Digital Apollo

The name Digital Apollo alludes a big focus on the Apollo Guidance Computer, but Mindell’s book is in some regards more about the subtitle: the interaction of human and machine in spaceflight. This topic is explored, starting with the beginning of powered flight, up through aircraft research from the 40’ies and in the spaceflight endeavours of the 60’ies.

This background might seem slightly superfluous, but it gives the context needed to understand the conflicts arising and decisions made in the lunar landings. Core to this, is the balance between pilot control and computer control. Putting both of these in quotes is important, since a core theme is that the roles of these two sides develops and reacts to the other — spaceflight needs both, but not merely as pilots and computers.

All in all, it was very well-written and seems to be quite detailed in its research.