This is the code in the Apollo Guidance Computer for Apollo 11.

It’s part of the LUMINARY sofware, which ran on the AGC on the Lunar Module. It’s meant to check if the landing radar is pointed toward the lunar surface - because the LM went through several orientations, the landing radar could be pointed to the front or the side or down. You’re landing on the Moon. Point it down.

Point is, you have to verify user input. Even if your users are the most meticulous and highly trained individuals in history. You have to see if they’re lying. So you get to the BURNBABY.

Browse the code in GitHub - this code is in THE_LUNAR_LANDING.agc

  • ugo@feddit.it
    13·
    8 hours ago

    It’s trying to convey that software and engineering discipline has gone to shit. Software written to have some of the most skilled humans at the given task in 69 still had safeguards to double check that the user, despite being one of the most eminent experts, did not provide incorrect input.

    Fast forward to 2026 and things have worsened to the point where ostensible “engineers” deploy systems that allow attackers to access people’s accounts simply by asking a bot, which blindly trusts the attackers.

    I don’t know yet to which degree I agree, but that’s what the comment is meant to convey in my interpretation.