noise.
If you don’t know, discuss with General Aerospace; they definitely have reserves of this technology. Alternatively, try simplified least squares method first.”
Haines asked curiously: “How to implement Kalman filter in our system?”
Lin Ran explained: “It has two steps: first predict position with orbit model, then correct with sensor data. Effectively reduces random errors.”
Kraft pondered: “Can the computer handle these matrix operations?”
Lin Ran nodded, as if it were obvious: “Yes. Precompute partial matrices, optimize code with assembly language, and it meets real-time needs.”
Kraft continued: “Also the control system; propulsion system response is slow, often overshoots.”
Lin Ran wrote the feedback equation: “Try PID controller. Adjust propulsion system based on error, integral, and derivative for smooth movement and reduced overshoot.”
Haines thought and asked: “PID is more advanced than our current proportional controller, but is debugging complex?”
Lin Ran said: “Of course it takes time, but you have simulators. Ground test different parameters to find optimal settings.
This requires optimizing propulsion system response through proportional, integral, and derivative terms to ensure precise attitude adjustment.”
Kraft felt the intricate maze was about to be navigated; he breathed a sigh of relief: “Professor, your suggestions are too helpful! They give us hope; the Gemini Program is feasible.”
Lin Ran patted his shoulder: “Mathematics and algorithms are key. Use them well, and the moon landing goal isn’t far.”
Dallas, General Aerospace Factory assembly workshop
Inside the workshop, machines roared like thunder, welding sparks flew, workers assembling F-8 Crusader fighter jet fuselages.
The air was thick with motor oil and steel smells, starkly different from Houston’s precision control room.
Lin Ran walked slowly accompanied by the factory manager, his curious gaze sweeping over every piece of equipment.
Factory manager John Yardley was in his early 50s, with a heavy Texas accent.
Lin Ran stopped in front of an engine, marveling: “John, this thrust is impressive. What innovations have you made in jet technology?”
Yardley straightened up, tone steady: “Professor, we have advantages in high-temperature materials and thrust control. The Saturn program’s F-1 engine can use it.”
If not for other NASA staff accompanying, John Yardley would have wanted to call him boss.
As a senior employee of the Morgan family, with three generations serving them, he was previously a General Electric engineer, then moved to General Aerospace after the split, and after takeover of Glenn Martin, parachuted in as Morgan representative to this former Glenn Martin factory.
Randolph nodded thoughtfully: “F-1 is a colossus.”
John Yardley, voice booming: “Of course, professor! Dallas has this strength!”
Yardley added: “But it’s not a simple switch, sir. Spacecraft demand scary reliability; we need to be very cautious.”
On this inspection trip to Dallas and Houston, Lin Ran fully felt why America could achieve the moon landing in this spacetime.
Massive factories, engineers, workers; the complex and complete industrial base was key to their moon landing success.
He also felt the Dallas people’s love for their homeland, something he never felt in New York sixty years later.
America’s decline was so rapid and thorough, Lin Ran thought.
At the same time, the most important was the door; Lin Ran had prepared the door in Dallas, and just as he was about to return to Redstone Arsenal to quietly await the day of Kennedy’s death.
In John Yardley’s office, the other suddenly said to him: “Professor, someone is going to assassinate Kennedy.”
