The Real Story Behind the Apollo 11 Computer Error | WSJ
The Wall Street Journal・6 minutes read
On July 20, 1969, the Apollo 11 lunar module faced a 1202 alarm during descent, with Don Eyles playing a crucial role in writing the computer code for the landing despite challenges with limited memory. The Apollo computer, a groundbreaking advancement using integrated circuits, encountered error codes 1201 and 1202 during landing due to radar data overload, but Mission Control's quick decision led to a successful moon landing, highlighting the importance of fast problem-solving in critical moments.
Insights
- Don Eyles, a young computer programmer, faced challenges due to the limited memory and speed of the Apollo computer while writing crucial code for the lunar landing, highlighting the significance of technological constraints in historical achievements.
- The successful moon landing by Apollo despite the 1202 alarm showcased the critical importance of quick decision-making and problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations, emphasizing the role of adaptability and resilience in achieving monumental goals.
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Recent questions
What was the significance of the Apollo 11 mission?
The Apollo 11 mission was the first successful moon landing.
How did the Apollo computer differ from previous machines?
The Apollo computer was faster and more compact.
Who wrote a significant portion of the computer code for the lunar landing?
Don Eyles wrote a significant portion of the computer code.
What caused the error codes 1201 and 1202 during the lunar landing?
The error codes were caused by radar data flooding.
What decision did Houston Mission Control make during the lunar landing?
Houston Mission Control decided to proceed with the landing.
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Summary
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"1202 Alarm: Apollo 11 Moon Landing Success"
- On July 20, 1969, during the Apollo 11 lunar module's descent to the moon, a 1202 alarm flashed in the cockpit, causing concern.
- Don Eyles, a young computer programmer, wrote a significant portion of the computer code for the lunar landing, facing challenges due to the limited memory and speed of the Apollo computer.
- The Apollo computer, utilizing integrated circuits, was a revolutionary advancement, compact in size and faster than previous machines.
- During the landing, the computer displayed error codes 1201 and 1202, leading to confusion among the astronauts and programmers, with the cause traced to a radar accidentally flooding the computer with data.
- Despite the alarm, Houston Mission Control made the decision to proceed with the landing, resulting in a successful moon landing by Apollo, showcasing the importance of quick thinking and problem-solving in critical situations.
