Chapter 260: Ben Yue Hao Launch
Humanity’s first entry into space was the Soviet Union’s on April 12, 1961, and Gagarin only learned of this news on April 9, with the Soviet Space Agency choosing him from between him and German Titov.
Humanity’s first moon landing was on July 20, 1969, and Aldrin and Armstrong learned of this news at the end of spring 1969, dozens of days in advance.
China’s first aerospace launch was on October 15, 2003, and Yang Liwei only learned the night before that he was selected as the first astronaut, falling asleep at 8 p.m. and being woken at 2 a.m. by the doctor, then eating some noodles and dumplings, reviewing the work program, and departing at 5:20 a.m.
Different astronauts learn of their mission execution time at different points.
This timing is related to many things.
For the Soviet Union and China, it was their first time, so they hoped the astronauts would think as little as possible to avoid overthinking too early and affecting their condition.
China went even further, giving only a few hours of reaction time, while the Soviet Union gave slightly more.
America, however, had everyone who had executed many space missions before, all veterans, so they gave them more preparation time.
Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo learned they were to execute the mission a week before the rocket launch.
According to what Aldrin said to Lin Ran on the phone: “They had to take me to the moon at the end, I was already too old to move, they have to take on more tasks than me, Neil, and Collins back then.
If even knowing a week in advance would cause problems, then it’s better to replace them early.”
(Scene at the 2015 International Astronautical Congress in Jerusalem where 85-year-old Aldrin held a press conference
90 and 85 years old aren’t much different anyway)
Lin Ran speaking to them was already the last day before launch.
The next day was the launch.
Qian Fei felt very calm.
Because all the overthinking over the past months had already been done.
Whether to join Apollo Technology, whether to give up the originally lucrative captain position.
Doing part-time here versus transferring organizational relationship over are completely different concepts.
Of course, starting from 2020, being a captain wasn’t easy either, first the domestic virus outbreak prevented flying abroad, then domestically it was controlled with difficulty, but abroad started a virus revelry.
Unable to fly international routes, domestic routes paid little, and domestic flights had also decreased significantly in the past two years.
In this environment where going out casually might require 14 days of home quarantine, no one domestically wanted to travel.
Even so, giving up the captain position required great determination.
What if Apollo Technology was a scam, what if it was a flash in the pan, what if moon landing was delayed and astronauts were not needed, Apollo Technology couldn’t raise funds, in a tight financial situation, they would definitely lay off astronauts first.
A private enterprise that doesn’t need to execute aerospace missions, why keep astronauts, too much money with nowhere to burn?
In short, countless uncertain factors were laid out before him when he made the choice.
Some people’s choice was to withdraw and give up.
Qian Fei completely understood.
But what supported him to this day was just wanting to see space, a 45-year-old family man with a brilliant past and a good career as a veteran pilot, just wanting to go above the troposphere, even higher, to touch the dust in the universe’s atomic rain.
Just that.
“Old Qian, can you sleep?” Zhao Jianguo’s voice sounded.
They entered this room to sleep, and at five a.m., the doctor would knock on time to do their final physical check.
The entire room had only beds, no mobile phones, and apart from the lights, no other electronic equipment visible.
Qian Fei looked up at the ceiling and replied, “The lights aren’t off, how to sleep?”
Zhao Jianguo said, “Before my last desensitization, I video called my wife and daughter, telling them Dad would be China’s first civilian astronaut to step into space.
Of course we’re all first, no before or after.”
This was what Aldrin told them, don’t distinguish first or not, meaningless, I’ve been haunted by this first title for so many years, don’t do that, the external narrative is everyone is first.
Because Aldrin had once been thought to be the first person to land on the moon, but in the end Armstrong beat him to it during the mission.
This had become his heart demon.
Even on the moon he had to make a fuss to seek existence.
Aldrin emphasized this point repeatedly while training this batch of astronauts.
After all, not everyone who makes trouble can smoothly remedy it.
What if something similar happens again, and they all die on the moon together.
“I’m very emotional now, if someone told me a year ago I would become an astronaut, I wouldn’t believe it no matter what.
Yet in just one year, we’re going to space.”
The same group had only 5 people left, and Qian Fei was to execute the mission with Zhao Jianguo, they were all too familiar with each other’s conditions.
Qian Fei’s son had graduated from university and was at home preparing for postgraduate exams, civil service exams, IELTS, whatever there was to take, Qian Fei married early.
Zhao Jianguo’s daughter was still in junior high, before the mission Lin Ran promised that if there was an accident, he would raise his daughter until she started working.
This was also a way to reassure them.
“We’ve been soaring in the stratosphere before, this time we finally have a chance to see the world at the Kármán line or even beyond the atmosphere!”
Zhao Jianguo’s voice trembled slightly, Qian Fei knew it was from excitement, not worry.
“Yeah, I always thought even if people differ, how big can the difference be?
Now I know, some are born to do different things, when I listened to General Manager Lin’s orbital calculation class, watching him repeatedly explain things he thought were obvious, I wondered if 50 years ago, after Qian Lao returned to China, facing students with weak foundations, he was equally patient.”
Lin Ran’s performance easily reminded Chinese people of Qian Lao, who laid the foundation for China Aerospace.
Zhao Jianguo agreed: “The professor always does what others can’t.
In math calculations, I’ve seen more than once the professor’s calculations almost identical to the computer’s, just a gap in precision, the professor calculates to four decimal places, while the computer can take as many as required.
But if taking the same four decimal places, the professor’s calculation results match the computer’s exactly.”
Lin Ran knew very well that the human brain hadn’t been explored even one ten-thousandth, no matter how he performed, it could be explained by genius or IQ.
Such abnormal performance reported to relevant Chinese parties would only tilt more resources to him, not lock him up.
No country would go to that extent.
Einstein’s brain was also sliced into 240 pieces after death.
After Da Vinci’s death, his grave was dug up, and his skull disappeared.
After learning the fates of these big shots, Lin Ran resolved that when he was about to die, he would definitely use the door to go to a place no one could find him.
“So I’m very confident in this mission.
America’s mission 50 years ago, could we fail to complete it in 2021 today?
Our countless trainings, simulations, and thinking on the ground are the cornerstone of our success.”
“Yeah, sleep.” Qian Fei said loudly.
“So similar, really similar!”
Pony could only see the model and blueprints, not the command module, but he recognized at a glance what it was, definitely the Apollo command module.
Exterior exactly the same.
Since Burning No. 1’s successful launch, after Lin Ran met that person in Shanghai, Pony was extremely eager.
After all, this was his company too, Tencent held 30% shares, even if those 30% shares were to be given to Lin Ran in the future, they were still his now, right?
Plus Lin Ran, the definitive representative of contemporary China in high technology development.
Someone shrewd like Pony knew exactly what Yanjing needed and what he should do.
This attitude was spot on.
For all key launches and key nodes, must call me, that’s what Pony and Lin Ran said.
Of course, Pony also profited, 50 million US dollars for 30% shares, now investment institutions were offering 100 million US dollars.
Doubled in less than half a year.
But Pony thought this quotation was insulting him.
Break his word, ruin the agreement with Lin Ran just to earn these 50 million US dollars?
Lin Ran grinned and said: “Just the exterior looks similar, actually inside it’s completely different.
Pony, do you know the recently popular integrity chassis?
Pony shook his head.
Lin Ran explained: “It’s an old chassis from many years ago, airtight, but inside it’s the current most expensive CPU, graphics card, memory, etc.
This thing of ours is similar.
This command module we internally named Ben Yue Hao.
It just keeps the exterior and weight exactly the same as the Apollo moon landing one.
Weight is also 5560 kilograms.
But inside basically nothing is the same.
This time our astronauts will complete in Earth orbit in one go including
Mercury Program’s verification of human survival capability in space, testing life support system and reentry recovery program.
Gemini Program’s long-duration flight, about 14 days, rendezvous and docking, extravehicular activity, and precision landing.
Apollo 7’s testing of command module and service module systems, including service propulsion system and astronaut performance in long-duration missions.
Its interior, even the shell materials, are completely different from back then.
It’s just because we use Saturn V, and the final launch weight must be consistent.
Otherwise we don’t even need to keep exterior and mass consistent.”
Pony listened and nodded repeatedly, very satisfied.
In his view, innovative yet following the launcher used in Apollo moon landing.
Technology replicate? Replicated, but not completely.
The day before launch, at Wenchang Launch Center, Burning No. 1 stood tall on the launch pad, same yet different as last time.
The same was the fairing printed with LOGOs.
Last time all Tencent apps, like bilibili, WeChat, QQ, all Tencent apps.
This time besides Tencent ones, two state-owned big banks, two top baijiu brand logos.
Also considered letting them cut in line.
Lin Ran wasn’t clear on their negotiations with Bilibili, but from Li Xiaoman mentioning Li Ni coming to Apollo Technology and laughing like that, he knew it wasn’t a small amount.
The silver-white arrow body set off the conical outline of the Tianzhou spaceship.
On the launch tower, technical personnel busily checked fuel lines, circuitry, and communication equipment.
Inside the control center, the big screen showed real-time rocket data, dozens of engineers fully focused.
Lin Ran stood at the command podium: “All systems enter final checks, countdown one hour.”
This was still the first time in 20 spacetime.
Burning No. 1 launch wasn’t commanded by him.
Lin Ran had a feeling as if a lifetime had passed.
Screens clearer, data more accurate, microphones more advanced, even the overhead bulbs much brighter than in 60 spacetime, but why did he feel no difference.
The moment he stood at the command podium, he felt he had commanded here hundreds or thousands of times, so familiar yet strange.
In the astronaut preparation room, Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo had put on white spacesuits produced by China Aerospace, with the national flag and mission badge embroidered on the chest—a bright moon shining alongside the spaceship.
Aldrin stood outside, speaking via microphone to the preparation room: “This mission is the starting point of our moon landing dream, stay focused.”
Qian Fei replied: “PhD, we’re ready!”
After speaking, he and Zhao Jianguo exchanged a glance, each seeing no tension in the other.
Zhao Jianguo, while debugging the device on his wrist, calmly said: “I’ve checked the spaceship data three times, no problem.”
Fully suited, the two boarded the special vehicle and drove toward the launch pad.
Outside the car window, the rocket gradually came into clear view.
“The mission is finally starting!”
Upon arriving at the launch tower, they took the elevator up to the spaceship entrance.
Inside the spaceship, the control panel came into view, touchscreen displaying system status, life support system emitting a slight hum.
“As advanced as what we trained on in the simulator.” Qian Fei sighed.
The two took their positions, fastened seatbelts, and awaited launch command.
This launch could be said to have attracted attention from the whole country and even the world.
Because it was too similar.
If the Moon One engine having the same parameters as the F-1 engine was an accident, how do you explain the command module for this mission having the same exterior?
As early as before launch, CCTV or various media had long started promotion.
Photos of the Ben Yue Hao spaceship to be launched this time were widely disseminated on the internet.
Twitter was full of them too.
Can’t everything be the same.
Moreover, Americans discovered something, that this private Chinese company called Apollo Technology seemed to be serious about replicating the Apollo moon landing.
And increasingly serious.
This made Americans uneasy, for this Ben Yue module, NASA high-levels all stayed up late for a video conference watching YouTube live stream.
Now the Donkey Party was in the White House, and during the virus outbreak, everyone worked from home.
Not gathering in a meeting room to watch.
A famous YouTube channel specializing in aerospace content had pulled the Bilibili live source over.
NASA high-levels stayed up late, gathered online, eyes locked on the screen.
NASA Director Bill Nelson sat at the long table, pajama sleeves rolled up, brows furrowed, a cup of cold coffee by his hand.
On the Zoom interface, Deputy Director Pamela Melroy sat in a New York hotel, Empire State Building behind her.
Manned Spaceflight Program Manager Kathy Lueders was in a Hawaii hotel, with a lit pool visible behind.
Senior Advisor Jim Bridenstine, former NASA Director, was in a simple living room, a print behind him, unknown artist.
Everyone’s faces showed fatigue, yet couldn’t hide their focus on the screen.
Also in the meeting room were Chinese descent people providing simultaneous interpretation, ensuring the commentary from the Chinese live room was translated into English for these NASA high-levels to understand immediately.
In the YouTube live stream, the Wenchang satellite launch center’s launch tower was very familiar to them.
They often saw pictures or introductions of that launch tower in past meetings.
But the towering Burning No. 1 was new, they only knew parameters, not more specific technical details.
In the live channel, the commentator introduced the mission background in Chinese: “Ben Yue Hao will complete a large number of moon landing prerequisite tests this time, including rendezvous and docking and extravehicular activity…”
The Chinese introduction turned into English entering everyone’s ears.
Countdown ended, rocket ignited, flames surged out, huge roar transmitted through the live stream, rocket slowly rose.
“They’ve started.” Kathy Lueders said softly, fingers tapping the table, eyes fixed on the screen.
First stage rocket separation, second stage rocket ignition, live camera switched to spaceship interior.
Two astronauts in modernized spacesuits operating systems, checking system parameters.
The image clearly showed the command module interior completely different from Apollo era design.
“Their command module exterior looks just like Apollo, but interior is completely 21st century product.” Jim Bridenstine said, squinting, “This isn’t simple replication.”
“Yeah, they’re playing for real.” Pamela Melroy followed, “Not just making a model to fool people, their goal is clearly moon landing.”
Bill Nelson picked up the coffee cup, took a sip, put it down, frowned: “I always thought their Apollo replication was just a promotional gimmick, but this launch is getting too real.”
A sense of panic flashed in his mind: China Aerospace has advanced by leaps and bounds these years, but if any private aerospace agency can casually complete moon landing, where does that leave NASA’s face? If not accelerating, America’s lead in returning to the moon won’t hold.
In the live image, the spaceship entered Earth orbit, began rendezvous and docking with the target spacecraft.
Astronauts operated proficiently, screen showing real-time docking process data.
Kathy Lueders stared at the image, said lowly: “They condensed Apollo’s past test missions into one launch, added modern tech, this efficiency, NASA back then wasn’t this bold.”
Actually, NASA in another timeline was quite bold too, Gagarin moon landing technical route could be called very bold.
But that spacetime’s leadership wasn’t these parasites sitting in this Zoom meeting room, but the professor who never fails.
NASA engineers hadn’t been polluted by LGBT yet, still so pure.
“High efficiency, even bigger ambition.” Jim Bridenstine said, “Look at that docking precision, error less than one centimeter, if this tech used in lunar orbit”
He didn’t finish, but everyone understood.
Pamela Melroy turned to Bill Nelson: “Director, our Artemis program needs to speed up, can the 2024 goal still be met on time?”
Bill Nelson was silent for a moment, rubbed his temples: “We must.
China’s pace is too fast, if this Tianzhou succeeds, they’re not far from moon landing.”
He thought darkly: If those congressmen in Washington keep dragging the budget, NASA will really be cornered.
“Need more money!”
The others said in unison.
“Yes,” Bill Nelson nodded, “Tomorrow I’ll contact Congress, budget must be in place! We have to let the world know, America won’t lag in the moon landing race!”
Just after they spoke, a weak unfamiliar voice sounded: “More money?”
Bill Nelson frowned and saw, in the Zoom meeting room besides them, translators, and assistants, how was there an extra person: “Who are you?”
