SPACECRAFT ACCIDENTS: EXAMINING THE PAST, IMPROVING

THE FUTURE

Apollo 1

Bryan Palaszewski working with the

Digital Learning NetworkNASA Glenn Research Center

Apollo 1 (1/2)

• Launch date (planned): February 21, 1967

• Accident occurred during a ground test: January 27, 1967

• A fire broke out in the spacecraft, causing loss of the crew.

Apollo 1 (2/2)

• The combination of an electrical spark, a pure oxygen environment at high pressure (16 psia) with flammable materials inside, and a sealed and difficult-to-open hatch led to loss of the crew.

Apollo 1 Results (1/2)

• The atmosphere in the spacecraft was changed to 5 psia pressure pure oxygen.

• Non-flammable materials were used in the spacecraft.

Apollo 1 Results (2/2)

• A new single layer hatch was developed, which can be opened with one lever.

• New space suit materials were developed (Beta cloth) to resist fire.

• Safe flights to the Moon became a reality.