David Mindell argues that “the cult of the astronaut”, built around the first people sent into space by NASA, has prevented automated space exploration programs, and other beneficial technologies, from being utilised.
NASA’s engineering culture supported the centrality of the astronaut. Initially designated “capsules,” crew vehicles were renamed “spacecraft” to signify the human pilot’s mastery and control. The terminology matched the technology: The spacecraft’s controls, displays, and overall structure were designed with the pilot in mind. Yet many steps in the flights were automated, from the closed-loop launches to the predominantly automatic reentries. No human being could have handled all the complex tasks involved in orbital rendezvous and lunar landings without the aid of computers and fly-by-wire systems.
Comments are closed. Please send a message if you want though.