I don&#x27;t think so. From the summary posted on Wikipedia [0], it sounds more like a routine software engineering interface error: the Lockheed Martin system returned U.S. units, while the NASA system expected metric units.<p>Also, looks like classic project mismanagement made a vital contribution, too:<p>&gt; <i>The discrepancy between calculated and measured position, resulting in the discrepancy between desired and actual orbit insertion altitude, had been noticed earlier by at least two navigators, whose concerns were dismissed. A meeting of trajectory software engineers, trajectory software operators (navigators), propulsion engineers, and managers, was convened to consider the possibility of executing Trajectory Correction Maneuver-5, which was in the schedule. Attendees of the meeting recall an agreement to conduct TCM-5, but it was ultimately not done.</i><p>[0] <a href="https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;Mars_Climate_Orbiter" rel="nofollow">https:&#x2F;&#x2F;en.wikipedia.org&#x2F;wiki&#x2F;Mars_Climate_Orbiter</a>