EPISODE · May 20, 2026 · 15 MIN
The Comma That Cost NASA $80 Million
from Code Curiosities · host Podcaster
A single misplaced punctuation mark in spacecraft code caused one of the most expensive typos in history, sending a rocket careening off course just minutes after launch. We dig into how this tiny syntax error reveals the surprisingly fragile relationship between human language and machine logic—and why your autocorrect fails have nothing on this cosmic catastrophe. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
What this episode covers
A single misplaced punctuation mark in spacecraft code caused one of the most expensive typos in history, sending a rocket careening off course just minutes after launch. We dig into how this tiny syntax error reveals the surprisingly fragile relationship between human language and machine logic—and why your autocorrect fails have nothing on this cosmic catastrophe.
NOW PLAYING
The Comma That Cost NASA $80 Million
No transcript for this episode yet