> the pipeline software that was to run the pumps, turbines, and valves was programmed to go haywire, after a decent interval, to reset pump speeds and valve se

> the pipeline software that was to run the pumps, turbines, and valves was programmed to go haywire, after a decent interval, to reset pump speeds and valve settings to produce pressures far beyond those acceptable to pipeline joints and welds," Reed writes. I'm reading this thinking, "ok, so some pipes blow, there are some leaks, maybe a fire"... > "The result was the most monumental non-nuclear explosion and fire ever seen from space," Did not expect this outcome though. What are the chances of such an event without a much more specific controller event-chain design than that described in the first quote? I mean, lots of things have gone haywire leading to explosions before. But record-setting explosions, at a coincidence of a seemingly haywire configuration of pressures? Seems pretty low on the probability scale.