Chapter 186: Professor Micro-manages Moscow
The Moon has no sound.
The television is only playing slight noise from signal transmission.
Hoyle has repeatedly mentioned this in previous live broadcasts.
“Sound is the vibrational form of sound waves propagating through a medium. The lunar surface is almost a vacuum, lacking an atmosphere, so sound waves cannot propagate, thus the external environment has no sound.
Earth has sound, thanks to its air acting as the medium.”
But at this moment, the audience in front of their televisions will subconsciously feel that this is the sound from the Moon, the sound from deep space 320,000 kilometers away.
Then images from the Moon appear on the television, very blurry, only vaguely showing undulating mountains and traces of a few craters made by meteorites.
It’s more like a still image than video, a silent image.
“Oh, it’s truly unbelievable. Last century humanity was still exploring how to fly into the sky, and in this century, humanity can already land on the Moon and bring back images from the Moon.” Cronkite’s voice rises, adding voice-over to this monotonous image.
Hoyle corrects: “The Wright brothers built the airplane in 1903. To be precise, sixty years ago humanity built the first modern successful airplane.
Sixty years later, we sent humanity to the Moon.
I’m looking forward to whether, sixty years from now, humanity’s footsteps have stepped out of the Solar System.”
If only Lin Ran weren’t watching the live broadcast—Lin Ran would tell you, no, not only did they not step out of the Solar System, they even regressed; no one landed on the Moon again in the entire 21st century.
This is also the significance of the Cold War; it drove human technology to develop at an unprecedented speed.
After the Cold War ended, humanity lacked this motivation.
It’s not that technological progress is slow, but rather that there’s no motivation to bring a better future to humanity; the era of idealism has completely vanished, and history has turned a new page.
“Compared to the vibrant Earth, the Moon really has a unique beauty, a beauty brought by vastness and solitude.” Cronkite said.
The entire image lasted half an hour, with Cronkite and Hoyle chatting for half an hour.
Different television stations are playing the same image, with different hosts having different commentary styles.
Because the duration is too long and the image is motionless, whenever moon dust is clearly raised in large amounts, the commentators get excited and talk for a long time.
Because this proves it’s a live broadcast, not a still image.
Until a foot appears in the image.
Cronkite’s voice is trembling: “Oh!
Gagarin! Gagarin has appeared.”
At this moment on the Moon, only Gagarin is there.
If there was anyone besides Gagarin, it would turn into a late-night horror show.
But it’s not just Gagarin who can go; Lin Ran has seen the fuel tank with his own eyes and checked each one inside—if he wanted to go, he could open a hatch and go too.
There’s just no need to turn humanity’s great moon landing moment into a scare.
Lin Ran doesn’t want to turn a technology-side world into a mystery side; we’ll talk about it when the 1970s come and the US and Soviet Union frantically research superpowers with qigong masters popping up everywhere.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is CBS news, I’m Walter Cronkite.
We are witnessing one of the most exciting moments in space exploration history.
Look! Yuri Gagarin’s leg appears in the lens; he is emerging near the American fuel module ‘Eagle’.
This is a key phase of the US-Soviet joint moon landing mission; Gagarin will push the fuel tank back to the Soviet lunar module to prepare for return to Earth.
Gagarin’s leg is in sight!
A distance of 1,200 meters is half an hour of anxious waiting for the audience in front of their televisions, but for Gagarin, it’s half an hour of difficult progress!
But he did it; he smoothly reached the front of the fuel tank!” Cronkite’s tone is excited.
Because this means one difficult problem after another has been overcome, and the probability of Gagarin successfully returning to Earth is rising.
Except for a few people, almost everyone hopes to see Gagarin return safely.
Hoyle explains: “That’s right, this shows that during the landing of NASA’s lunar module, it was really very close to the Soviet lunar module.
So close that Gagarin could spot NASA’s lunar module and see the specific direction.
That’s how he could arrive at the scene in 30 minutes.”
Cronkite: “Professor Hoyle, this is an extraordinary image.
Gagarin’s leg appears first in the lens—what does this tell us he’s about to do now?”
Hoyle is equally excited in expression; he explains:
“Cronkite, Gagarin now needs to complete the inspection of the fuel tank to ensure the propellant tanks are intact.
Then prepare to move the fuel system, which contains hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide, for the Soviet lunar module’s ascent.
The fuel tank has wheels for easy movement in the low lunar gravity environment.
Look, his movements are careful, adapting to the gravity that’s only one-sixth of Earth’s.
You can see that although Gagarin’s movements are careful, they are still very smooth.
It should be as the professor said; he has undergone repeated practice on Earth.”
The lens pulls back, and Gagarin’s full body enters the view.
He bends over, grips the push rod of the fuel tank with both hands, and begins to push it slowly. Moon dust rises under the wheels, leaving shallow tracks. Craters and distant mountains are visible in the background.
Cronkite’s tone is excited: “Now we see Gagarin’s complete figure! He is pushing the fuel tank across the lunar surface.
Professor Hoyle, the moon soil looks very fine—what impact does this have on his actions?”
Hoyle points to the image and says:
“This is due to the resolution; the image we can transmit back is not clear.
But in reality, the moon soil is indeed very fine, like talcum powder, easily raised.
Every step Gagarin takes should stir up dust, but due to the Moon’s lack of atmosphere, this dust falls quickly without suspending.
Look, the fuel tank’s wheels leave clear tracks in the moon dust.
Along the way, he needs to avoid small craters and rocks to maintain stability.”
Cronkite listens to his headphones and raises his hand to signal.
Cronkite: “We are receiving Gagarin’s audio. Let’s listen.”
Gagarin speaks in Russian, with translators providing simultaneous translation:
“Control center, this is Gagarin. Moving the fuel tank, about 1000 meters from the lunar module. Terrain smooth, systems normal.”
Cronkite smiles and claps: “Gagarin’s voice is clear and strong! He reports still 1000 meters from the Soviet lunar module.
Professor Hoyle, what does a distance of 1000 meters mean on the Moon?”
Hoyle’s tone is relaxed: “On the Moon, 1000 meters isn’t far.
After all, the gravity here is only 1.625 meters per second squared; the fuel tank should weigh about the same as two adult men on Earth.
According to my calculations, Gagarin is expected to complete this distance in 20 to 25 minutes.
His spacesuit has oxygen and cooling system, enough to handle temperatures over 100 degrees Celsius in sunlight for more than 1 hour.”
In the image, Gagarin continues pushing, bypassing a small crater, movements slightly clumsy but stable.
The Soviet lunar module gradually appears in the distance, with two flags in front clearly visible.
“Look at that image! The Soviet lunar module looms in the background, Stars and Stripes and hammer and sickle flag facing the sunlight.
This cooperation in the Cold War is truly unbelievable.
Professor Hoyle, what significance does this have for future space exploration?”
Hoyle explains: “Cronkite, this proves humanity can find common goals amid competition.
Engineers from both sides cooperated to design compatible fuel systems; there may be more joint missions in the future, even a moon base.
This is not only a technical victory but also a symbol of peace.”
England’s scientists are eager for such cooperation, as it symbolizes peace and humanity’s shared future.
But England’s politicians don’t think so.
The Cold War concept was single-handedly created by Churchill, with both Cold War and Iron Curtain.
As traditional troublemakers, England never wants to see America and the Soviet Union cooperate.
But even so, most employees at Downing Street are still praying for Gagarin, hoping he can smoothly return to Earth.
In the image, Gagarin approaches the lunar module, about 50 meters away.
As he gradually nears the lunar module, Gagarin slows down, adjusting the fuel tank’s position.
Cronkite: “Gagarin is now very close to the lunar module! He seems to be adjusting the fuel tank, preparing to connect.
Professor Hoyle, what does he do next?”
Hoyle says: “He needs to secure the fuel tank next to the lunar module and connect the transfer hoses.
These hoses are designed to ensure seals, preventing propellant leaks.
Gagarin is transferring fuel from America’s fuel tank to the lunar module.
This is a key step in the mission, as the lunar module needs enough fuel to lift off and return to Earth orbit.
He is connecting the fuel pipe, which has a double-seal design to ensure no leaks in the Moon’s vacuum environment.
The entire step is not easy. Low gravity makes movements slow and hard to control; clearly Gagarin has undergone strict training and knows how to cope.
Next, Gagarin needs to manually operate the valves, start pumping, and transfer about 500 kilograms of fuel.
This may take 20 to 30 minutes.”
In the image, Gagarin stops the fuel tank, bends over to check the interfaces. He takes out the hose and begins connecting it, movements slow but precise.
Cronkite’s tone tense: “Gagarin is connecting the hose; this is a critical moment. Any mistake could affect the mission.
You can see from Gagarin’s movements that he is very familiar with this system; the entire action has no pause!”
Gagarin’s voice comes from NASA: “Hose connection complete. Checking seals, preparing to pump.”
Hoyle interprets: “Hear that? Gagarin confirms the connection is successful.
This shows the interfaces from both sides are fully compatible.”
Gagarin stands straight, waiting for pumping to complete.
He squats down, finds the fuel tank’s camera, and smiles while giving a thumbs up.
Cronkite beaming:
“Look! That’s Gagarin’s signature smile, and he even gave us a thumbs up!
You can see Gagarin has full confidence in this success; this is a signal of success! Audience friends, we are witnessing history.”
Hoyle also smiling: “Great! Fuel transfer should be done soon.
Next, Gagarin will disconnect the hose, return to the lunar module, and prepare for ascent.”
Gagarin disconnects the hose, pushes the fuel tank away, and heads to the lunar module hatch.
He looks back at the fuel tank once, then enters the lunar module.
Cronkite’s tone solemn:
“Gagarin has completed the mission! He pushed the fuel tank across 1200 meters of lunar surface, successfully connected and transferred the fuel. Now, he enters the lunar module to prepare for return to Earth. Professor Hoyle, thank you for your wonderful commentary.”
The image hasn’t ended; Gagarin comes out again, using a pre-prepared device to collect moon soil.
Hoyle exclaims: “Gagarin is digging moon soil; we’ll soon know on Earth exactly what the Moon’s soil is composed of!”
Then Gagarin returns to the lunar module and closes the hatch.
Hoyle continues: “Cronkite, we have witnessed an era; this is a moment worth remembering.”
Cronkite faces the lens:
“Ladies and gentlemen, today we witnessed the power of human unity. The US-Soviet cooperation on the Moon proves that space is a shared domain. We will continue to bring you the latest reports. This is Walter Cronkite for CBS news.
Next, we will witness the final phase, the lunar module’s return!”
Originally thought ignition would happen soon, but they waited a long time without entering the ignition phase.
“There seems to be an accident; according to the message I got earlier, ignition to return to Earth should happen within ten minutes.” Hoyle’s tone somewhat anxious.
Inside Redstone Arsenal control center, lights are bright, the atmosphere very relaxed.
Engineers gather around the console, screens displaying trajectory data.
Lin Ran stands in the center, headphones pressed to his ears, preparing to communicate with Moscow.
Moscow’s Soviet mission control center atmosphere is much more tense than NASA’s; Korolev supervises operations, the team verifies Gagarin’s ignition parameters.
The air is thick with cigarette smoke, teletype machines clicking.
“Randolph, projected ignition time T+144 hours 35 minutes, burn 3 minutes 10 seconds, yaw angle 0.2 degrees.” Korolev’s voice comes through.
After hearing, Lin Ran starts frantically calculating: “No! Korolev, this launch will have problems!”
After running through the data in his brain, Lin Ran says: “You overlooked the phase change in the elliptical orbit.
Approximating with a circular orbit for regression won’t work.
Correct the launch parameters: T+144 hours 55 minutes, burn 3 minutes 10 seconds, yaw angle 0.4 degrees.”
Korolev inwardly doubts: We’ve calculated this data according to pre-designed specs; you want me to change it just because you say so?
And even more doubt comes from the fact that America’s fuel module landed smoothly, and fuel transfer was completed successfully.
Now it’s just about whether Gagarin can smoothly return to Earth.
If at this time America deliberately sabotages to prevent Gagarin from returning, that would be big fun.
“How are you sure?” Korolev’s tone calm, but inwardly full of uncertainty.
He has met Lin Ran twice and knows Lin Ran isn’t that kind of person, but what if it’s White House orders?
What if it’s Lyndon Johnson’s intention?
Countless thoughts flash through Korolev’s mind.
Lin Ran’s voice rises: “I verified with gravity field data and an optimized algorithm; your launch risks perfectly missing Earth, causing a 200 km orbit error!
Korolev, please trust me; I won’t give you wrong parameters. I hope just as much as you for Gagarin to return to Earth smoothly!”
Korolev still struggles inwardly: “Randolph, I know, but how do you guarantee you’re right?”
Lin Ran says: “Because I can land the fuel module only 1200 meters from the lunar module; my data calculation precision is far more accurate than yours!
I designed a new GRAIL gravity model and RK4 integral for recalculating the launch.
Used nonlinear optimization to compute the optimal ignition time and burn duration, ensuring minimal Δv and orbit error.
In the field of mathematics, don’t doubt me.”
Korolev falls silent.
It really is.
Even if someone could doubt Lin Ran in the field of mathematics, that person isn’t in Moscow’s space control center.
Korolev silent, inwardly struggling.
He trusts his team, but Lin Ran’s tone and mathematical expertise are undeniable.
He turns to assistant Ivan Petrov: “How long to verify NASA’s data.”
Petrov warns: “At least an hour; too late.”
Lin Ran says: “Korolev, please trust me; no one can calculate launch precision more accurately than I.”
Korolev closes his eyes for a moment, then, “Okay.”
Lin Ran’s suspended heart relaxes, “Thank you; facts will prove your choice was right.”
Korolev continues: “We’ll relay the signal to NASA; contact Gagarin directly afterward.”
Lin Ran thinks to himself, this time I’ve really become the director of the Soviet Space Agency.
Redstone Arsenal, Lin Ran turns to John Smith: “Connect to Gagarin, via fuel module relay.
Moscow has transferred Gagarin’s command authority to me.”
After hearing, John Smith inwardly thinks “Ah? This works too?” but remains composed on the surface, “Yes, professor!”
This news quickly spreads to every engineer in the control center.
Everyone inwardly feels like their mission is done.
Turns out only their mission is done; the professor’s isn’t.
Moscow trusts Lin Ran more than themselves for the return; what prestige, what spirit.
Everyone turns to look at Lin Ran.
Lin Ran helplessly shakes his head: “If you’re done, go collect the data; soonest next year, latest three years, we’re executing our own moon landing program!”
Communications officer adjusts frequency; screen shows signal strength.
Lin Ran: “Gagarin, this is NASA Redstone Arsenal; respond if you hear.”
Hearing the familiar Russian, Gagarin is slightly surprised and presses the comm key: “Professor, this is Gagarin, received.
What’s the situation?”
Before launch, he heard Lin Ran and Korolev chatting, knowing only Lin Ran at Redstone Arsenal dares speak Russian openly.
So he immediately knows who’s calling.
Lin Ran commands: “Gagarin, Soviet calculations aren’t precise enough.
Correct launch parameters: T+144 hours 55 minutes, burn 3 minutes 10 seconds, yaw angle 0.4 degrees; confirm!”
Gagarin’s heart races, unease flashing inwardly.
He trusts Moscow, but the professor’s professionalism is equally convincing.
He flips through notes, checks original plan: “Professor, received; let me confirm with Moscow.”
30 seconds later, Gagarin’s voice again: “Professor, ignition time T+144 hours 55 minutes, burn 3 minutes 10 seconds, yaw angle 0.4 degrees. Confirmed correct?”
Lin Ran: “Confirmed correct, Gagarin. Please update navigation computer.”
Gagarin operates panel, inputs new parameters; screen flashes, shows new trajectory curve.
Inwardly tense: “If the professor is right”
He shakes off distractions, focuses on instruments.
He contacts Moscow: “Control center, Gagarin. NASA reports mass error; I’ve updated parameters, please confirm.”
Korolev responds: “Gagarin, execute NASA parameters. Data reliable.”
Gagarin nods: “Okay.”
He adjusts sitting position, checks oxygen, prepares for ignition.
Lunar surface, timer shows T+144 hours 55 minutes.
Gagarin presses ignition button; engine roars, cabin shakes violently.
He grips control stick tightly, stares at instruments. Flames jet, moon dust rises then falls quickly, silent.
Gagarin’s voice over radio: “Ignition successful! Ascending, systems normal.”
Moscow, Korolev watches data closely, inwardly slightly relieved.
Gagarin monitors trajectory; screen shows entry into 100 km orbit.
10,000 words updated, begging for a monthly ticket!
