The "The missile knows where it is" copypasta originates from a 1997 Air Force training video and describes missile guidance logic in a verbose and somewhat confusing way. It explains how a missile always knows its position by comparing where it currently is and where it isn't, then using deviations and variations to correct its course. The passage uses a lot of repetitive and circular reasoning, which gives it a humorous and almost nonsensical tone that made it popular as a copypasta online.
Origin and Content
- The copypasta is based on an actual audio segment from a 1997 Air Force missile guidance training video.
- It explains missile guidance by stating the missile always knows its position by subtracting where it is from where it isn't and vice versa, finding a deviation or error to correct its path.
- The text contains a circular logic style, emphasizing the missile moving from where it is to where it isn't, and then the position where it was becoming the position where it isn't.
- The full text also mentions handling "variation," or error, which the missile's guidance system accounts for.
Popularity and Usage
- The passage is widely shared across various internet platforms as a copypasta due to its confusing but amusing technical jargon style.
- It has been posted on forums such as Reddit and archived on meme sites, with users often referencing or quoting it for humorous effect.
This copypasta is essentially a quirky and verbose description of missile tracking and guidance system principles based on real but technical military training language, which became a meme due to its unique style and phrasing.
