Original Source Code for Command and Lunar Modules

Apollo 11 Guidance Computer

From GitHub Repository

Hacker News • 63 Points

02

The Dawn of Space Computing

The Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC)

01

Revolutionary Technology First computer to use integrated circuits, packing 5,600 gates into just 70 cubic inches
02

Dual System Design Two identical systems: Command Module (CM) and Lunar Module (LM) with distinct software
03

Resource Constraints Only 74KB of memory available for all navigation and control operations
04

Critical Mission Success Successfully guided Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the Moon's surface on July 20, 1969

Preservation Journey

1969

Code Written

Original AGC assembly code developed by MIT Instrumentation Laboratory

2009

Digitization

Source code transcribed from original printouts by enthusiasts

2016

GitHub Release

Complete source code uploaded to GitHub by Chris Garry

Now

Viral Rediscovery

Trending on Hacker News with 63 points, inspiring new generations

05

Inside the Code

AGC Assembly Language

Luminary099.agc

# APOLLO 11 LUNAR LANDING PROGRAM
# QUANTITY SUITABLE FOR LANDING MISSION

	SETLOC	LANDBRK
	ERASE	

# LANDING RADAR ALTITUDE CHECK
	CAF	BIT1
	MASK	RADARALT
	CCS	A

Sample of the original AGC assembly code showing landing radar altitude verification routines

Code Characteristics

memory

AGC Assembly Language

Custom instruction set designed specifically for the Apollo missions

functions

Mathematical Precision

Advanced algorithms for orbital mechanics and navigation calculations

label

Famous Comments

Includes playful developer notes like 'TEMPORARY, I HOPE' and 'FOUND HIM'

security

Redundancy Systems

Built-in error handling and abort mode logic for mission safety

schedule

Real-time Operations

Interrupt-driven system capable of handling multiple concurrent tasks

description

Open Source Legacy

Now freely available for study, education, and preservation

Thank You

Explore the complete source code at github.com/chrislgarry/Apollo-11

A testament to human ingenuity and the pioneers of computing