The Apollo Guidance Computer

Abstract

The Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) is an engineering marvel. The AGC performed all of the necessary computation to successfully guide, navigate, and control the spacecraft, which carried Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the surface of the moon back in 1969 as part of the Apollo 11 mission. Weighing in at a staggering 32 kg and featuring a blazing-fast 2.048-MHz clock, it was the first computer to use silicon integrated circuits (ICs). Mankind has made great strides and advances both in regards to space exploration as well as technology since the AGC made its debut. In light of those successes and this year being the 50th anniversary of the microprocessor, it is only fitting that the AGC be celebrated.