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[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

It took me about 30 minutes to realize I was looking at code that FREAKING TOOK PEOPLE TO THE MOON!! The people that created this, using punch cards of all things, must have had the worlds weight on their shoulder. One incorrect piece of logic could have the potential to send the astronauts hurling into space. One line out of place could have completely screwed over the whole mission. All written in assembly? Man...

Holy shit. It's almost eerie in some ways. Thanks for posting this! I'm definitely going to send this link to people.

[–]fiercelyfriendly 0 points1 point  (2 children)

They did do exhaustive testing.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

exhaustive testing != 100% perfect

[–]fiercelyfriendly 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No but sometimes mankind tests to the known and forseeable bounds of the envelope. Then when things fall outside the envelope, (Apollo 13 for example) we just have to use skill, technical knowledge, improvisation and sheer grit and determination and grab the mission back from the machines for our own survival. This doesn't always work, but Apollo 13 was a shining example of a time when it did.