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If you're interested in the Apollo Guidance Computer there's some really excellent material out there in the world to learn more. My two favorite books are: *

If you're interested in the Apollo Guidance Computer there's some really excellent material out there in the world to learn more. My two favorite books are: * The Apollo Guidance Computer: Architecture and Operation - Frank O'Brien * Digital Apollo: Human and Machine in Spaceflight - David A. Mindell Fascinating machine.

kens 8y ago
I recommend Journey to the Moon by Eldon Hall, designer of the AGC. The O'Brien book has a lot of good information but also a lot of problems. Sunburst and Luminary is also interesting, written by Don Eyles who wrote much of the lunar landing code. He goes into a detailed explanation of the 1202 program alarms.
- troutwine 8y ago
  Didn't know about Sunburst and Luminary. Thanks.
- 1201alarm 8y ago
  Eyles came to the Vintage Computer Festival-East in Wall, NJ last year, and was introduced by Frank O'Brien who's a regular there. He actually did a code walkthrough of the Apollo 14 flaky-switch hack - coolest talk I've ever attended. Scott Manley did a pretty good Youtube episode on the Apollo 14 hack last year also; the two of them complement each other nicely.
RachelF 8y ago
For those interested in the engineering details behind the whole flight, from engines, to power systems, guidance, navigation and computers, I would say my favourite book is "How Apollo Flew to the Moon" by W David Woods https://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Flew-Springer-Praxis-Books/dp/1441971785 https://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Flew-Springer-Praxis-Books/dp/...
- EvanAnderson 8y ago
  The Omega Tau podcast has an excellent episode featuring Mr. Woods: http://omegataupodcast.net/83-how-apollo-flew-to-the-moon/ http://omegataupodcast.net/83-how-apollo-flew-to-the-moon/
ekimekim 8y ago
There's also this excellent talk from CCC a few years back: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx7Lfh5SKUQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx7Lfh5SKUQ

kens 8y ago

I recommend Journey to the Moon by Eldon Hall, designer of the AGC. The O'Brien book has a lot of good information but also a lot of problems. Sunburst and Luminary is also interesting, written by Don Eyles who wrote much of the lunar landing code. He goes into a detailed explanation of the 1202 program alarms.

troutwine 8y ago
Didn't know about Sunburst and Luminary. Thanks.
1201alarm 8y ago
Eyles came to the Vintage Computer Festival-East in Wall, NJ last year, and was introduced by Frank O'Brien who's a regular there. He actually did a code walkthrough of the Apollo 14 flaky-switch hack - coolest talk I've ever attended. Scott Manley did a pretty good Youtube episode on the Apollo 14 hack last year also; the two of them complement each other nicely.

RachelF 8y ago

For those interested in the engineering details behind the whole flight, from engines, to power systems, guidance, navigation and computers, I would say my favourite book is "How Apollo Flew to the Moon" by W David Woods https://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Flew-Springer-Praxis-Books/dp/1441971785 https://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Flew-Springer-Praxis-Books/dp/...

EvanAnderson 8y ago
The Omega Tau podcast has an excellent episode featuring Mr. Woods: http://omegataupodcast.net/83-how-apollo-flew-to-the-moon/ http://omegataupodcast.net/83-how-apollo-flew-to-the-moon/

ekimekim 8y ago

There's also this excellent talk from CCC a few years back: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx7Lfh5SKUQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx7Lfh5SKUQ