Final answer:
The Mars Climate Orbiter crashed due to calculations being made in English units without conversion to metric SI units, a clear case of mismanaged risk control. Proper verification, communication, and protocols are vital for avoiding such errors. Space exploration is crucial for scientific and technological advancement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 1999 NASA Mars Climate Orbiter is an example of mismanaged risk control. This incident occurred because American scientists made calculations in English units and failed to convert their figures to the standard metric SI units, which is crucial for international space missions and collaboration. The spacecraft was intended to orbit Mars and monitor its atmosphere, but this error caused it to come too close to the Martian atmosphere and disintegrate upon entry.
To avoid such a catastrophe, thorough verification of data, including unit conversion, is imperative in all phases of a mission. Cross-checking work and establishing clear communication and protocols among international and interdisciplinary teams working on spacecraft projects are essential in preventing these types of errors. The Mars Climate Orbiter was sent to Mars to study the Martian climate and atmosphere. Space exploration, despite such risks, remains important for advancing scientific knowledge, technology, and potentially safeguarding Earth from extraterrestrial threats such as asteroids.