Software Complexity and Disasters
There is a long history of software problems that have led to serious disasters. The cost has been astronomical. Below is a list of some of the better-known failures. The figures in brackets are the estimated costs of the project. As you read through this list, a recurring theme is that these large projects were extremely complex—to design, test, construct, and implement, as well as manage.
1960— The first successful U.S. Corona spy satellite mission was launched after 12 previous failures due to software problems. (Cost too large to calculate)
1962— The United States launched Ranger 3 to land scientific instruments on the Moon, but the probe missed its target by some 22,000 miles due to software problems. ($14 ...
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