NASA reports that the Genesis mission, which collected the first samples of the solar wind, crashed into the desert in September 2004 instead of parachuting because sensing switches were installed backwards. The "G-switch sensors," according to NASA's investigation board, were not properly installed and tested for a number of reasons, including the mistaken belief that they were "heritage" (that is, already proven) hardware and the pressure to meet a launch schedule. The Board's recommendations included "establishing appropriate levels of budgetary and schedule reserve" as well as new oversight and testing procedures.
COMMENT: According to an aviation safety book by Robert J. Serling (Loud and Clear, 1970), at least two airline crashes have been laid to the aviation version of Murphy's Law, which states; "If it is physically possible to install an airplane part incorrectly, sooner or later someone will install it that way."
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