basic sputnik

THE BASIC SPUTNIK
Georgy Uspensky
Russia
Chairman of the System Engineering of Scientific and Socioeconomic
Complexes Department, TsNIIMASH (Central Research Institute of
Machine Building). Doctor of Science. Professor. Born in 1932. Graduated
from the Bauman Moscow High School of Technology in 1955,
a diploma in mechanical engineering. Worked in the Tikhonravov
Artillery Academy in 1955–1958.
A TsNIIMASH employee since 1958.
Honoured worker
of science.
THE BASIC SPUTNIK
They went to the end of the rectangular room where there was a working desk for
Marshal. Then escort of a few generals showed up in the doors. They followed their
leader in a group at a 10 m distance.
Nedelin came to the chair, stopped and looked at the room. His brick-red marshal’s
face expressed the peace and infallibility. His whole appearance radiated with power
and magnitude. He glanced at the crowd of officers frozen over the green desks and
his lips formed an ironic and condescending smile.
The escort crowded at about 5 meters from his chair and were staring the Marshal
awestruck. Only Sokolov, being the host here, dared to stand by his side and give
explanations.
Finally, Nedelin sat in his chair with his side to the others in the room and went deep
in his marshal’s thoughts. Maybe he imagined the first stages of launch site construction
in bare desert near Tyura-Tam, the life in rail cars under merciless southern sun,
initiation of the intercontinental missiles project, arguments and doubts of its fast
completion, the successful launch – and here it is – the Sputnik. This smart intellectual
did a lot to organize and launch this historical event, and, maybe this was the
reason why he could realize how significant this event was.
The Sputnik: Two Days
Before the Launch
…The mission control room was buzzing with prelaunch
commotion. The officers were checking on the phone about the functionality
of measurement and communication systems and reported readiness to their superiors.
Various troubles and arguments would break out and be settled as by the true
military officers based on the Charter and a loud voice.
Excited colonels and lieutenant colonels were buzzing between the desks, pushing
each other away and not caring for any apologies. The generals were monumental in
their stature, graciously listening to the reports and giving instructions, some crucial,
some even more so.
The civilians were more sincere in their emotions and actions. They were more excited
by the event itself, it’s importance and historical value. Enthusiasm and curiosity
were written on their faces.
At about eight o’clock, Lieutenant colonel Grigory Levin showed in the doorway and
declared with the voice of a Jericho pipe: ‘Marshal Nedelin!’
The room fell silent and froze, as if in a still frame. The officers froze at their desks
and bowed their heads gingerly squinting at the door. The civilians turned towards
the shouting Levin with obvious curiosity on their faces.
Nedelin entered the room, not paying any attention to the people inside and realizing
how significant his appearance here is for the common ranks. General Sokolov
escorted him respectfully but without a trace of complaisance.
Wearing the marshal’s uniform, the exercised his commander’s function in a massive
and somewhat scenic way and thus ensured all his subordinates were up and doing.
With all his exterior austerity and perfection his face sometimes revealed sparks of
self-irony, which the others personalized. Such caution instinctively protected them
against potential misunderstandings, and Marshal had a chance to free his emotions
without any harm to his troops.
Little by little the marshal induced shock was waning away; the busy rustle was setting
in. People’s voices were growing louder, and the rattle was increasing. Finally,
Nedelin, who has been sitting quietly up until now deep in his commander’s thoughts,
slowly raised his heavy head and, as if passingly, said: ‘It’s getting too loud.’
Lieutenant colonel Levin stepped off the escort group, made three steps towards the
Marshal, stopped, assumed an official ceremonial stand, and shouted in a thick bass
voice: ‘Stop the noise!’
The command shot through like a shock wave from an antitank shell over the excited
people’s heads and everything went quiet instantly.
The planned launch time was approaching. Nedelin leaned in his chair with slow
grace and with a wide gesture removed large silver watch on a long thick chain out of
his pocket. Holding it in his left half-extended hand, he opened the lid on the watch
by quickly pressing on the watch knob and started watching the dial. Everyone froze
anticipating the events. Sokolov and Levin quietly approached the Marshal – just in
case.
‘Any news from the launch site?’ Nedelin asked in a smooth voice.
‘Nothing so far’, Sokolov answered.
This breathless silence of anticipation was on for about an hour. Finally, there was a
call in one of the comm booths in the other end of the room and in a few moments the
comm officer, whose all appearance revealed the importance of what he was doing,
half ran to Nedelin. Escort generals intercepted him on his way; they heard the report
and Sokolov then quietly reported to the Marshal. After that, Nedelin stood up and
headed for the exit.
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