The space shuttle is controlled largely by five on-board computer systems. Bugs in these systems' software can cause mission failure, loss of vehicle, even loss of life. Because each shuttle flight is unique, each requires changes to thousands of lines of computer code. Since fiscal year 1981, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has spent more than $324 million developing, testing, and implementing shuttle software to support commercial projects, scientific research, and defense missions. Software has never been reported as a major problem in shuttle operations.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Space Shuttle: NASA Should Implement Independent Oversight of Software Development


    Publication date :

    1991


    Size :

    29 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English