Wednesday 18 October 2017
NASA had a big loss in 1999 just only due to the mistake of units by team !
A NASA spacecraft, the Mars Climate
Orbiter, was launched in December 1998 to study the Martian
geography and weather patterns. The spacecraft was slated to
begin orbiting Mars on September 23, 1999. However, NASA
officials lost communication with the spacecraft early that day
and it is believed that the spacecraft broke apart or overheated
because it came too close to the surface of Mars. Errors in the
maneuvering commands sent from earth caused the Orbiter to
sweep within 37 miles of the surface rather than the intended 93
miles. The subsequent investigation revealed that the errors were
due to a simple mix-up in units. One team controlling the Orbiter
used SI units whereas another team used BG units. This costly
experience illustrates the importance of using a consistent system
of units.
Hitec Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineeirng Hitec Mechanical Engineering As we know Mechanical Engineering is the branch of engineering dealing with the des...
