In a surprise flash-forward, the episode ends with sitting in his office. After successfully landing a SpaceX rocket, he pulls Sheldon’s old, handwritten notebook out of a drawer, implying that Sheldon’s childhood math was the secret all along.

While taking for his ulcer, Sheldon grows depressed because NASA hasn't responded. In a rare moment of solidarity, George Sr. packs the whole family into the car and drives to Houston to confront Dr. Hodges. George threatens the scientist until he agrees to look at Sheldon’s notebook.

He calls the First National Bank of Medford to try and take out a second mortgage on his parents' house to fund the purchase.

While at the doctor’s office, he uses the facility's computer and a modem to connect to the Johnson Space Center FTP server, finally completing and sending his findings to NASA. The Vindication (The Zantac)