Mars Needs Software
The SpaceX recruiting event at DFJ gathered 70 software engineers curious to explore the final frontier.
In this photo, you can see some of the Apollo artifacts as manifest muse for the evening. From left to right:
• Apollo DSKY (the direct assembly code interface to the computer). This particular one was used by every Apollo astronaut: http://www.flickr.com/photos/44124348109@N01/6378253427
• The newest and coolest addition to the space collection — the only Thrust Translation Control Assembly (TTCA, i.e. Lunar Module Joystick) known to be in private hands
• Apollo Block I FDAI 8-Ball used in Apollo 1 training: http://www.flickr.com/photos/44124348109@N01/5936016930
• Apollo Block I Propellant Utilization MDC-20 Subpanel: http://www.flickr.com/photos/44124348109@N01/5938111215
• the largest of the Apollo Command Module panels, this one controls the power systems and was a focal point of the drama on Apollo 13: http://www.flickr.com/photos/44124348109@N01/5386054271
• Neil Armstrong’s personal Lunar Globe, signed with best wishes from his parents: http://www.flickr.com/photos/44124348109@N01/5376439893
• Apollo Lunar Module Docking Model from the KSC training simulator, perhaps the only one remaining: http://www.flickr.com/photos/44124348109@N01/4470579802
• Another new addition, the Apollo 17 Lunar Module Flown Commander’s Armrest from the personal collection of Mission Commander Gene Cernan. He used this to brace his forearm while landing the Lunar Module in a standing position. It spent three days on the moon, and then Cernan brought it back through the hatch (against protocol) to keep as a personal souvenir from the last moon landing.
• Flown Soyuz Soft Landing Thruster; it uses a gamma ray sensor to fire 3 ft. away from impact with Earth: http://www.flickr.com/photos/44124348109@N01/7756218512
• Mir Space Station Command Control Console and Monitor: http://www.flickr.com/photos/44124348109@N01/6827271264
And here is a collection of photos from the event: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151710537690871.1073741824.9138485870&type=1
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