English/metric measurement error in the Mars Climate Orbiter

[Drew1966]

It really would be so much safer if the few remaining countries would join the rest of the world in using the metric system.

[piloon]

It really would be so much safer if the few remaining countries would join the rest of the world in using the metric system.

Under Clinton the US was about to go metric but he decided that it would damage the economy at that time, meanwhile to follow in the Clinton US metrication policy Canada went ahead but that B4 Clinton backed off.

THe intent was to make US products more acceptable to the EU and Asian markets thus improving trade balances.

Consequently Canada lives with a crossover system.
Food products sport $/kilo as well as $/lb etc.
We don't do MPG but liters per 100 KMS
Getting correct 2 cycle oil/gas mixtures is a nightmare.
Building materials is another Zoo, studs etc are still in inch/foot but other products are totally metric.
Sheeting remains 4 x 8 with roofing tiles now metric.

The only metric change I liked was calculating for stair risers.