Compile & Cry
Episodes
The Rocket That Couldn’t Handle a Number
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In 1996, Europe’s Ariane 5 rocket exploded just 37 seconds after launch. The cause? A software bug — a failed number conversion that turned a $370...
The Blue Screen Heard Around the World
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In 1998, Bill Gates took the stage to show off Windows 98. Instead, the world got a front-row seat to the dreaded Blue Screen of Death — live. A leg...
Lost in Space (Because of Math)
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A $327 million NASA mission burned up in Mars’ atmosphere — all because one team used pounds, and another used newtons. A story of how a tiny unit...
The $440 Million Line of Code
17 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every flight is powered by $440 million lines of code, not just wings. This episode explores the stories, dangers, and hidden complexity of the softwa...