Re: Would we have got to the moon with no semiconductors?
It isn't just the spacecraft and their guidance computer. Having valve-based radios for spacesuits and the larger batteries needed could be a problem.
There is a general issue that for small things batteries seem more efficient in packaging if they're low voltage/few cells. Valves wouldn't enable the high efficiency low voltage SMPS things we enjoy today. I think the Apollo fuel cell was a fairly low voltage thing and relied on switching converters.
David
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Can't afford the volcanic island yet, but the plans for my monorail and the goons' uniforms are done
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