Chapter 238: Eve Of The Moon Landing
Lin Ran personally wrote the elegiac couplet, which is a momentous event for Hong Kong on the edge of the Empire.
If the free world is compared to the Empire, America is the Empire center, England is at best the nearest satellite city on the edge of the Empire center, then Hong Kong is the Empire edge.
But for Lin Ran, it was just casually repaying an early favor.
His most important thing is the Apollo Moon Landing.
After time entered September, the astronauts for the moon landing have been decided.
Lin Ran did not dwell on it; since history proved that Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin succeeded, he would use these two.
As for the specific moon landing, who steps out first, in today’s world where Gagarin’s foot has already been placed there, it is not important at all.
Gagarin not only put his foot there, but the famous quote “one small step for man, one giant leap for humanity” was also said by Lin Ran.
Which American goes up first really is not important.
However, Lin Ran decided to let Buzz Aldrin go up first.
Who let Buzz Aldrin live long, sixty years later working for him and exploding gold coins for him.
During the final interview, Lin Ran looked at Armstrong and shook his head slightly with regret.
Armstrong was extremely nervous inside, thinking the professor’s head shake meant he was just a little short of being selected.
Similar to ranking third among 14 astronauts, just a little short of being selected.
The result was that the notification for executing the final test flight mission was again for him and Buzz Aldrin.
This is the final test flight mission, requiring piloting the command module “Explorer” for critical orbital testing.
It can be said that, barring accidents, whoever executes this one will execute the final moon landing.
It left Armstrong unsure what the professor’s head shake meant.
In September, over Florida, the command module “Explorer” was conducting what could be called critical orbital testing.
This is also the final manned spaceflight test.
Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were excited inside the command module; both knew this was preparation for the upcoming moon landing program.
Suddenly, a piercing alarm sounded in the cabin, the red light for oxygen system failure flashed wildly, breaking the brief calm.
Armstrong quickly scanned the dashboard, his brows furrowed. He pressed the communication button, his voice calm but urgent: “Redstone Control Center, we have a problem. Oxygen system shows failure, pressure is dropping.”
Buzz Aldrin stared intently at the oxygen readings, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He tried to suppress his inner panic and said softly to Armstrong: “Neil, oxygen flow rate is unstable, we need to handle it immediately.”
His hand trembled slightly, but he still tried to stay calm.
Is there anything more unlucky than the cabin being destroyed and crew perishing right before the moon landing?
Armstrong turned to check the backup system, his fingers moving quickly over the control panel. “I’m trying to switch to the backup oxygen tank, but the response is slow.”
His breathing was rapid, the tension in the cabin almost suffocating.
In the Redstone Mission Control Center, engineers gathered around the console, screens flashing with real-time data from the command module.
Lin Ran stood in the center, staring intently at the oxygen system diagram.
Mission Controller Kranz’s voice came over the radio, steady and firm: “Explorer, received. Please stay calm and report the specific error code.”
Armstrong took a deep breath, trying to calm himself: “Error code is O2-SYS-ERR-3, pressure dropping to 70%.”
His voice trembled slightly, but it was still clear.
Lin Ran said loudly: “Invoke the emergency plan immediately!”
In managing NASA, Lin Ran emphasized standardization of technical data very much, and every risk must have an emergency plan.
An engineer standing in the distance quickly flipped through the technical manual, brows furrowed: “O2-SYS-ERR-3 usually indicates oxygen valve failure, possibly the valve stuck or sensor malfunction.
I suggest they manually reset the valve.”
Lin Ran nodded and decisively said to Kranz: “Kranz, tell them to try manually resetting the main oxygen valve.”
Kranz immediately relayed the instruction: “Explorer! Try manually resetting the main oxygen valve. Location on the left side of the control panel, button marked ‘O2 VALVE RESET’.”
Armstrong closed his eyes, took a deep breath, his heart pounding wildly in his chest. He forced himself to calm down, thinking silently: “I cannot let fear control me. We trained for this.”
He recalled countless simulation drills, forcing himself to focus on the task.
He turned to Buzz Aldrin and said gravely: “Buzz, you reset the valve. I’ll continue monitoring pressure.”
Not minding his usual habit of calling Buzz Aldrin “doctor.”
Buzz Aldrin unbuckled his seatbelt, floated to the control panel, found the button marked “O2 VALVE RESET,” and pressed it hard. However, the alarm continued piercingly, and oxygen pressure kept dropping.
He forced himself to concentrate, but his voice could not hide the anxiety: “Redstone Control Center, reset ineffective, pressure still dropping.”
Armstrong also unbuckled his seatbelt and slowly moved to the dashboard to check the instruments, encouraging himself inwardly: “This is a test for our team.
With the professor at Redstone Base, we can definitely overcome the difficulties.”
He took a deep breath and continued trying to find any possible solution.
In the Redstone Control Center, Lin Ran clenched his fist; sure enough, rushing the work still caused problems.
He turned to the team, tone urgent: “Enable backup plan immediately, quick!”
Lin Ran continued: “Possibly valve blockage or pipe leak; try supplying oxygen through auxiliary circuit via remote debugging.”
Then he commanded over the radio: “Gene, guide them to switch to the backup oxygen circuit.”
Kranz immediately relayed: “Explorer, professor’s latest instruction, switch to backup oxygen circuit. Open the ‘AUX O2 CIRCUIT’ switch on the control panel.”
Buzz Aldrin acted quickly, found the switch, and opened it.
Moments later, oxygen pressure began to rise slowly, and the alarm gradually weakened.
Armstrong breathed a sigh of relief: “Redstone Control Center, backup circuit enabled, pressure recovering.”
However, Buzz Aldrin noticed the oxygen flow rate was still unstable and felt uneasy: “Neil, we need to return ASAP, or the backup system might not hold.”
Armstrong nodded and decisively requested: “Redstone Control Center, we request immediate return to Earth.”
Lin Ran thought for a moment and then decisively approved their return.
Kranz relayed the instruction: “Explorer, return approved. Please follow emergency return procedures.”
Armstrong began executing the return procedures, adjusting the spaceship’s attitude and preparing to fire for orbital departure. Buzz Aldrin closely monitored the oxygen system to ensure pressure stability.
The atmosphere in the cabin remained tense; both still held their breath, focused on their tasks.
After hours of precise operations, Apollo 11 finally entered the atmosphere and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean. Rescue teams arrived quickly and safely extracted the astronauts.
For NASA, although this mission did not complete all test items, it had completed more than half, and all test data needed for the moon landing had been obtained.
After all, there was the joint moon landing data before it.
The path to the final moon landing could be called smooth sailing.
“Mr. President, NASA’s independent moon landing is expected on December 15, 1966; the astronauts will step on moon land 48 hours later and return to Earth 80 hours after that. Please advise.”
After entering late November, the Saturn V tests were also completed; Lin Ran finally confirmed the moon landing ceremony with Lyndon Johnson.
And Lyndon Johnson, as per the deal mentioned at the beginning of the year, passed legislation through Congress to remove China from the Enemy Trade Act.
“Good, professor, the White House looks forward to your good news!”
Lyndon Johnson waved his fist in the office, knowing the moment to reverse the polls had arrived.
He wanted to serve another four years!
He wanted to struggle a bit more.
In November, the White House press room was bustling with voices; reporters had taken their seats early, gripping notebooks and pens tightly, cameras and recording equipment neatly arranged at the back of the room, lenses aimed at the presidential podium.
Everyone knew the purpose of coming this time was the moon landing.
America was going to do an independent moon landing.
Note that after completing the last joint moon landing, Soviet aerospace had been silent these past few years.
Although the Soviet side said they were advancing rapidly, they just had no activity.
The joint moon landing succeeded, but independent moon landing could not be done, while America did it first—what does that mean?
It means America has taken the lead in the space race.
As for announcing the moon landing and then failing in the end, this is an outcome no reporter had thought of.
This is the confidence the professor brought them.
Lyndon Johnson took a deep breath as he walked to the podium; the feelings from press conferences here over the past year had not been good.
The Vietnam War was fought into a mess, leaving him speechless every time questioned by reporters.
He could not say McNamara’s command was incompetent, both incompetent and fond of playing, micromanaging the American frontline battlefield from the Pentagon.
If he said that, reporters would ask why not replace the Secretary of Defense?
Why keep McNamara in a position clearly unsuitable for him.
Lyndon Johnson truly had bitterness he could not express.
He felt the Vietnam War was fought so badly, a large part due to McNamara.
Not only did he have to take the blame, but he also had to face pressure from reporters at press conferences; it was bitterness he could not express.
In his view, the mess was entirely McNamara’s responsibility.
Even the blame for poor personnel selection should not fall on him, Lyndon Johnson; McNamara was the Secretary of Defense forced on him, and he felt McNamara was not even qualified to be a regimental commander, let alone Secretary of Defense.
Of course, this involves a paradox: you cannot say it’s good only when others stuff the professor into the White House, but unhappy when stuffing McNamara.
Before pushing the door into the East Room, Lyndon Johnson shook his head, sweeping all the unpleasant war memories and past reporter challenges out of his brain; he wanted to hold this major press conference in the best state.
As a seasoned politician, Lyndon Johnson knew the weight of this press conference and understood the historic significance of this moment.
After stepping to the podium, Johnson took a deep breath, surveyed the press room, and then spoke:
“Ladies and gentlemen, today I stand here on behalf of the American government and people to announce a major decision to the world. Through the tireless efforts of NASA and our top-tier scientists, we have decided to conduct an independent manned moon landing mission in December this year.”
At these words, applause erupted in the press room; there were no gasps of surprise, since everyone knew the press conference content in advance.
Even back in August, some had guessed what the professor was busy with.
After all, the professor did not even attend the International Congress of Mathematicians in Moscow; besides the moon landing, there was no other task.
Reporters raised their hands one after another, eager to ask questions.
Lyndon Johnson raised his hand to signal quiet and continued:
“I know this decision may surprise some, but please believe it is a well-considered choice.
Our Apollo Program has made huge progress; technological breakthroughs and team dedication give us confidence to achieve this goal in December.
This is not only a scientific victory, but also a symbol of American spirit and determination.”
Clearly, politicians and political hacks are no different; they lie without batting an eye.
Clearly for the election two years later, to stay in the White House longer, yet in Lyndon Johnson’s mouth, it became a well-considered choice.
Without learning from Lin Ran that the moon landing would be this year, Jenny had seen Lin Ran very little recently, maybe just a hurried meeting once a month in Huntsville City.
She keenly realized that Lyndon Johnson’s speech mentioned team dedication and did not say it was Lin Ran’s decision; her long-time news reporter nose told her Lyndon Johnson was laying the groundwork for merit allocation after the moon landing success.
Jenny naturally would not let Lyndon Johnson have his way; as the first reporter to question, she said directly: “Mr. President, how did the professor push the moon landing program in such a short time? It is four full years ahead of President Kennedy’s original 1970 deadline set in 1962.
What impact has his ability had on NASA?”
Lyndon Johnson of course knew who Jenny was; even though unconcerned by the question, he still smiled and answered: “The professor is indeed an outstanding leader; his innovative spirit and outstanding engineering ability effectively promoted NASA’s development, but the moon landing program’s success is more a reflection of the American people’s will and the result of team cooperation.”
After Jenny sat down, she pinched Helens’s hand beside her; Helens immediately understood Jenny’s meaning— the tacit understanding between women is so terrifying.
The Time Magazine reporter asked: “Mr. President, why choose December for the moon landing? Is there any special reason?”
“This is a very good question.
December provides an ideal launch window; weather conditions and moon position are very suitable.
Additionally, our team has completed all necessary tests and preparations. December is the best time to take this step.” Lyndon Johnson answered.
Another reporter followed up: “Mr. President, how safe is the moon landing mission? The public is very concerned about the astronauts’ safety.”
Lyndon Johnson’s gaze became more determined as he answered: “Safety is our top priority; NASA’s engineers conducted countless simulations and tests, with every detail repeatedly verified.
And we have the world’s best scientists and engineers; our astronauts are also the world’s finest pilots and scientists. I have full confidence in their abilities and our technology.”
Then it was Helens’s turn; Helens asked: “Mr. President, does the best scientist here refer to the professor?”
Lyndon Johnson very much wanted to shake his head, but with reporters all sitting below, he really could not say no; if he did, the media would hype it up, saying he and the professor were at odds.
Such rumors had frequently appeared in newspapers these past two years.
Where did they come from, if not that damned Fred.
Fred constantly promoted how good his private friendship with the professor was, that the professor and Lyndon Johnson were just colleagues, then mocked him as a fool who only knew to solve problems with force, saying if he were in the White House, there would absolutely be no war in the world.
Fred was even building momentum for 1968, repeatedly saying that if he became president, he could end the Vietnam War in 24 hours.
Seeing the newspaper reports, Lyndon Johnson thought Fred was a fool among fools; if you come, you can end the Vietnam War in 24 hours, I’d take your surname.
Fred’s words led to ongoing rumors in the media that Lyndon Johnson and Lin Ran’s relationship was average.
This also involves a paradox: who is the real fool—Lyndon Johnson and Fred each thought the other was the fool.
Back at the press conference scene, after hearing Helens’s question, Lyndon Johnson’s smile stiffened slightly, then he said: “Of course, the professor is this era’s most outstanding scientist, and he is working for NASA.
This is enough to prove America is the beacon of freedom.”
Helens followed up: “Mr. President, how has the professor’s personal charisma inspired the NASA team, turning NASA from a team of repeated failures before the professor arrived in 1960 into the current team with only success and no failure?”
Johnson was already impressive for keeping his smile; he replied firmly: “The professor’s ability is beyond doubt, and his help to NASA and the Apollo Program is beyond doubt.
But I must say, every step of the moon landing relies on government support and countless silently dedicated scientists and engineers; we cannot keep focusing on one person.
The professor already has too many halos; we can share some honor and praise with other scientists and engineers, like Von Braun.”
Johnson actually wanted to say, share some with me; I need to boost public support.
Politicians are just good at disguising their true purposes with high-sounding words.
After the press conference ended, President Johnson returned to the White House office, where Vice President Hubert Humphrey was already waiting.
Under the fireplace light, Johnson’s face appeared gloomy.
He sat down, unable to hide his dissatisfaction: “Humphrey, you saw it, right? In the reporters’ eyes, there is only the professor, as if the moon landing is his personal merit.”
Humphrey thought inwardly, who let the contrast of NASA before and after the professor joined be too stark.
He responded steadily on the surface: “Mr. President, the professor is indeed the media focus; his contributions are undeniable and cannot be denied.”
Lyndon Johnson frowned and interrupted: “I am not denying his contributions, but I cannot let the public think the moon landing is just his personal victory; this is the nation’s achievement, realized under my leadership!”
Humphrey thought, if you’d said that earlier, I’d know how to build momentum for you; he nodded: “I understand; we need to let the public see your leadership and the government’s determination.”
