Question Apollo autopilot programming

[george7378]

Hi, does anyone have any good info on the workings of the Apollo autopilots and computers, specifically the lunar lander's autopilot? I want to see how it works and what kind of algorithms they used to descend to the Moon - if the computer only had the power of a pocket calculator, maybe I'm in with a shot at understanding it

Thanks.

 

[irnenginer]

Check out

http://nassp.sourceforge.net/wiki/Main_Page

And

http://www.ibiblio.org/apollo/

 

[kuddel]

Hi,
I can recommend The Apollo Guidance Computer.
I have the hardcopy here. Don't know if the google-online version is fully readable, though.

 

[darrenc]

Hi,
I can recommend The Apollo Guidance Computer.
I have the hardcopy here. Don't know if the google-online version is fully readable, though.

I'll second this recommendation. It is an enthralling read, especially if you have a programming background. The book goes into great detail of the inner workings of the AGC and a good deal of attention is given to the Digital Auto Pilot.

If you really want to understand the AGC, investing in this book will be money well spent.