What We Learned from the Apollo 1 Fire

The video discusses the dangers of space travel, focusing on the Apollo 1 tragedy in 1967, where three astronauts lost their lives due to a fire during a test. The fire was caused by an electrical failure in a pure oxygen environment. NASA's investigations led to significant engineering and organizational changes, including using a safer gas mix and non-flammable materials, and overhauling safety procedures. These changes have made spaceflight safer, though it remains inherently risky.

What was the primary purpose of the Apollo 1 mission?

• To test new rocket fuel

• To conduct a spacewalk

• To test the command module in low Earth orbit

• To land on the moon

Why was the use of pure oxygen in the Apollo 1 capsule problematic?

• It was too expensive

• It caused communication issues

• It made the capsule too heavy

• It increased the risk of fire

What change did NASA make to the atmosphere inside the capsule after the Apollo 1 fire?

• Used only nitrogen

• Increased the oxygen concentration

• Removed all gases

• Used a mix of oxygen and nitrogen

What was one of the major engineering changes made to the command module after the Apollo 1 incident?

• It was painted a different color

• It was equipped with more windows

• It was constructed with non-flammable materials

• It was made larger

What organizational change did NASA implement after the Apollo 1 fire?

• Reduced the number of missions

• Focused more on beating the Soviet Union

• Increased the number of astronauts per mission

• Introduced fire safety procedures and emergency staff