Chapter 212: Explosives In Gps Satellites?
Hugh Dryden knocked on the door and entered, reminding in a low voice: “Professor, it’s time.”
Lin Ran turned around, walked to the desk, and picked up the heavy report documents.
The cover of the documents was printed with “AS-201 Test Report,” and the paper pages carried the temperature of just being printed.
Lin Ran nodded, straightened his deep blue suit, and stepped out of the office with the documents.
When Lin Ran was led into the office, Lyndon Johnson looked up and showed a tired smile. “Randolph, welcome. Please sit.” He pointed to the leather chair opposite, his voice low and powerful.
Lin Ran could tell at a glance that the other man was overwhelmed by the Vietnam War.
Lin Ran sat down, opened the folder, adjusted his sitting position, and began reporting:
“Mr. President, I’m pleased to report to you that the unmanned test of the Apollo Program has been a complete success. Our team has gone all out over the past few months and finally successfully launched AS-201 on November 26. This is the Apollo Program’s first flight test, and the performance of the rocket and spaceship both exceeded expectations.”
Johnson put down his pen, leaned his body slightly forward, and gazed sharply at Lin Ran: “Tell me specifically, Randolph, what does this test success mean?”
He urgently needed good news to dispel the adverse effects of the Vietnam War.
Lin Ran paused, organizing his words: “Mr. President, this test verified the design reliability of our spaceship and rocket.
After launch, AS-201 successfully entered the predetermined orbit, and all key systems, from the propulsion system to navigation equipment, operated normally.
This paves the way for our next plans, including future manned flights.”
Lyndon Johnson nodded, looking very satisfied. He clearly remembered that NASA’s progress was two years ahead of the original plan.
This was undoubtedly Lin Ran’s merit.
Lin Ran’s work at NASA was obvious to all. Even conservative newspapers had previously published articles suggesting replacing Lin Ran with some famous American scientist.
But now, even conservative media had fallen silent on this.
But Johnson then frowned again: “How far are we from Kennedy’s promise?
When exactly can we achieve a standalone manned moon landing?
American public eagerly hopes to see Americans on the moon.”
Lin Ran thought to himself, “The public hopes? I think it’s you who hopes so.”
Lin Ran said firmly: “Mr. President, this success is an important step toward the moon landing.
We plan to advance step by step in the coming years, including more unmanned tests and manned missions. I’m confident that we can send Americans to the moon in two years, that is, in 1967.”
After a moment of silence, Lyndon Johnson said: “Professor, I fully believe in you and your team.
This is not only a scientific victory but also America’s victory. I’ll do everything to fight for the budget for you.”
Lin Ran smiled and responded: “I understand, Mr. President. We’ll optimize resources to ensure every penny is spent on the crucial point. NASA’s team is the best; we won’t let you down.”
Lyndon Johnson then asked: “How is the research and development of the reusable rocket going?”
Lin Ran said: “Everything is normal; the progress is advancing quickly. We conducted a launch test last year and should be able to complete it before 1970 as planned.”
The reusable rocket had received part of Congress’s budget, similar to government and enterprise joint research and development.
The order was given to General Aerospace, with Lin Ran providing technical guidance.
Lyndon Johnson stood up and patted Lin Ran’s shoulder: “Good, keep it up. The country needs this victory, and so do I.”
He continued: “McNamara has something for you; go to the Pentagon to see him. There’s a new task for you.”
When Lin Ran left the White House, the cold wind blew across his face, and he was thinking about what the task could be.
America was currently deeply mired in the Baiyue quagmire.
Lin Ran began recalling the news he had seen about the Baiyue quagmire.
Some recent messages from Western reporters in Saigon admitted that America’s fantasy of massive troop increases in South Vietnam to reverse the defeat had shattered, and the situation was very unfavorable for America.
The New York Times published a report from Saigon ten days ago saying, “According to some important military authorities, nine months after more and more American combat troops took action, America remains on the defensive in Baiyue.”
“People sincerely and frankly admit that due to wrong assumptions, President Johnson’s ‘first increase’ decision for the US Military in July this year did not achieve the expected results.”
“A very responsible person said, ‘I don’t think anyone would say we are now in a good offensive position.'”
“Some current trends illustrate the Baiyue situation, which no longer seems as hopeful and optimistic as two months ago.”
“The US Military has yet to demonstrate adaptation to long-term combat in the jungles and bushes north of Saigon. The so-called ‘staying power’ of American troops is limited.”
“After about three weeks of fighting with battalions rotating near Pleime, 1st Cavalry Division troops had to withdraw.” A US Military combat officer admitted, “The 1st Cavalry Division suffered serious combat casualties and malaria casualties; this division ‘lost two or three thousand men in foxholes.'”
An Associated Press report in early December said, “Despite massive increases in US Military, the allies in Baiyue still lack sufficient strength to effectively combat the Viet Cong.”
In jungle areas like Chulai, Anxi, and Binh Gia, “bases have been established, but the question is: ‘Where can we go from here?'”
American Marines stationed at the Da Nang Air Force Base admitted that Baiyue Southern Liberation Army “still infiltrates the defense perimeter, using landmines to bomb highways or attacking this air force base.”
A recent article from Saigon in England’s Observer said, “The Baiyue War is now evolving into an unpredictable Korean-style stalemate that could last who knows how long. … This is the situation US Military commanders have said since the Korean War ended should never be fallen into.”
“Now the people of Baiyue (according to the South Vietnam puppet regime) have a completely new feeling about this war, in startling contrast to early this year.”
In 1965, throughout the year, people’s feeling was that, in the White House’s propaganda, America was achieving one victory after another.
In terms of propagandizing victories, the White House sixty years ago and sixty years later were no different.
And in the public’s feeling, it was just more and more American troops being sent to Baiyue.
Negative news from the Baiyue front lines kept coming in the media.
In short, there was absolutely no talk of victory.
Lin Ran thought, could it be that he was going to join the command staff, be at the Pentagon, and command victory from thousands of miles away?
Was he going to become a micro-management master like the bald one?
Impossible, absolutely impossible.
After all, he had never proven himself in the military; scientists and military commanders were worlds apart.
Lyndon Johnson wouldn’t assign command tasks to him just because a professor’s life had only success and no failure, would he? He shouldn’t be that superstitious.
On the way to the Pentagon in Arlington County, Virginia, southwest of Washington D.C., Lin Ran was lost in thought.
The Pentagon’s meeting room was dimly lit, with heavy curtains blocking the windows, and the clock on the wall pointing to 3 p.m.
Compared to the previous meeting room, this time the table had, besides documents, maps, and casualty reports, several portable electronic calculators printed with General Electric logos.
A large Vietnam map occupied the center, with red and blue markers in the Ia Drang Valley particularly striking.
The air was filled with the smell of paper and an atmosphere of tension.
McNamara occasionally tapped the calculator keyboard, trying to calculate their battle damage ratio.
This kind of work could completely be handed over to consultants, but due to McNamara’s habit, he had to calculate it himself, calling it ensuring the consultants wouldn’t deceive him.
In plain words, he just wanted to calculate it himself; not doing so made him feel uncomfortable inside.
McNamara sat at the head of the table, with a report labeled “Ia Drang Campaign Summary” spread out in front of him.
He frowned, his gaze scanning the documents, his pen stopping beside the number “151 deaths.”
McNamara looked up, his gaze sweeping over everyone, his tone heavy: “Gentlemen, the results of the Ia Drang Campaign deeply trouble me.
The losses at LZ Albany were too great: 151 deaths, 121 wounded.
This shows that North Vietnam’s combat power and tactical flexibility far exceed our expectations.”
He felt a slight sense of frustration inside; data was the cornerstone of his decisions, but now it revealed strategic flaws.
Westmoreland’s voice came over the phone from faraway Baiyue: “Mr. McNamara, LZ X-Ray demonstrated our firepower advantage, but the ambush at LZ Albany exposed weaknesses in jungle combat. North Vietnam’s close-combat ability and retreat speed caught us off guard.”
He felt heartbroken for the sacrifices of the frontline soldiers, but as a commander, he had to remain calm.
Westmoreland actually wanted to curse McNamara as a fool, but he held back.
He knew it was pointless to speak up at such a time.
He hoped America would continue reinforcing troops; at this moment, he firmly believed reinforcement was the only way out.
Secretary of State Rusk Bundy cleared his throat lightly: “Bob, this year’s death toll has reached 1928, far exceeding last year’s 216. Pressure from Congress and the media is increasing, and public support is wavering.”
Bundy worried that high casualties would affect the president’s re-election; he hoped to find a balance between military and politics.
McNamara rubbed his temples, pondered for a moment: “I know, Mike, but we can’t let North Vietnam succeed. ‘Search and Destroy’ has made some progress, but it’s not enough to end the war quickly. We need to reassess the strategy.”
Comer flipped through the documents: “Gentlemen, the Rolling Thunder bombing has not cut off the Ho Chi Minh Trail; North Vietnam’s supply lines remain resilient. We need to increase air strike intensity.”
Comer knew well that logistics was the lifeline of war, and worried that endless attrition warfare would wear down the US Military.
Bundy continued: “Bob, if we escalate the war, it might trigger greater conflict. We need balance between military and diplomacy.”
“North Vietnam’s resistance exceeds expectations; we need more troops and resources. I suggest requesting reinforcements from the president, while strengthening air strikes and intelligence gathering.” McNamara took a deep breath, his tone firm.
Bundy asked: “I heard the president agreed to let the professor support us technically; when will he arrive?”
Bundy thought, if the war had to be simplified into a mathematical problem, having the professor come wouldn’t be worse than McNamara; in the field of mathematics, the professor was invincible.
McNamara said: “No, no, no; the professor’s support will take time.
We just have a national defense research project to hand over to the professor, not to have him command the battles.”
Westmoreland in faraway Baiyue had been happy for a moment; not considering the professor’s own halo, at least the professor was a normal person, while McNamara was too abnormal.
Moreover, his thinking was similar to Bundy’s: under the current situation, replacing with anyone wouldn’t be worse than McNamara.
But McNamara’s words quickly extinguished their sparks of hope.
Still had to let this micro-management master command.
After hesitating, Bundy spoke: “Reinforcements might stabilize the situation, but we need a long-term plan. Secret negotiations might be a way out.”
McNamara shook his head: “Negotiation requires us to hold battlefield advantage; otherwise, North Vietnam won’t compromise. We show strength first, then talk political solutions.”
This was just the beginning.
End the battle in half a year? Where would Commissioner Smith and others go to make money, how would the military-industrial complex get rich? Who would buy the goods from the major financial magnates?
He continued emphasizing: “Military pressure is the cornerstone of diplomacy! We absolutely cannot back down now!”
After the meeting ended, McNamara didn’t even have time to organize the documents; he hurried to his office to wait for the professor’s arrival.
“Professor, long time no see.” McNamara’s tone was eager, the fatigue from the war swept away. “I told you you should come work for the Department of Defense. All the math PhDs recruited by the Department of Defense combined couldn’t match you.”
Lin Ran smiled: “If quantity could match me, humanity’s footprints should already cover the solar system.”
McNamara flattered: “You’re right.
Professor, back to the main topic: I have a project I hope to hand over to you. You’ve participated in this project before and know the whole process very well.”
Lin Ran said: “I need to see what specific project it is.”
McNamara said: “Satellite timing system; its predecessor is the Transit system.
Originally, the Navy’s development of this project was progressing slowly, but with your assistance, it was enabled last year.
The effect was very successful; I believe you’ve seen the report.
Five satellites reduced the Navy’s submarine positioning error to a few hundred meters—a true miracle.
Professor, without you, the Transit system wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.
But as you know, Transit was a breakthrough, but it’s too limited.”
Lin Ran nodded: “Of course. Doppler shift positioning works for submarines, but for fighter jets, ground troops, or even future missiles, its speed and two-dimensional limitations are a bottleneck.”
Lin Ran thought, finally it had come.
Whether reusable rockets or guidance on Transit itself, it was all to seize this opportunity.
Personally participating in the satellite timing system, which had another familiar name: GPS.
“Professor, you’re absolutely right; it has very obvious limitations. Though already a miracle, we hope to go further.” McNamara said, “Professor, do you have any better methods?”
Lin Ran said: “Of course. To build a new system covering the globe, three-dimensional and real-time.
I believe a large number of satellites plus atomic clocks can achieve it.
Current technology for small cesium clock prototypes can already do it: shrink the size to fit satellites while maintaining microsecond precision.
For signal design, just create a new coding that resists interference and supports precise ranging.
This is my specialty; coding is just a special type of mathematics.
As for orbits, just get the Navy to agree to share their ground station data.
This is completely feasible in theory.
For me, theoretically feasible means practically feasible.”
McNamara’s pupils dilated because Lin Ran’s technical proposal was no different from what the Transit team had spent half a year creating.
The Transit team’s proposal specifically told him at least 24 satellites were needed.
Lin Ran’s casual proposal coincided perfectly with Transit’s carefully designed one.
This both surprised McNamara, marveling that the professor was indeed the professor, and further solidified his idea to hand the project to Lin Ran.
Otherwise, with the Transit team, who knows how long it would take them to figure it out.
What was word of mouth? This was word of mouth.
“Professor, how much investment do you think is needed?” McNamara asked.
After thinking for a moment, Lin Ran answered: “Around 1 billion US dollars should do it.
Package it with the reusable rocket, hand launch to system research and development to NASA, and it should save even more.
However, there are some issues: the entire project involves the Navy, Air Force, and Army, requiring their extensive cooperation.”
McNamara said: “Don’t worry about that. The satellite timing system will make every airplane and every missile precise to tens of meters; the rules of war will change, and the military won’t refuse.”
Lin Ran casually picked up a sheet of white paper from McNamara and wrote GPS on it: “I suggest calling it Global Positioning System, abbreviated GPS.
Concise, descriptive, and has a futuristic feel.
If funding is in place, we can launch the first test satellite by early next year to verify the clock and signal.
By 1970, if the reusable rocket plan goes smoothly, there should be 20 satellites operating, covering most global areas.
The full constellation for global coverage can also be completed around ’75; it’s a long run, but every step will bring returns.”
After writing GPS, Lin Ran drew a timeline on the paper.
McNamara nodded: “GPS? Great name!
Professor, I’ll communicate with the Secretary of the Navy and Secretary of the Air Force as soon as possible; I don’t think there’ll be big issues.
Meanwhile, you can do preliminary communication with the Transit team; once I’m done, their team will transfer overall from the Navy to NASA.
The subsequent GPS project will be fully handled by NASA.”
Lin Ran was ecstatic inside but kept a calm face on the surface: “Guaranteed to complete the task.”
In Lin Ran’s plan, controlling GPS research and development was very important; without it, no big deal, but with it, he could accelerate igniting the world’s progress by a lot.
McNamara moved quickly; the next day, the Transit team began moving to Redstone Arsenal to work.
The original Transit system team members had often gone to Redstone Arsenal to consult Lin Ran, so they were not unfamiliar with it.
Transit team head Richard Kshona was even more of Lin Ran’s loyal follower due to past cooperation.
“Professor, we plan to use multiple satellites, each equipped with high-precision clocks, broadcasting time signals.
Ground receivers calculate their position in real-time by measuring the time difference of signal arrival.
We’ve discussed small atomic clocks with APL; their size can fit in satellites.
Compared to Transit using five satellites for global coverage, our initial estimate is that GPS needs at least 24 satellites, distributed in different orbits, ensuring any point on Earth can see at least four simultaneously to calculate three-dimensional position and time.” After brief pleasantries, Richard Kshona reported.
Lin Ran nodded: “Very good. Three for determining position, the fourth for correcting the receiver’s clock error.”
The core R&D members present, hearing Lin Ran immediately point out their core design logic, only felt the professor was amazing and not surprised.
The professor was just that omnipotent; if Lin Ran didn’t know, they would have been the surprised ones.
Richard Kshona continued: “For signal modulation, we plan to use pseudo-random noise codes.
Each satellite transmits a unique PRN sequence; receivers distinguish signals via correlation detection. This resists interference and improves multipath suppression.
Our only doubt is whether receivers can handle it, given limited transistors; power consumption could be a big issue.”
Lin Ran said: “Do subtraction: set PRN code length to 1023 bits, gold code is enough.
Correlation calculations can use fast Fourier Transform for optimization; receivers process only necessary segments, power fully controllable.”
Richard Kshona immediately understood Lin Ran’s meaning and clapped: “Working under the professor is too easy.
PRN also supports code division multiple access, letting all satellites share frequency bands, avoiding frequency conflicts. This is far more advanced than Transit’s single-frequency design.”
Lin Ran said nothing, clearly accustomed to such flattery.
After hearing the general plan, Lin Ran nodded: “Your overall design thinking is fine; we just need further discussion on specifics like clock precision and orbits in implementation.”
After hearing their plan, Lin Ran gave higher praise. This made the researchers present feel proud inside: the professor says our thinking is fine!
The same praise depends on who says it; Lin Ran’s praise was undoubtedly the highest evaluation for R&D personnel.
Lin Ran’s tone shifted, and he finally said:
“I don’t have many suggestions; I have just one small suggestion: add an explosive device design to the GPS satellites. So we can remotely detonate GPS satellites.”
The researchers present were puzzled this time: explosives in satellites? The professor wouldn’t be wrong; we must not understand the profound meaning!
