Chapter 274: Lin Ran Moon Landing
Buzz Aldrin took a deep breath and looked out the porthole; it was the moon he had been thinking about nonstop for the past fifty-two years.
With technological progress, he could see it through photos and videos, but humanity had never set foot on the moon’s land again, and the feeling brought by photos and videos absolutely could not compare to the naked eye.
“Professor, I feel like I’m back to being forty years old; my body and soul are both telling me they are fully prepared.”
Lin Ran patted his shoulder: “Old buddy, get ready, we’re going up soon.”
At this time on Earth, after Ben Yue Hao officially entered lunar orbit, the Chinese Internet naturally went without saying, all cheers of joy and excitement.
Everyone was looking forward to the arrival of the moon landing moment, with many companies giving employees a day off to go back and watch.
Even for companies not giving time off, watching the live broadcast on a mobile phone during the moon landing was tacitly allowed, after all, the leader was watching too.
And the external network, especially reddit.
Reddit’s Space section had a hot post back in 2019 called “Why can’t we reconstruct Saturn V? Is it because we can’t make the parts, tools, or have we lost some engineering knowledge?”
It was paired with an overhead photo of the Saturn V from the 1960s.
The highest-liked reply below said this:
“Well, first, the technology is outdated; second, it’s too expensive, we can build better rockets with less money; third, acceptable risk levels have plummeted, while Saturn V was full of risks.
There are other reasons, but why build something from decades ago when modern technology exists that can do the job cheaper, safer, and better.
Look at Starship, even SLS is cheaper and safer.”
SLS is a heavy rocket that NASA is developing for the Artemis program, with the mission of launching the Orion spaceship into translunar orbit.
Officially approved in 2011, by the end of 2016 it had received Congress’s launch permission, but up to today, until the end of 2021, this super heavy-lift launch vehicle had not undergone even a single launch.
The manufacturer of SLS has a familiar name: Boeing.
China using Saturn V to successfully enter lunar orbit twice in a row caused this post to be dug up again.
Below were uniform face-slaps, and in the sub-threads of the high-liked replies, it was even more uniformly doubt, accusations, and humiliation.
“1969’s 185 million US dollars is equivalent to 1.4 billion today, even so Saturn V is only half of SLS’s cost, not to mention SLS keeps delaying and its cost keeps rising!”
“We clearly have a ready mature proposal, yet we need to reinvent the wheel, while the damn Chinese people are taking our proposal to go to the moon.”
“NASA now is an institution made up of idiots; even if Saturn V could be simply replicated, they would tell the public no, Saturn V is outdated, why? Because they can’t make enough money from Saturn V, can’t get enough budget from Congress; a new heavy rocket can undoubtedly achieve this purpose!
And it’s precisely because of idiots like you that NASA can fool Congress and the public, making us keep pouring money into the bottomless pit of Artemis; do you know how much China’s moon landing program only cost? Less than 200 million US dollars!”
“SLS’s cost estimate is a lie, NASA’s promise is also a lie, and more terrifying is that such lies keep having idiots believe them, even actively defending them.”
China’s moon landing itself broke the Americans badly; in the 20th century space race, they won, but in the 21st century space race, China won quietly.
Soviet people everywhere shouting about the space race, dragging America into the competition voluntarily, then losing the match.
China Aerospace never claimed they were competing, yet they look like they’re about to win.
This naturally broke the Americans badly, feeling like China is sneaking an attack.
What broke them even more was the cost; on the surface, Apollo Technology only spent 1.2 billion RMB, this budget compared to the Artemis program is pitifully small, this is the point that breaks the Americans even more.
Feeling like the money was all swallowed by NASA’s parasites, plus NASA senior officials are on vacation, while everyone is locked in small houses.
Qian Fei and Zhao Jianguo were still resting at Tongji Wenchang Hospital; they were also watching the live broadcast.
After smoothly entering lunar orbit, Qian Fei sighed: “As expected of the professor, so skilled.”
Zhao Jianguo added: “I was wondering why the professor often quietly sat by during our astronaut training classes listening in; turns out he was preparing for the moon landing himself.”
Qian Fei said: “I estimate the professor always planned to go himself, just previously maybe waiting for the technology to fully mature before going; this time going himself is due to the situation.”
Zhao Jianguo complained: “The Americans are really too bad, resorting to any means.
Speaking of which, this is like picking up a rock to smash their own feet; the professor going versus us going, that’s completely different influence.”
Indeed, the drama of the entire event led to far more attention than if it had gone routinely.
This is so in China, and also abroad.
“Yeah, the Americans are too bad.” Qian Fei expressed approval; the two of them were the biggest victims of the Americans doing bad things this time.
The honor of the first batch of Chinese people to land on the moon was directly gone.
Honestly, the two of them staying calm without cursing was already a sign of good manners.
Qian Fei continued: “When my son video called me, he was still asking, the Americans are so crazy, why not be even crazier and shoot down the rocket?”
Zhao Jianguo instinctively retorted: “The Americans go crazy and missile our homeland?
Thinking our anti-missile system is for show, or that we’re like twenty years ago, bomb whenever?
Moreover, Saturn V’s first stage from launch to separation, altitude from 0 to 67 kilometers, speed from 0 to 2.7 kilometers per second in less than two and a half minutes; at this speed can the Americans intercept it?
Not even considering lateral maneuvers and acceleration, just this speed they can’t achieve.”
Qian Fei nodded: “I didn’t explain to my son from a technical angle, I just simply said the Americans don’t dare; if they dared, they wouldn’t let us two lie here, directly go bomb Saturn V wouldn’t that be fine.
No need to now watch the professor about to land on the moon, can only glare from Earth, and hypocritically put on a posture of blessing.”
The blessing posture here refers to reporters at the White House press conference asking the White House Press Secretary how they view China’s moon landing, how they view Lin Ran’s revelations during the interview.
The White House Press Secretary said Lin Ran’s revelations were baseless, we reserve the right to pursue liability for his defamatory remarks, while expressing that America had long achieved moon landing, happy to see another human country advancing to the moon, and wishing China success.
The White House Press Secretary’s statement is watertight.
Saying “I did it,” but I didn’t do it. Now you’re going? I’ve already done it long ago. When unable to stop it, generously offer blessings.
This White House administration, no matter how they perform, absolutely nails the face-saving projects.
However, such a statement neither satisfies Chinese people nor satisfies Americans.
How can you congratulate China on its success?
How will our Winning Studies performance be satisfied?
Rednecks are particularly dissatisfied, because obviously the former president’s statement on Truth Social satisfies them more:
“If I were in the White House, Chinese people definitely wouldn’t be able to go to the Moon!”
Of course, if Lin Ran knew, he’d make you go to Vietnam to hide in the deep mountains and old forests.
The mission has reached 100 hours 10 minutes 44 seconds, GET 100:10:44.
Lin Ran and Buzz Aldrin have entered the Lunar Module, wearing lightweight cabin suits, and completed system activation.
They check navigation, propulsion, communication, and life support systems item by item to ensure independent flight capability.
Lin Ran verifies one by one: “Navigation Computer online, RCS propulsion system ready, oxygen pressure normal.”
After checking the Navigation Computer, Lin Ran calibrates attitude control and confirms the flight guidance attitude indicator, that is, FDAI: “Attitude calibration complete, ready for docking release.”
Wei Xuhang is in the Command Module, operating the Command Module control panel, preparing the separation program.
He confirms via communicator: “Lunar Module, Command Module copies, systems check passed, preparing separation countdown.”
Lin Ran responds: “Command Module, Lunar Module ready, separate anytime.”
Wenchang Control Center sends instructions via deep space network: “Ben Yue Hao, separation cleared, mind attitude control.”
Lin Ran confirms: “Copy, separation cleared.”
GET 100:11:47, Lin Ran confirms with Wei Xuhang: “Xuhang, we’re ready over here, how about you?”
Wei Xuhang responds: “All set, 15-second countdown.”
He initiates the separation sequence, screen displays docking latch status.
GET 100:12:03, separation moment arrives.
Lin Ran presses the “CSM/LM Sep” button, detonates the separation device, 12 docking latches release simultaneously, accompanied by a low “bang,” Command Module separates from Lunar Module.
Lunar Module slowly drifts away under weak thrust, speed about 0.3 m/s.
Separation uses docking mechanism, 12 latches released by pyrotechnic cord, RCS propulsion system provides 0.3 m/s separation speed.
DOI uses descent propulsion system (DPS), propelled by liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, thrust around 9800 pounds, Delta-V 23.3 m/s, attitude controlled by Navigation Computer, similar to AGC.
A note here: this moon landing replicates Apollo Moon Landing, so it uses imperial units.
If fully switching to metric units, even one place not changed could lead to major problems.
So for safety, the entire process still uses imperial units.
Wei Xuhang observes through the porthole, gold and silver foil-wrapped Lunar Module shining under moonlight.
He records separation with camera, confirms: “Separation normal, landing legs deployed, structure intact.”
Simultaneously reports via communicator: “Wenchang Control Center, separation successful, Lunar Module in free flight status.”
As the moon landing moment approaches, Bilibili couldn’t withstand the pressure and sold the moon landing live broadcast rights to domestic mainstream platforms including Kuaishou, Douyin, and Migu.
Sold at cabbage price, 50 million each.
Both to share traffic and due to internal pressure, not letting them monopolize this massive traffic.
Including on Weibo, live broadcast can be watched.
But all in Apollo Technology’s official live room.
Meanwhile, these major platforms issued announcements guaranteeing that everyone’s tips will be fully passed on to Apollo Technology after legal tax deduction, they won’t take a cut of this cake.
In the live room, Apollo Technology’s anchor says softly: “Ben Yue Hao separation successful! Our astronauts take a key step toward moon landing.”
This style draws criticism for lacking passion.
After all, many viewers love the shouting and yelling style of live broadcasts.
In the Lunar Module, Buzz Aldrin is already resting with eyes closed, preparing for the final moment.
Lin Ran is fully focused, preparing for attitude adjustment.
Lin Ran operates RCS propulsion system to stabilize Lunar Module attitude, prevent tumbling.
Rates cleared to zero, begin yaw.
Lin Ran monitors radar, confirms distance from Command Module.
From 10 meters distance, steadily increasing.
Wei Xuhang in Command Module performs yaw maneuver, making Command Module orbit Lunar Module, checking exterior.
He reports: “Landing radar antenna normal, propulsion nozzles undamaged.”
Lin Ran responded: “Received, we’re off!”
Wei Xuhang felt a trace of envy in his heart, but the envious emotion was quickly replaced by expectation.
He knew very well that as one of the moon landing trio participating this time, according to Lin Ran’s grand plan and the ability demonstrated in the one-year moon landing, he would sooner or later be able to personally go to the moon to carry out the mission one day.
GET 100:13:30, Lin Ran said: “Buzz, the moon is right under our feet!”
Aldrin smiled and replied: “Isn’t it though, photos and video can’t compare to this momentum!
Professor, I never imagined that in the end I would have the honor of moon landing with you!”
After separation, the lunar module entered independent flight mode, preparing for descent orbit ignition.
Wei Xuhang continued to monitor in orbit, providing support for the subsequent rendezvous.
GET 100:20:32, Wenchang Control Center sent DOI predetermined movement data: “TIG 101:36:14.07, Delta-V x -75.8, y 0, z +9.8 fps, orbit 57.2 x 8.5 nautical miles, attitude Roll 0°, Pitch 293°, burn time 30 seconds.”
Lin Ran recorded the data and inputted it into the navigation computer: “Data entered, attitude calibration in progress.”
He then checked the descent propulsion system DPS: “Engine status normal, fuel pressure stable, thrust 9800 pounds.”
He confirmed propulsion system vector control TVC: “TVC calibration complete, ready to ignite at any time.”
Wei Xuhang sent auxiliary data from the command module: “Lunar module, CSM orbit synchronized, post-DOI predicted orbit 105.9 x 15.7 kilometers.”
Lin Ran responded: “Received, thanks for the support.”
GET 101:35:00, the spaceship entered the far side of the moon, communication interrupted.
The control center screen displayed “LOS”, the engineers waited tensely, expected to reacquire signal at GET 102:16:25.
The live broadcast audience listened to the anchor’s commentary: “The lunar module has entered the far side of the moon, communication interrupted! The DOI burn will take place without monitoring, this is the tense moment of this Apollo moon landing!”
Everyone’s hearts were in suspense.
“It must go smoothly!”
“Praying.jpg”
Bilibili urgently launched smooth moon landing emotes, one yuan each, filling the screen.
Inside the lunar module, Aldrin said: “Professor, you’ve trained countless times, believe in yourself.”
Lin Ran asked: “Didn’t I train for this operation for at most one week?”
Aldrin explained: “Professor, in my heart, your one week of training equals countless times for others.”
GET 101:36:14.07, the descent engine ignited on time.
The engine spewed blazing flames, the cabin body vibrated slightly, thrust pressed the astronauts into their seats, about 0.3G acceleration.
Lin Ran stared closely at the Delta-V counter: “Delta-V 30 fps…50 fps…”
He watched the velocity changes, ensuring the burn proceeded as planned.
At the same time on the FDAI: “Attitude stable, Roll 0°, Pitch 293°.”
He silently counted the seconds, preparing to shut down the engine at 29.8 seconds.
Wei Xuhang in the command module alone monitored the command module systems, thinking to himself: “Damn, the professor definitely isn’t nervous, why do I feel more nervous than the people on the lunar module!”
The burn lasted 29.8 seconds, the engine automatically shut down, vibration disappeared, astronauts returned to weightlessness.
Lin Ran confirmed: “Engine shutdown, Delta-V 76.4 fps.”
Then inputted the data, the computer displayed the new orbit: “Perilune 15.7 kilometers, apolune 105.9 kilometers.”
Lin Ran breathed a sigh of relief.
They had now entered low lunar orbit.
GET 102:16:25, the lunar module emerged from the far side of the moon, signal reacquired.
Lin Ran reported: “Wenchang Control Center, DOI success, orbit 105.9 x 15.7 kilometers, residuals cleared.”
The control center erupted in applause, the control center responded: “Lunar module, well done! Prepare for PDI.”
PDI is powered descent initiation, what was just completed was entering low lunar orbit from lunar orbit.
After executing PDI, it would be manual control, manually controlling the lunar module to land, ensuring the lunar module could land at a flat spot.
The mission reached the 102nd hour 33rd minute, GET 102:33:00, Lin Ran prepared for powered descent inside the lunar module.
Wenchang Control Center sent PDI predetermined movement data: “TIG 102:33:04, Delta-V 2917 fps, attitude Roll 0°, Pitch 55°, burn time 756.3 seconds.”
Lin Ran inputted the data into the navigation computer, confirmed: “Data entered, attitude calibration in progress.”
“Engine normal, fuel pressure stable, thrust 10500 pounds.”
“TVC calibration complete, ready to ignite at any time.”
Then Lin Ran calibrated the flight director attitude indicator, ensuring the spaceship aligned with the descent trajectory in feet-down attitude: “Attitude locked, Roll 0°, Pitch 55°.”
Wei Xuhang sent auxiliary data from the command module: “Lunar module, CSM orbit synchronized, post-PDI predicted landing site coordinate 0.67409°N, 23.47298°E.”
Lin Ran responded: “Received.”
Wenchang Control Center confirmed: “Lunar module, commence powered descent!”
Lin Ran took a deep breath: “Received.”
The professor who was never nervous before now felt a trace of tension in his heart.
In the live broadcast room: “Power descent is about to begin! Moon landing enters the final landing phase, we are about to make history!”
The anchor, who had been calmly commentating before, finally showed emotional fluctuations.
GET 102:33:04, descent engine ignition, initial thrust 10%, about 1050 pounds, lasting 26 seconds, then increasing to full thrust, about 10500 pounds.
The Lunar Module shook, the engine spewed out blazing flames, slowing the spaceship’s speed.
Lin Ran stared at the FDAI: “Attitude stabilization, thrust direction correct. Radar locked, altitude 15 kilometers, speed 500 m/s.”
In the initial descent, the spaceship pitched at 55°, legs down, engine continuously decelerating.
“Altitude 10 kilometers, Delta-V 1500 fps.”
Outside the porthole, details of the lunar surface gradually became clear.
GET 102:40:00, altitude dropped to about 5 kilometers, Lin Ran reported: “Radar data stable, Delta-H 1000 feet.”
Then Lin Ran activated program P64, pitch angle reduced to 45°, porthole facing down, providing better visibility.
Buzz Aldrin observed through the porthole at this time: “Sea of Tranquility terrain is flat, but there are some small craters.”
GET 102:41:00, altitude about 7.9 kilometers, Lunar Module entered high gate phase, about 5 miles from landing point.
Lin Ran adjusted attitude, ensuring engine thrust aligned with trajectory.
Then monitored Delta-H, the difference between radar and computer altitude: “Delta-H 500 feet, trending stable.”
In the live broadcast room, Xiao Wang shouted: “Lunar Module enters high gate phase, only a few kilometers from lunar surface, landing countdown begins!”
At this time, far away on Earth, Lin Ran’s family and friends, and everyone who had interacted with him during his growth, were all watching the live broadcast, hearts in their throats.
Although they could only see Bilibili’s simulation animation, everyone’s inner tension, excitement, and exhilaration were not affected at all.
GET 102:44:00, altitude dropped to 152 meters, Lin Ran observed through the porthole and discovered the automatic system was guiding them toward a boulder-strewn area, possibly ejecta from a nearby crater in the Sea of Tranquility.
He immediately decided to switch control modes: “Switch to P66, I’ll take manual control.”
Manual operation had been prepared in advance.
The spaceship’s automatic navigation system was outdated to begin with, and in a place like the lunar surface with no complete data acquisition and complex ground conditions, not using manual operation would be the exception.
Lin Ran quickly adjusted the control panel.
“P66 activated.”
Buzz Aldrin glanced at the fuel: “Fuel 20%, about 120 seconds remaining.”
Lin Ran gripped the control stick and calmly said: “I’m going to avoid that boulder field, find a flatter spot.”
Wenchang Control Center via communicator: “Ben Yue Hao, fuel 60 seconds.”
Lin Ran nodded, focused on operating. He gently pushed the control stick, adjusting the Lunar Module’s horizontal velocity and direction, avoiding the boulders, searching for a flat area. Outside the porthole, lunar surface details became even clearer, dust starting to be blown up by engine airflow, forming hazy clouds.
GET 102:44:30, altitude dropped to 300 feet, Buzz Aldrin reported: “Fuel 15%, 90-second countdown.”
Lin Ran concentrated fully: “I see flat ground, 200 meters ahead.”
He fine-tuned the attitude, maintaining descent rate at about 5 feet per second.
GET 102:45:02, Control Center reminded: “Lunar Module, 60 seconds.”
Lin Ran responded: “Received, target area in sight.”
Altitude dropped to 100 feet, dust flying up, obscuring part of the view, the Lunar Module’s shadow reflected on the ground.
GET 102:45:32, “30 seconds!” Buzz Aldrin shouted, his voice slightly tense.
The old timer finally knew tension too.
Lin Ran remained calm: “Almost there, prepare for contact.”
Altitude 20 feet, 10 feet, dust swept like a storm, blurring the porthole.
GET 102:45:40, “Contact!” Buzz Aldrin shouted.
The Lunar Module’s contact probe touched the lunar surface, indicator light came on.
Lin Ran quickly shut down the engine, the Lunar Module landed steadily, accompanied by a slight vibration.
He took a deep breath and reported via communicator: “Wenchang Control Center, Lunar Module has safely landed in Sea of Tranquility, coordinates 0.67409°N, 23.47298°E, fuel remaining about 25 seconds.”
“Holy crap! Professor is awesome!”
“General Manager Lin is awesome!”
“We did it!”
Wenchang Control Center erupted in hot applause, engineers cheering and hugging.
This was where the difference showed, Apollo Technology’s engineers generally called him professor.
This was because the backbone of Apollo Technology at its founding, those old NASA timers, were used to calling Lin Ran professor, and it formed this habit.
Even those who started calling him General Manager Lin gradually changed to professor later.
And the engineers from China Aerospace shouted for General Manager Lin.
The commander in charge of communication responded: “Lunar Module, well done! Welcome to the Moon!”
Lin Ran’s father felt a myriad of emotions inside. He actually did not support Lin Ran majoring in aerospace major. In his view, how could aerospace major compare to computer? For industry, go with computer; for academia, come study statistics like him.
What aerospace major? Graduates from aerospace major can only go to state-owned enterprise. After going to state-owned enterprise, forget about income. Sense of honor also depends on luck.
In the end, unexpectedly, the stronger individuals indeed create the environment.
His own son is indeed a genius. This damn environment he created has turned into what? He created an Apollo Technology and directly sent himself to the Moon.
And Lin Ran’s mother did not have so many ideas, only worrying whether her own son could return smoothly.
Besides being happy for Lin Ran, Li Xiaoman thought that when Lin Ran asked her for the Fabian Society badge back then, he did not lie to her. It was indeed to replicate Apollo engineering. Then she sighed about how Bezos and Blue Origin failed to recognize true talent.
Real gold was placed right in front of them, and they let it slip away for nothing.
“Historic moment! Apollo Technology’s astronauts have successfully landed on the Moon! The Lunar Module has perfectly landed in the Sea of Tranquility, marking a new chapter in China’s aerospace exploration!
We have faced countless doubts before—whether landing on the Moon in a year and a half was just big talk, whether it was a lie fabricated to attract investment. We explained countless times, but now there’s no need to explain anymore. The facts are right before our eyes—we’ve done it!
Under the guidance of China Aerospace, we are the world’s first institution to land on the Moon, and we are about to once again imprint humanity’s footprints on the Moon!
At the same time, I must say that Shanghai Jiaotong University, which deeply participated in this Apollo Moon Landing project, is Shanghai No.1!”
The bullet screen was uniformly filled with 6s and teary-eyed emojis.
At this moment, in the Tongji University student group, everyone was passionately stirred:
“No, we’re the ones going to the factory to tighten screws, do assembly, learn welding on the spot, help debug 3D printing equipment, participate in engine manufacturing. And now they say only Jiaotong University deeply participated?”
“Yeah, @Muzi Chengzhou, Director Li, no, you have to report this to the school. The school needs to lodge a strong protest with Apollo Technology! What do they mean Jiaotong University deeply participated? Aren’t our alumni who tightened screws deeply participating?!”
“We won’t compete with them for Shanghai No.1. We’ll compete with Fudan for No.2, that’s fine. But this ‘deep participation’ can’t be monopolized by Jiaotong University.”
Tongji alumni, especially those who had done internships and knew about the internship matter, all went live in the WeChat group one after another, saying that the anchor in this live broadcast was too unqualified—how could they completely fail to mention our Tongji’s contribution!
At this moment, in the Jiaotong University president’s office, Chen Jie, Jin Li, and Lin Zhongqing were watching the live broadcast together.
At the moment of success, Jin Li said weakly: “Old Lin, what I mean is, actually tightening screws is pretty good. Our Fudan can also tighten screws.”
Lin Zhongqing smiled without speaking, while Chen Jie was very smug, thinking: See that? Even the opportunity to tighten screws has to be strived for.
After landing, Lin Ran and Buzz Aldrin smiled at each other and breathed a sigh of relief.
Lin Ran said: “We’ve done it, Buzz.”
Buzz Aldrin responded: “Yeah, Professor, this is truly a great moment.”
Through the porthole, they saw the gray-white soil on the lunar surface, distant craters, and serene plains—everything mysterious and magnificent.
Lin Ran reported to Wei Xuhang via the communicator: “Xuhang, we’ve landed safely. How’s it over there?”
Wei Xuhang answered from the Command Module: “All normal, Command Module, well done! I’m waiting for you in orbit.”
He felt very envious inside.
Then Lin Ran checked the system status: “Pressure normal, electricity stable, no leaks.”
“Ground flat, suitable for EVA.”
They began executing post-landing procedures, preparing for extravehicular activity.
The mission reached the 104th hour, GET 104:00:00. Lin Ran and Buzz Aldrin began EVA preparations inside the Lunar Module.
At least over 500 million people worldwide were waiting for the live broadcast footage of Lin Ran exiting the cabin.
From Asia to Europe to America, Chinese people around the globe were looking forward eagerly.
Besides Chinese people, quite a few foreigners were also waiting for the live broadcast.
This was a moment belonging to all of humanity.
The virus outbreak had to some extent also boosted the viewership numbers.
They put on Feitian spacesuits. This spacesuit was based on the Apollo A7L design, using white multi-layer materials accented with red stripes, with the national flag of China and the mission badge embroidered on the chest.
The spacesuit was equipped with a portable life support system, providing oxygen, cooling, and communication functions, weighing about 85 kilograms, but feeling lighter under the Moon’s 1/6 gravity.
Lin Ran helped Buzz Aldrin connect the PLSS backpack and checked the seals: “Oxygen interface locked, seals normal.”
Looking at Buzz Aldrin wearing the spacesuit marked with China’s national flag, and recalling the 1960s spacetime where Lin Ran stood in the changing room, the other wearing a Stars and Stripes spacesuit, hoping for a hug with him before the mission.
Lin Ran felt a myriad of emotions inside at this moment.
After putting on the spacesuits, they tested the PLSS functions item by item.
Lin Ran tested communication via headphones: “Wenchang Control Center, Lunar Module EVA prep, communication test, respond if you hear.”
Wenchang Control Center responded: “Lunar Module, signal clear, proceed with EVA prep.”
Lin Ran checked the cooling system: “Water cycle normal, temperature 22 degrees Celsius.”
Then confirmed oxygen supply: “Oxygen pressure 5 psi, expected to support 3 hours.”
Wei Xuhang sent support data from the Command Module: “Lunar Module, CSM systems normal, ready to relay communications anytime.”
Lin Ran responded: “Copy.”
GET 108:50:00, Lin Ran opened the pressure relief valve, cabin air slowly vented through the exhaust port, pressure dropped from 5 psi to 0, process lasted about 5 minutes.
Dashboard showed pressure at zero, Lin Ran said: “Cabin pressure zero, preparing to open hatch.”
Both took a deep breath: “Alright, Buzz, the historic moment has arrived.”
Lin Ran stepped aside, letting Aldrin go first.
Aldrin didn’t move: “Professor, you go out first.”
Lin Ran asked puzzled: “Buzz?”
Aldrin said: “Professor, if it were me fifty years ago, I would have stepped out without hesitation.
But Buzz, now over ninety years old, realized that fame and fortune aren’t important—what matters is going to the Moon itself.
Professor, thank you, during this process, I repeatedly thought about my life, searching for the true significance of my life.
I am happier than many people; I was able to find the significance of life in the final moments of my life.
Professor, please go first.
Twice being the second to exit the hatch, history will remember me just the same.” Seeing no reaction from Lin Ran, Aldrin added.
Live broadcast room: “Lunar Module about to begin EVA! Ran Shen and Buzz are depressurizing in the cabin, preparing to open the hatch—everyone don’t miss it!”
GET 108:55:00, Lin Ran pulled the rope, activating the modular equipment stowage assembly on the Lunar Module descent stage.
A high-resolution television camera automatically deployed, aimed at the hatch, ready to record the historic moment.
The camera transmitted the image back to Earth via wireless signal, clarity far surpassing Apollo 11’s black-and-white footage.
Lin Ran confirmed: “Wenchang Control Center, camera deployed, image transmission normal.”
Control Center responded: “Received, image clear, the whole world is watching at this moment.”
Lin Ran carefully opened the hatch, the magnificent lunar surface scene came into view: gray-white soil, distant craters, and deep black sky.
He climbed out the hatch, stood on the Lunar Module’s forward platform, looked around, then grabbed the ladder and descended slowly, each step cautious.
At the bottom of the ladder, he paused for a moment, gazed at the lunar surface, then gently stepped down, footprint deeply embedded in the fine soil.
He said through the communicator: “This is one small step for me personally, but it won’t be one giant leap for Apollo Technology, let alone for humanity.
When every person has the opportunity to imprint their footprint on the Moon, that will be one giant leap for humanity.
Apollo Technology will achieve this, will turn the Moon into humanity’s forward base toward the universe.
Instead of like after the Apollo Moon Landing, humanity failing to step on Moon soil again after fifty-two years.
We will give the Moon colors with greater practical significance, not just a cold aerospace symbol!”
