Hi Poul-Henning, from what I read, they a) had no tools to replace the units or even open the computer, b) the software was different between the units (LEM had 1/2 the ROM to save weight), and c) the spacecraft attitude thrusters and the main engines were fully computer controlled (their control Joysticks were true fly-by-wire, they went through the computer, and thruster control was done by software). So no computer meant no attitude thrusters or acceleration.
So having to rely on two of these computers during the separated period would actually double their chances of some form of mission failure. Of course the LEM could not be used for re-entry in to the atmosphere either. If the Command Module computer failed (and it was apparently not built with redundant circuitry) then: - game over. But on the other hand they considered the human element failure, they had fully automatic return and landing capability in case the humans expired... bye, Said In a message dated 11/18/2009 15:07:02 Pacific Standard Time, [email protected] writes: In message <[email protected]>, [email protected] writes: >A single transistor, ROM bit, solder-joint, or resistor failure could have >killed them. Actually there were a perfectly good spare in the lunar lander module and most single points of failure would not kill them, but merely cause the mission to abort and head home. They also hard backup navigational aids. _______________________________________________ time-nuts mailing list -- [email protected] To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
