Digital Apollo: Human and Machine in Spaceflight
by David A. Mindell
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Book Summary Information
Author: David A. MindellEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2008-05-31
ISBN: 0262134977
Number of pages: 456
Publisher: MIT Press
Book Reviews of Digital Apollo: Human and Machine in Spaceflight
Book Review: "Soul of a new machine" for Apollo
Summary: 5 Stars
Thankfully the publisher used silky cream paper to print this book. Both your hands and your brain are pampered. Clear line illustration inside with a fantastic cover graphic, this book rewards the touch of your hand by taking you on a magic carpet ride through the inner workings of developing the guidance and navigation systems for the moon shot. It is the "Soul of the New Machine" for the Apollo program.
It's a fascinating account of how the guidance computer and the human astronaut (and flight controllers) struggled to rely on each other for the landing on the moon. The love-hate emotions of the computer-astronaut interface are felt throughout the book. Although there is no shortage of technical detail, it all seems essential to the narrative. Initially, it seems as if the book is losing focus, but soon the connections become clear: the book reads like a detective novel.
If you have read two or more books on the space program, this should be your next purchase. Once you have read one Apollo book, there is a lot of repetition - not here. It provides many details the others lack.
A secondary audience for this book is anyone interested in IT project management. This book provides a case study on complex, mission-critical project management. Much to be learned. This should be required ready for engineering majors.
At under $20, this book will set off fireworks in the pleasure centers neurons.
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