Autonomic Computing

Software Complexity and Disasters

There is a long history of software problems that have led to serious disasters. The cost has been astronomical. Below is a list of some of the better-known failures. The figures in brackets are the estimated costs of the project. As you read through this list, a recurring theme is that these large projects were extremely complex—to design, test, construct, and implement, as well as manage.

• 1960— The first successful U.S. Corona spy satellite mission was launched after 12 previous failures due to software problems. (Cost too large to calculate)

• 1962— The United States launched Ranger 3 to land scientific instruments on the Moon, but the probe missed its target by some 22,000 miles due to software problems. ($14 ...