Chapter 273: Perfect Operation
“When I chose aerospace engineering in high school, I never thought I could one day become an astronaut, let alone that I could personally go to the Moon.
I feel happy from the bottom of my heart.”
Lin Ran smiled.
Lin Ran has always agreed with the idea that greater ability comes with greater responsibility.
For him, the “gate” means both superpowers and responsibility, dooming you to never be ordinary.
He knows very well that after gaining the gate, he will naturally develop greater desires and more ideas, and in the process of these ideas slowly becoming reality, as a social animal, he will inevitably have more interactions with the world, thereby influencing the entire world.
Since this is inevitable, determined by human nature, rather than passively waiting for the waves of the era to sweep over him, it’s better to choose to become the wind himself and actively stir up the waves of the era.
The female anchor smiled and said, “Yes, it’s great to be able to do what you want to do.
Professor Lin, I believe this is something that I and the audience friends in front of the television are all very curious about, that is, how did you become an astronaut? And how did you decide to carry out this moon landing mission?”
“This was actually a coincidence.
After shouting the slogan of going to the Moon, various brokers came knocking, saying that next year is America’s midterm elections, and hoping we wouldn’t do the moon landing.”
As soon as Lin Ran said this, Aldrin didn’t understand Chinese very well, and Wei Xuhang’s face changed; he thought, can the professor say this directly?
Including the female anchor connected via video on the other end, her smiling face that was originally looking at Lin Ran suddenly stiffened.
Her eyes didn’t look at the camera, but instead at the director, her entire expression appearing extremely panicked.
This live broadcast is called a live broadcast, but it’s actually a pseudo-live broadcast, generally with a few seconds of latency.
(Radio and Television Security Broadcasting Management Regulations)
This is not about whether someone says there is latency or not, but a regulation; in Article 15, Paragraph 3, Item (2) of the Radio and Television Security Broadcasting Management Regulations issued by relevant institutions, it is clearly stipulated that live broadcasts must have latency.
CCTV is no exception.
After all, CCTV is also under the management of a certain administration.
Lin Ran directly openly mentioned American brokers, bringing things under the table onto the table, putting CCTV on the defensive immediately.
The entire live broadcast suddenly cut to an advertisement while Lin Ran was speaking, and it was interrupted for a full five minutes before continuing.
Even “Lin Ran live broadcast interrupted” topped Weibo hot search within one minute.
Making everyone think something had happened to the spaceship.
“What’s wrong? What’s wrong?”
“Did Ran Shen have a problem? I just saw the CCTV live broadcast suddenly cut to an ad!”
“No, believer is willing to trade a lifetime without masturbating for Ran Shen’s safe return.”
“It’s fine, everyone can go watch the Bilibili live broadcast; it’s going well.”
“Can ‘a lifetime without masturbating’ be reneged on?”
Five minutes later, the live broadcast continued.
“Americans said midterm elections are very important, and we can’t do the moon landing to ruin the Donkey Party’s midterm elections; let’s state conditions, as long as we delay the moon landing, anything can be negotiated.
The conditions were very tempting, saying that as long as I delay, they can help me get listed on Nasdaq, with tens of billions in net worth easily.
Anyway, the conditions were very tempting. I said sure, I’ll go to Tencent and launch a moon landing premium membership, 10 billion US dollars per month; you just renew when it expires, and as long as you renew, I won’t go up.
Unfortunately, they refused, and we didn’t reach an agreement.
I’m not saying it’s certain; I’m just speculating from a motive perspective that America is the most likely culprit.”
The female anchor’s smile became even stiffer, not knowing how to respond to such explosive news.
Lin Ran didn’t make it hard for her and continued, “An astronaut fell ill, and someone said to me, I think you’re very suitable; why don’t you be the astronaut and go to the Moon.
After internal discussions, they felt I was indeed more suitable. So I boarded the flight to the Moon.”
The female anchor was completely dumbfounded, the little stars of admiration in her eyes gone, and the live broadcast jumped to an ad again, returning to the scene five minutes later.
Watching the live broadcast image of his junior on the spacecraft heading to the Moon, the old man smiled very happily and waved to call his secretary over:
“Little Wu, when Lin Ran returns to Earth, give him that ‘After Passing the Imperial Exam’ I wrote a couple of days ago, and say it’s a gift to celebrate his perfect completion of the moon landing mission.”
On the television screen, the live broadcast continued, and the female anchor hoped to quickly end this tormenting interview: “Professor Lin, do you have anything to say to the audience friends in front of the television, and to your relatives and friends watching your moon landing?”
Lin Ran held up his index finger and said, “Everyone doesn’t need to worry about me; it’s still the same words, the professor never fails.”
“Good, I also believe the professor will definitely successfully return to Earth! Wishing Professor Lin a smooth journey on this trip to the Moon! The interview segment ends here; thank you Professor Lin for accepting our interview, and hope the next interview with you is on Earth!” After the female anchor finished her familiar closing remarks.
The internet had already exploded.
Because Lin Ran’s interview released very clear information, that is, the motive.
Regarding Apollo Technology’s lunar astronaut being infected with a virus, online discussions were boiling, although many public’s conspiracy theories pointed to America.
But most Chinese citizens were skeptical about this accusation.
Because the whitewashers’ consistent tone was:
“Why would America do such a thankless thing? Would America be affected? Apollo Technology isn’t China Aerospace; it’s a private enterprise going to the Moon, so SpaceX would be the one affected.”
As soon as you dare to mention it’s America’s conspiracy, this group of whitewashers would pin hats like 3D, Pringles, and base on you.
Conspiracy theory holders indeed couldn’t find very good reasons; after all, few could connect this to midterm elections.
Lin Ran’s interview from Earth orbit, plus cutting to ads twice in the middle, made this interview full of value.
The biggest news on the Chinese Internet was Lin Ran’s interview.
“I said it was Americans who did it; Feng Ge, this time it’s your turn to be 3D!”
Feng Ge is a big V on Weibo who loves to say conspiracy theorists are 3D people—low education, low quality, and low IQ.
This time he kicked an iron plate, because refuting that Apollo Technology’s astronaut illness was done by America, after Lin Ran’s interview aired, Feng Ge’s comment section directly fell, and private messages were full of insults.
The pro-conspiracy big Vs were even more collectively climaxing, especially those who guessed it was related to midterm elections.
“What did I say? I said it was related to Americans; now the professor gave the motive and judgment. Since the professor thinks so, his information must be the most complete, right?”
“It really is; I thought Americans were furious, but it was still about interests; indeed, midterm elections have Donkey-Elephant at fifty seats each, and the situation isn’t great for the Donkey.”
Then topics like Nasdaq listing and moon landing premium membership were also hotly debated in public opinion.
QQ really launched a moon landing premium membership accordingly, more expensive than QQ’s super supreme membership, 100 yuan per month, with a moon landing dynamic avatar and matching decorations.
Back to Ben Yue Hao in Earth orbit.
12:14:14, T+2 hours 44 minutes 14 seconds, the spaceship has now completed about 1.5 Earth orbits (TLI), preparing to execute trans-lunar injection burn.
Lin Ran reminded, “Prepare for TLI, fasten seatbelts.”
The astronauts returned to their seats, buckled their seatbelts, and stared at the dashboard.
The third-stage engine ignited at the precise moment, the spaceship shook violently, and the roar of the J-2 engine came through the cabin wall.
At this time it was 9:30 PM Earth time, and various media had announced in advance that tonight was trans-lunar injection.
Including Chinese citizens, in this short day, they figured out the moon landing process.
So everyone was in front of the television early at 8:30, choosing their favorite live broadcast platform.
Just two platforms, Bilibili and CCTV.
Small anchors relaying on YouTube don’t count; in China, just these two.
Bilibili made a killing this wave.
If calculated by gift tipping splits, possibly the entire moon landing’s gift money splits could recover 1.2 billion in cost.
Bilibili’s official Apollo Technology anchor said, “Trans-lunar injection burn begins! Saturn V’s S-IVB engine is igniting, pushing Ben Yue Hao toward lunar orbit!”
The burn lasted 5 minutes 47 seconds, accelerating the spaceship speed from 7.8 km/s to about 10.8 km/s, enough to escape Earth’s gravity.
Lin Ran stared at the speed indicator and said softly, “Speed approaching target, burn normal.”
Wei Xuhang was responsible for monitoring engine status and life support system: “Thrust stable, temperature normal.”
“All life support system parameters are within safe range.”
At the end of the burn, the spaceship jolted lightly, and the engine shut down.
Lin Ran reported, “Wenchang Control Center, TLI burn complete; we are on trajectory to the Moon.”
The control center erupted in applause, responding, “Ben Yue Hao, received, TLI success, wish you a smooth journey!”
About 3 hours 17 minutes after TLI burn (GET 003:17:00), the spaceship stabilized on trans-lunar trajectory.
Lin Ran confirmed via communicator with Wenchang Control Center: “Wenchang Control Center, this is Ben Yue Hao, TLI burn successful, requesting separation permission.”
Control center responded, “Ben Yue Hao, permission granted for separation, be careful.”
The separation here refers to the command module separating from the lunar module, then the command module performing a 180-degree pitch maneuver, and redocking after turnaround.
The lunar module here includes not just the lunar module, but also the rocket’s third stage.
Equivalent to turning around, a key step in entering lunar orbit.
Why do this? Because this design reduces mission cost and complexity; speaking of which is too complicated, so we’ll skip it for now.
Lin Ran turned to Wei Xuhang and said steadily, “Wei Xuhang, prepare for turnaround and docking.”
Wei Xuhang nodded, “Received, professor.”
He first checked the life support system to ensure oxygen and temperature were normal, then adjusted his seat, hands on the control stick, eyes locked on the dashboard.
“Professor, all parameters normal, ready anytime.”
Wei Xuhang pressed the CSM/LV Sep button, detonating the separation device’s explosive bolts.
Accompanied by a low “bang,” the command module separated from the lunar module, and the spaceship shook lightly, as if breaking free from restraints.
Outside the porthole, the lunar module’s four adapter panels unfolded like petals, slowly drifting away, exposing the lunar module’s gold and silver foil shell shining in the sunlight.
At this time, in the live broadcast, Xiao Wang said tremblingly, “Command module successfully separated from rocket third stage! Adapter panels opened, lunar module exposed, preparing for docking!
This is a key step.”
Wei Xuhang operated the RCS propulsion system to drift the command module about 20 meters from the rocket third stage, ensuring safe distance.
He reported, “Separation successful, distance from third stage stable.”
Lin Ran nodded, “Good, begin turnaround maneuver.”
Lin Ran took over operations, starting rotation thrusters; the command module began slow rotation, executing 180-degree pitch maneuver.
The spaceship turned elegantly like a ballerina, the view outside the porthole switching from Earth to the rocket third stage and lunar module.
Aldrin gazed outside and sighed, “Just like.”
Wei Xuhang glanced briefly and murmured, “This is way more shocking than the simulator footage.”
Lin Ran watched the crosshairs on the docking window, adjusting the spaceship attitude to align with the lunar module’s docking cone seat.
He said softly, “Attitude aligning, target in sight.”
After turnaround complete: “Turnaround complete, prepare for approach and docking.”
Lin Ran operated translation thrusters, and the command module slowly approached the lunar module.
He stared at the radar display, distance reading decreasing: “Distance 15 meters…10 meters…5 meters…”
He gently pushed the control stick, keeping speed below 0.1 m/s for smooth contact.
The CSM’s docking probe entered the lunar module’s cone seat, accompanied by a slight collision; three capture latches engaged with a crisp “click.”
The dashboard indicator light turned green, and Lin Ran breathed a sigh of relief: “Soft capture confirmed, three latches locked.”
Aldrin reminded, “Professor, remember to check latch status.”
Lin Ran nodded and activated the probe retraction mechanism.
The nitrogen-driven system pulled the probe back, drawing the command module and lunar module closer; the 12 latches on the tunnel ring engaged one by one, emitting continuous metal clunks.
Lin Ran watched the docking indicator, confirming all 12 latches locked: “Hard docking complete, all 12 latches green!”
He immediately reported via communicator: “Wenchang, hard docking successful, requesting pressurization permission.”
Control center responded, “Ben Yue Hao, permission for pressurization, watch tunnel seal.”
Wei Xuhang floated to the command module forward hatch and opened the pressure equalization valve.
Air surged into the tunnel with a hissing sound, the pressure gauge needle rising slowly. Monitoring pressure: “Pressure 4.4 psi, approaching target 5 psi.”
About 10 minutes later, pressure stabilized; Lin Ran confirmed, “Tunnel pressurized, prepare to open hatch.”
Wei Xuhang carefully removed the command module hatch, revealing the tunnel to the lunar module.
Wei Xuhang floated in first; he entered the “Chang’e,” turned on lights, and the lunar module dashboard gradually lit up.
Then he connected the power umbilical, linking the lunar module and command module power systems.
He pressed the startup switch, systems activating one by one; screens displayed navigation, propulsion, and life support system statuses.
Wei Xuhang checked item by item, muttering softly, “Navigation normal… propulsion normal… oxygen normal…”
After preliminary checks, he reported via communicator, “Professor, lunar module systems all green, ready for extraction.”
Lin Ran responded, “Received, well done!”
After Wei Xuhang returned to the command module.
Lin Ran prepared to extract the command module-lunar module stack from the rocket third stage.
He operated the reaction control system thrusters to release the lunar module’s fixtures to the rocket third stage.
Accompanied by a light sound, the stack began drifting from the rocket third stage.
The three observed through the porthole; the rocket third stage gradually receded, like an abandoned space giant ship.
Wei Xuhang reported, “Extraction complete, distance from rocket third stage about 50 meters.”
Lin Ran ordered, “Execute separation burn, ensure safe distance.”
Then Wei Xuhang started the service module thrusters for a 3-second short burn, spaceship moving away from rocket third stage at 6 m/s.
The rocket third stage was then guided by ground control into solar orbit.
After the entire process, the recorded video was transmitted back to Earth; Earth used 3D simulation animation combined with Ben Yue Hao’s recorded video for live broadcast with commentary.
At this time, Bilibili online viewers had broken 50 million, and in terms of person-times, up to 2 billion.
Comparable to the Spring Festival Gala.
And this was with CCTV diverting viewers, yet still so many watching.
Across China, in live broadcast images with lights in every household, all watching the moon landing, the host’s voice excited and emotional.
Because they knew in advance it succeeded.
“Ben Yue Hao successfully separated from rocket third stage! Adapter panels opened, lunar module exposed, preparing for docking.”
“Hard docking complete! Command module and lunar module firmly connected, astronauts about to pressurize tunnel, preparing for lunar module checks!”
“Lunar module successfully extracted! Command module and lunar module stack detached from rocket, officially embarking on Moon journey! We are on the path to making history!”
Over the next three days, the spaceship coasted on trans-lunar trajectory, distance from Earth gradually increasing, Moon growing larger in the porthole.
Astronauts performed multiple mid-course corrections to ensure precise trajectory.
Lin Ran operated the navigation system to calibrate spaceship attitude; Wei Xuhang monitored propulsion system.
Scientific data didn’t need manual recording; the spaceship’s built-in scientific measurement system was auto-recording.
Mission at 75 hours 30 minutes 46 seconds, spaceship 572 km from Moon.
About to perform lunar orbit insertion.
Also the phase with highest operational demands in the entire process, with brief signal blackout in between.
Wenchang Control Center confirmed via communicator, “Ben Yue Hao, Wenchang Control Center; you are about to perform lunar orbit insertion operation.”
Lin Ran responded, “Received, Wenchang Control Center; we are preparing for checks.”
His mood at this time was different from departure.
Lin Ran not only had to go up, but return safely, bringing Wei Xuhang and Aldrin back to Earth; he said, “This is the critical moment; check all systems, stay focused.”
Astronauts began pre-LOI checks. Lin Ran operated navigation computer, calibrating spaceship attitude to ensure engine thrust direction opposite flight path.
Flight guidance attitude indicator showed spaceship attitude stable.
Wei Xuhang checked service module main engine, confirming fuel pressure and engine status: “SPS ready, liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen pressure normal.”
Then he checked propulsion system display, confirming thrust vector control normal.
Aldrin monitored life support system and power, ensuring oxygen, temperature, and humidity in safe range: “Life support system all green, power sufficient.”
He also checked abort mode, ensuring if burn failed, spaceship could safely return to Earth.
GET 075:41:23, spaceship entered far side of the Moon, communication signal lost.
Control center big screen showed LOS (Loss of Signal); China team members furrowed brows, Apollo Technology engineers stared at clock, waiting for predetermined signal recovery time.
If burn successful, expected signal reacquisition at GET 076:15:29; if failed, at GET 076:05:30.
In Bilibili live room, anchor’s voice rang: “Ben Yue Hao entered far side of the Moon, communication lost! Lunar orbit insertion burn about to occur unmonitored; let’s wait together for spaceship signal return!”
Countless viewers praying for astronauts.
In command module, astronauts felt unprecedented isolation; Aldrin grinned, “This feeling is back.”
GET 075:49:51, SPS engine ignited on time.
Engine spewed hot flames, spaceship shook violently, roar through cabin wall; astronauts pressed into seats by thrust, feeling about 0.5G acceleration.
Wei Xuhang stared at Delta-V counter, reporting, “Delta-V rising, 100 ft/s…200 ft/s…”
He watched speed changes, ensuring burn on plan.
Lin Ran monitored time and attitude, staring at FDAI: “Attitude stable, thrust direction correct.”
He silently counted seconds in mind, preparing to shut down engine after 6 minutes 2 seconds.
Wei Xuhang then glanced at monitoring system parameters; screen temperature and pressure data stable: “Engine temperature normal, fuel consumption as expected.”
Burn lasted 6 minutes 2 seconds, spaceship speed reduced by about 889 m/s.
SPS engine using liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen precisely decelerated spaceship from trans-lunar trajectory to lunar orbit speed.
Wei Xuhang reported every 30 seconds: “Delta-V 1500 ft/s…2000 ft/s…”
His voice calm, masking inner tension.
Lin Ran watched timer, saying softly, “30 seconds left, stay stable.”
He was confident in his operations.
“Power stable, no anomalies.”
GET 075:55:53, burn ended, engine auto-shutdown.
Spaceship jolted lightly, vibration ceased, astronauts back to weightlessness.
Lin Ran confirmed, “Engine shutdown, Delta-V reached 2917 ft/s.”
Due to far side of the Moon, astronauts couldn’t contact ground immediately.
Before navigation computer calculated orbit, Lin Ran spoke: “Perilune 60.9 nautical miles, apolune 169.6 nautical miles.”
As he spoke, Wei Xuhang was inputting burn data; moments later, screen showed calculation results: “Perilune 60.9 nautical miles, apolune 169.6 nautical miles.”
Exactly matching Lin Ran’s calculation.
Wei Xuhang looked at Lin Ran: “Professor, you’re Superman and still this hardworking; does this leave any room for others to live?”
Lin Ran ignored him: “Very close to target orbit 61 x 169.2 nautical miles, error only 0.1 nautical miles.”
Target orbit perilune 113 km, apolune 314 km; actual orbit 112.8 x 314.1 km, error negligible, showing Lin Ran’s masterful operation.
GET 076:15:29, spaceship emerged from far side of the Moon to near side; Wenchang Control Center reacquired signal.
Big screen showed AOS (Acquisition of Signal); engineers cheered.
Control center voice came: “Ben Yue Hao, Wenchang Control Center received; welcome back to comms! Report LOI status.”
Lin Ran responded, “Wenchang Control Center, LOI-1 burn successful; orbital parameters: perilune 112.8 km, apolune 314.1 km.”
China Aerospace commander fist-pumped in celebration, responding, “Ben Yue Hao, well done! Orbital parameters nearly perfect; prepare for subsequent tasks.”
At this moment, China Aerospace and Apollo Technology engineers had no barriers; everyone felt like they were working for China Aerospace.
“Success! Ben Yue Hao entered lunar orbit! General Manager Lin completed a perfect LOI burn; orbital parameters amazingly match target! General Manager Lin did it!” Xiao Wang’s voice in live room ignited audience enthusiasm.
Gifts never stopped.
After orbit insertion, astronauts viewed lunar surface up close through porthole for first time.
Sunlit craters, rilles, and gray-white plains unfolded like a scroll, desolate yet magnificent.
Lin Ran sighed, “This view is too shocking; worth all our efforts.”
He pointed to a huge crater: “Is that Copernicus crater?”
Aldrin laughed, “Professor, you becoming a geologist? Honestly, I don’t know either.”
Wei Xuhang busy shooting with camera, recording historic images: “These photos will witness this journey!”
After LOI-1 success, spaceship in elliptical orbit, perilune 112.8 km, apolune 314.1 km.
Astronauts to perform system checks, photograph lunar surface, prepare lunar module separation.
About two hours later, execute LOI-2 burn to adjust to near-circular 100 km orbit, creating conditions for lunar landing.
Lin Ran said to the two, “First step complete; next is moon landing.”
