Digital Apollo: Human and Machine in Spaceflight
by David A. Mindell
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Book Summary Information
Author: David A. MindellEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2008-05-31
ISBN: 0262134977
Number of pages: 456
Publisher: MIT Press
Book Reviews of Digital Apollo: Human and Machine in Spaceflight
Book Review: Digital Apollo...somewhat boring at times.
Summary: 4 Stars
I found some information presented interesting, but at times, somewhat boring. The author brings out the conflict between man and machine, in terms of whether man is ever really in control when computers are "in the loop". Or, is it "man is in the loop"? I could relate easily to the troubles of designing the Apollo Guidance Computer, since my career has involved developing man-machine interfaces and control systems.
Summary of Digital Apollo: Human and Machine in Spaceflight
As Apollo 11's Lunar Module descended toward the moon under automatic control, a program alarm in the guidance computer's software nearly caused a mission abort. Neil Armstrong responded by switching off the automatic mode and taking direct control. He stopped monitoring the computer and began flying the spacecraft, relying on skill to land it and earning praise for a triumph of human over machine.In Digital Apollo, engineer-historian David Mindell takes this famous moment as a starting point for an exploration of the relationship between humans and computers in the Apollo program. In each of the six Apollo landings, the astronaut in command seized control from the computer and landed with his hand on the stick. Mindell recounts the story of astronauts' desire to control their spacecraft in parallel with the history of the Apollo Guidance Computer. From the early days of aviation through the birth of spaceflight, test pilots and astronauts sought to be more than "spam in a can" despite the automatic controls, digital computers, and software developed by engineers. Digital Apollo examines the design and execution of each of the six Apollo moon landings, drawing on transcripts and data telemetry from the flights, astronaut interviews, and NASA's extensive archives.
Mindell's exploration of how human pilots and automated systems worked together to achieve the ultimate in flight-a lunar landing-traces and reframes the debate over the future of humans and automation in space. The results have implications for any venture in which human roles seem threatened by automated systems, whether it is the work at our desktops or the future of exploration.
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