Concern over Mars Lander as inquiry reports on Orbiter loss

Article Abstract:

A review panel formed to investigate the loss of the $125 million Mars Climate Orbiter in Sep 1999 has concluded that the main cause of the loss of the Orbiter was the failure by Lockheed Martin Astronautics, the prime contractor for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, to use metric units in software for calculating the Orbiter's trajectory. The panel also found that the navigation team was overburdened and lacked contact with other Jet Propulsion Laboratory project staff. It was established that a last-minute trajectory correction manoeuvre that could have saved the aircraft would not have been possible.

Accidents, Mars (Planet), Discovery and exploration, Astronautics

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Chemists urge US to ratify weapons pact

Article Abstract:

Members of the National Academy of Sciences are urging the US Senate to take immediate steps to ratify the international Chemical Weapons Convention. The treaty prohibits the development and use of chemical weapons and orders signatories to dispose of existing stockpiles. The group points out that only countries that ratify the treaty by Apr 29 1997 will be considered original signatories with full representation on the convention's governing council. The US and Russia have not made moves to join the other 65 signatories.

Laws, regulations and rules, Arms control, Security, International, International security, Chemical weapons

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Early American goes for tests - at last

Article Abstract:

A set of 9,000 year old human remains will finally be scientifically examined to determine its origin. The remains were found near Kennewick, Washington State almost three years ago but local Native American groups claimed the remains with the aim of reburying them. However a group of scientists called for a halt to the reburial saying that they had the right to study the remains under the first amendment.

Research, Anthropometry

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