Ask HN: Why did SpaceX choose to implement touchscreen controls on the Falcon 9?

3 points by Yajirobe 6y ago ↗ HN

Bob and Doug just mentioned on the stream that they manually controlled the Falcon 9 for a bit - they were using a touchscreen to do that.

I always thought that physical 'controllers' are much more reliable and secure - what are the reasons behind using touchscreen to allow for manual navigation of the Falcon 9 rocket?

1 comment

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c0ldf1ng3r 6y ago ↗

I believe that the actual "moving" controllers are physical ones.

In terms of touch screens I'm not a person who has the actual knowledge why, but i can see two main advantages of such solution.

1. Less parts -> less failures. 2. It is easier to develop/update the interface, as you don't have to make physical changes to the layout with every iteration.