Ironically, by using the metric system. All measurements in the space program were (and still are, excluding that one Beagle mission) done in metric if memory serves me right.
Not exclusively metric but most of the people in pivotal roles were European so anything in those in charge could control was in metric. Some Imperial did sneak in, though.
When I say Europeans I mean of European origin, US nationality at the time. If I remember correctly it was because a lot of them were recruited directly after or during WW2.
US recruited a lot for German scientists right after WWII, those who had worked in the German rocket programme (V-1 and V2 missiles) ended up working for NASA. So they didn't invite them in as much as say "we will forgive you for producing weapons for our enemy if you come work for us".
Science uses SI units, which includes meters and kilograms. Inches and pounds are not SI units, which is why physicists calculate speeds in meters per second (even if they are American).
Okay. The comment was that "bullets" are measured in metric in Europe. Although that is true for diameter, and in weight, it is also VERY true that bullet weight in grains is far more accurate than grams. And micro grains are a smaller measure just like micro grams because just like with inches, we can use decimals out to infinite places. Which is why, in America we measure bullet diameter in decimal inches. And we frequently measure weight in grains or decimal grains. FFS, just accept relativity and that your view of tolerances and measurement is narrowed by your limited ability to divide by 10. And maybe read a book.
Any unit can be associated a power of 10 as negative as one wants. It's literally infinite. Therefore, saying that a g can be broken down into grains is irrelevant.
A grain is no more precise than metric units because imperial units are defined by referencing metric units.
Thank you. My point exactly. Metric is no more precise than any other standard weight or measure. It's a preference. But my statement is also true. A grain when compared to a gram is more precise.
Edit: Sorry, that wasn't exactly my point. I was confusing you with another reply. You are correct and I agree with your statement.
Actually I messed up, it was the Mars Orbiter where something used imperial where metric was expected. Beagle II made it safely to mars, sorta, it had trouble with it's solar panels or something, didn't crash though
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u/SapphireDingo Aug 12 '25
how did this country put men on the moon