Margaret Hamilton - 2017 CHM Fellow

Summary

The speaker recounts their experience as an actuary at Travelers Insurance during the advent of computers, which initially sparked fear of job loss but ultimately led to job creation. They learned about the LGP-30 from Professor Edward Loren and later contributed to the Apollo program, focusing on system and Command Module software. The speaker emphasizes the critical nature of man-rated software, the importance of simulation, and the development of an emergency warning system for astronauts. They also reflect on the significance of learning from past errors and the challenges faced by women in engineering, advocating for change and leadership that promotes inclusivity.

Takeaways

• 💼 The speaker initially worked as a student actuary at Travelers Insurance and witnessed fears about computers replacing jobs, which was later proven to be unfounded as more jobs were created with the advent of computers.
• 👨‍🏫 The speaker was taught about the LGP-30 computer by Professor Edward Loren, highlighting the personal mentorship and hands-on experience that shaped their early career.
• 🚀 The speaker was involved in the development of the ANFS Q7 at Lincoln Labs and was drawn to work on the Apollo program, demonstrating a desire to be part of significant historical achievements.
• 🔧 The speaker was assigned to work on a program that was considered unlikely to be needed, but when it was required due to a mission abort, they became an 'overnight expert', showing the importance of being prepared for unexpected situations.
• 🛠️ The focus on system software and later the Command Module software during the Apollo 8 mission illustrates the speaker's increasing responsibility and expertise in critical areas of spaceflight.
• 👨‍🚀 The onboard flight software was 'man-rated', meaning its reliability was crucial for the safety of human lives, emphasizing the high stakes and pressure faced by those working on such software.
• 🔬 The speaker's initiative to simulate hardware and the environment to ensure software reliability reflects a commitment to thorough testing and preparation for real-world scenarios.
• 🚨 The creation of an emergency warning system for astronauts shows the speaker's proactive approach to safety and the importance of clear communication during critical situations.
• 🎓 The speaker's pursuit of an error study and the development of a theory of control with six axioms indicate a dedication to learning from past mistakes and improving systems reliability.
• 🌍 The speaker reflects on the broader impact of their work, considering how systems and cultural factors influence opportunities for women and minorities, advocating for change and leadership that promotes equality.
• 📚 A sense of history and the desire to apply lessons learned from past experiences to prevent future errors is a recurring theme in the speaker's career, underlining the value of continuous learning and improvement.

Q & A

What was the initial concern about computers in the context of the insurance industry mentioned in the script?

The initial concern was that computers would take away jobs from people in the insurance industry, causing fear among the workforce about their livelihoods.

What was the LGP-30 and how did it relate to the speaker's experience?

The LGP-30 was a computer system that Professor Edward N. Loren had in his office. The speaker learned about the LGP-30 from Professor Loren and was later hired as a programmer, which was a new job opportunity at the time.

What was the speaker's involvement with the ANFS Q7 at Lincoln Labs?

The speaker was hired to work on the ANFS Q7, which was the first of its kind, and during this time, they discovered the Apollo program and decided to delay graduate school to participate in it.

Why was the speaker given the task of handling a potential mission abort scenario for Apollo?

The speaker was given the task because they were considered a beginner and the mission was not expected to abort. However, when it did abort, the speaker's program became crucial.

What was the significance of the onboard flight software being 'man-rated'?

Being 'man-rated' meant that the software was critical for human safety. If it failed, it could cost a person's life, emphasizing the importance of its reliability.

How did the speaker approach the challenge of simulating the hardware and the world outside the vehicle?

The speaker focused on creating simulations that were as close to the real thing as possible, including the vehicle and the environment it would operate in, to ensure the software's reliability.

What was the speaker's solution to alert astronauts about emergencies during a mission?

The speaker proposed an interrupt system to alert astronauts of emergencies, which was initially met with resistance but was eventually implemented with support from hardware and Houston teams.

How did the speaker's emergency alert system play a role during the Apollo 11 mission?

During Apollo 11, the emergency alert system activated just before landing, notifying the astronauts of an issue. The astronaut was able to correct the problem, allowing for a successful landing.

What did the speaker do to ensure that lessons learned from errors were not forgotten?

The speaker secured funding for an error study, where they analyzed errors and developed a theory of control with six axioms, focusing on improving software development processes.

What is the speaker's perspective on the challenges faced by women in engineering and societal systems?

The speaker believes that societal systems and cultural norms can limit opportunities for women and minorities. They advocate for change and leadership that encourages diversity and equal opportunities.

How does the speaker view the 'butterfly effect' in relation to systems and societal impact?

The speaker sees the 'butterfly effect' as a metaphor for how small changes in systems can have significant impacts on culture and opportunities for various groups in society.