Apollo 1

Mission Overview

The Apollo 1 mission was a critical part of NASA's lunar exploration push. Tragic capsule fire during a launch pad test that claimed the lives of astronauts Grissom, White, and Chaffee, resulting in major capsule redesigns. The engineering advances made in guidance systems, thermal protection, computing, and structural engineering defined a generation of technology. The data returning from this mission shaped planetary geology, astronomy, and solar physics, cementing its position in human technological history.

Flight Crew & Officers

Ed White

Crew Member Civilian

Gus Grissom

Crew Member Colonel, USAF

Roger Bruce Chaffee

Crew Member Civilian

Multimedia Gallery

Official NASA historical record photography for Apollo 1.