We should really look at the classic failures at software.
So "Ariane 5" is one of the earlier rocket launchers. On the
mid-flight, within a few minutes - or within a few seconds rather - of
taking off, the launcher exploded. Now the reasons probably one could
look to. The case study indicates the acceleration was a little bit more
in Ariane 5 compare to the Ariane 4.
The other classical example is a Therac 25. It is an accelerator. It is
a project developed by French and an American together. The Therac 25
was the system, is basically an accelerator utilised for the treatment
of cancer. Around 1987 about six patients died while they were given this
radius-treatment. This Therac 25, the software was used on Therac 6, Therac
10, Therac 20, this was utilised for a long period, though the Therac
25 is more automatic system, but it basically used the same software as
the earlier ones. And the system failed.
A very similar thing if we look at the failures in the bridges that happen
all the time. These were constructed with the help of the software.
We do not really know what has happened in Chernobyl. But probably, if
there is a good software, it could have prevented. Though it is not the
software fall that has caused the problem, but a good software could save
the situation.
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