Not true. You are getting mixed up. Thruster performance is often measured in pounds-seconds or Newton-seconds. Since these are dissimilar units of measure, using the wrong one for calculating trajectory (Delta-V) correction/course changes, can (and did) induce error and subsequent loss of mission.
Interesting paper:
Sorry. Meant to ping you to the above as well.
Whether it's Newton-seconds or in-pounds/second; no matter what unit happens to be in vogue ... It was NASA's responsibility to control this satellite. We (the taxpayer) paid untold hundreds of millions to get the satellite built, launched and monitored; and NASA blew it. Like they Blew Hubble, like they blew Challenger and like they blew Columbus.
NASA doesn't pay well (not well at all), so they do not attract or keep the best talent. I more than doubled my salary when I left Johnson in the late 80's. What I left behind was not something that built confidence.
Let's compare the relative success and cost effectiveness of the private sector as they pursue space exploration. Spaceship One is a prime example. It gently fell back to earth without the need for a heavy heatshield.
Every chance NASA has had to blow it; they have taken ample opportunity and made the best of it.