Mars Polar Lander Had Fatal Design Flaw

GSearle writes, "Spacedaily.com reports on a design flaw that may have caused the Mars Polar Lander to cut its engines immediately upon firing and plummet 1800 meters to the surface. The problem lies with a sensor that detects when the lander has reached the ground. The sensor may have been triggered prematurely when the lander's legs locked into position. "