NASA's Apollo Guidance Computer

The NASA Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC) was an early digital computer used to navigate and control the Apollo spacecraft during lunar missions. It processed data from sensors, executed commands, and guided the spacecraft precisely to the Moon and back. Approximately the size of a toaster, it used integrated circuits—rare and innovative at the time—making it compact for space travel. The AGC was crucial for handling complex tasks like lunar landing, takeoff, and docking, enabling astronauts to perform precise maneuvers remotely. Its reliability and advanced design marked a major milestone in computer technology and space exploration.