Should have used a multiple axis switch (or accelerometer) with a 
computer function that told whether the switch was in a correct state at 
any given time.

Should have also considered radio control - if chute doesn't pop in 
time, pop it by command.  They were sufficiently close enough to send a 
strong enough signal to command the thing.

Oh well.  I bet the design engineers and those who signed off on the 
document are getting their beatings.

-Adam

Peter Johansson wrote:

>>From the d'oh! department...
>
>
>Genesis crash linked to upside-down design
> 
>17:18 15 October 04
> 
>NewScientist.com news service
> 
>
>Sensors to detect deceleration on NASA's Genesis space capsule were
>installed correctly but had been designed upside down, resulting in
>the failure to deploy the capsules parachutes. The design flaw is the
>prime suspect for why the capsule, carrying precious solar wind ions,
>crashed in Utah on 8 September, according to a NASA investigation
>board.
>
>
>Remainder of the article available at:
>
>http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99996541
>
>-p.
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