>Since this thread start with space exploration (Europa) and evolve to metric vs imperial.
>Do you remember that one of the NASA's mission to Mars was a fiasco caused by a default of conversion between both measuring systems...?
>
>
>>>>Actually, the English System of measurement is simple to learn when you grow up with it. But who in their right mind would want to learn it given a choice? :)
>>>>
>>>>Tom
>>>

Gerald;

Yes – it made the news. NASA changed from the time I worked on the LEM/Apollo Projects. Back in the late 1960 to early 1970 period, NASA contracts were “cost plus 10%”. You were assured to make a 10% profit, with overtime.

The “new” NASA changed how they do business. Besides being imbecilic, new NASA requirements called for using “commercially available hardware and software”. When the Mars project placed that small vehicle on the surface of that planet to take video pictures it had a life expectancy of 7 days. The motors used to propel the vehicle were made by a company named “Pitman”, which hobbyists have used for years. The particular Pitman Motor used cost $10.

Why spent millions of dollars for a space shot to land a module on Mars to take video pictures and spent a few dollars on the vehicle?

When bean counters become involved in any serious endeavor disaster will follow. When engineers are in charge such problems will not occur. I have lived the experience while working for two major corporations during a 22-year period. My personal examples would make a good comedy.

The most limiting feature of such endeavors is controlled by politics from the national to corporation level. No one wants to hear the truth – they just want to “please the jackass” higher up the ladder. Do not make waves. The only group that I ever saw standup to management or the Federal Government, were the engineers. We were not liked because we spoke the truth and pulled no punches.

We were allowed to be successful. Today that may be impossible. It is more important for your boss to promise you can do the impossible with little chance of success. Everything is on the edge of failure without the redundant systems we were allowed to provide.

Tom