the coding error that almost cost the space race

Hey,

In 1962, someone at NASA made a tiny coding error. It was the kind of mistake you’ve probably already made today, whether you code or not.

But in this case, a lot was at stake.

The error resulted in:

• Costing $180,000,000

• Blowing up the Mariner-1 space probe

• International embarrassment

Some say it was silly and avoidable. That NASA rushed something that shouldn’t be rushed.

Others say it was worth it. It led to:

• Important evolutions in quality assurance

• A successful launch of Mariner-2

• Leaps forward in the space race

I broke down the story here, so you can decide for yourself.

Enjoy this nugget from 1962.

If you have any thoughts or feedback, send me a DM on Twitter! https://x.com/hnshah