🚀 Day 7: Why NASA Still Uses Ancient Code (And Why It’s Actually Genius)

Welcome to the final day of The Curious Geek’s Week — and we’re closing out with a trip to outer space!

Have you ever seen a meme about how your phone has more power than the computer that landed Apollo 11 on the moon?
Well… that’s not a joke — it’s true. But what’s even more mind-blowing?

NASA still uses decades-old programming languages like FORTRAN, COBOL, and Assembly.
No, it’s not because they haven’t heard of Python. It’s because… that “ancient code” is kind of a genius move.

👨‍🚀 Wait… They’re Still Using What?

Let’s break it down:

• Voyager 1 & 2 (launched in 1977) still use code written in Assembly.
• Many Mars rovers and shuttles still run critical systems in C, C++, or even Ada (a 1980s military-grade language).
• Some older satellites and space telescopes use versions of FORTRAN (from the 1950s!).

These aren’t just leftovers. These systems are actively maintained, updated, and still doing science out in space.

🤔 But Why Not Just Use Something New?

Here’s why NASA sticks with "ancient" tech:

1. Stability Is Everything

When you’re 384,000 km from Earth — or 22 billion km like Voyager — a crash isn’t just annoying, it’s mission-ending.

Old code = thoroughly tested, extremely stable, and proven under pressure.

2. Space Is Harsh

Radiation can mess with memory and flip bits like popcorn. Older hardware and simpler code are less prone to cosmic glitches.

3. Backward Compatibility

You can't just “update the OS” of a spacecraft. Much of NASA’s gear was built decades ago. New code might not even run on the old chips.

4. Certification Takes Forever

In aerospace, every line of code must be reviewed, tested, simulated, and certified. That can take years. If it already works — don't fix it.

🧠 Fun Fact: The Apollo Guidance Computer

• RAM: 2 KB
• Storage: 32 KB
• Clock Speed: 0.043 MHz

That’s about the power of a musical greeting card… and it landed humans on the moon.

And it was programmed by Margaret Hamilton and her team — who literally invented software engineering as a concept.

💾 What Can We Learn from NASA’s Old Code?

Here’s what this teaches us as modern-day devs:

• Simplicity is powerful. You don’t always need a fancy framework.
• Reliability > novelty — especially when lives (or billions of dollars) are on the line.
• Documentation and readability make your code timeless.
• Sometimes, the most advanced tech is knowing when not to upgrade.

🛠️ So Should We All Learn FORTRAN Now?

Not necessarily. But understanding why older tech still thrives is key.

• Banks still run COBOL.
• The aviation industry uses Ada.
• Your phone’s modem might use Assembly.

Being a good developer isn’t about chasing trends — it’s about knowing what works, when it matters most.

🏁 Final Thought

NASA’s old code isn’t a relic — it’s a badge of honor for what’s been tested, trusted, and survived the test of space.

Next time someone mocks old languages, just remind them:
“This code literally left the planet.”

🎉 That’s a Wrap on The Curious Geek’s Week!

Seven days, seven nerdy deep-dives, and hopefully a brain full of fun new facts.

If you enjoyed this series — share your favorite post, tag a fellow geek, or start your own weird blog series.

And remember:
Stay curious, stay creative, and keep coding.

Happy Learning!!