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13 Minutes to the Moon
Ep.05 The fourth astronaut
Jun 9, 2019
Learn about the groundbreaking computer that guided Apollo 11 to the moon, the first digital portable general purpose computer. Explore the innovative work of MIT that paved the way for the digital age. Hear from key figures involved in this technological feat, including Margaret Hamilton and Eldon Hall.
47:56
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Quick takeaways
- The Apollo Guidance Computer, built by MIT, was crucial for the precision and safety of Apollo's journey to the moon.
- Margaret Hamilton pioneered software engineering during Apollo, ensuring reliable programs for crucial guidance system errors.
Deep dives
The Innovation of the Apollo Guidance Computer
The Apollo Guidance Computer, built and programmed by the team at MIT, revolutionized space travel. Weighing only 30 kilos and about the size of a couple of shoeboxes, it was the first portable digital computer in the world. Without this computer, which controlled the spacecraft during crucial moments like landing, the success of the mission to the moon would have been uncertain. The computer was a key factor in ensuring the precision and safety of Apollo's journey.
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode