English/metric measurement error in the Mars Climate Orbiter

[Philip Davies]

I do not believe the Vasa was constructed by two teams, one from Sweden and the other from Amsterdam! Under one master shipwright, of course it would not have been lopsided! The presence on board of two different rules simply means that the carpenters on board were from both countries. This would have been the case if a Russian ship or French had also had Dutch carpenters as well. The Vasa capsized because it was top heavy. This had been established before its maiden voyage!

Although the Amsterdam foot had eleven inches, measuring 28.3133 cm, an extra inch would make a 12 inch foot of 30.88 cm. The closely associated Rhineland foot is 31.38cm. The Swedish foot is 29.69cm, I have learned.
I have never heard of an 11 inch foot before, though I do not doubt its historical fact.