Mars Climate Orbiter probe crashed into the surface of Mars

AI Thread Summary
The Mars Climate Orbiter probe crashed in 1998 due to a unit conversion error between SI and British units, leading to its failure to enter orbit. NASA navigators used SI units for course corrections, while the probe's software operated in British units, resulting in a critical miscalculation. The discussion includes a request for assistance in converting 15.0 N to pounds, highlighting the confusion surrounding unit conversions. The conversion process involves understanding the relationship between Newtons and pounds through their definitions in respective unit systems. Accurate unit conversion is essential for successful space missions and engineering calculations.
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In 1998, the Mars Climate Orbiter probe crashed into the surface of Mars, instead of entering orbit. The resulting inquiry revealed that NASA navigators had been making minor course corrections in SI units, whereas the software written by the probe's makers implicitly used British units. The unit of force in the SI system is the Newton (N), which is defined in terms of basic SI units as 1 N = 1 kg * m/s^2. The unit of force in the British system is the pound (lb), which is defined in terms of the slug (British unit of mass), foot (ft), and second as 1 lb = 1 slug * ft/s^2.

Find the value of 15.0 N in pounds. Use the conversions
1 slug = 14.59 kg and 1ft = 0.3048m. Express your answer in pounds to three significant figures.


i wouldn't say that I am good at unit conversions, but i can do it, but with this question, it just confuses me. can someone help me with this problem?
 
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1lb=(14.59kg)*(0.3048m)/s^2=(14.59*0.3048)kg*m/s^2=(14.59*0.3048)N
1N=(1/(14.59*0.3048))lb
you should manage the rest..
 
thanks alot! that helped
 
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