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Lot 140
[Apollo 1] NASA'S DARKEST HOUR: the tragic Command Module fire that claimed the lives of the first Apollo astronauts NASA, 27 January 1967
14 – 28 April 2025, 12:00 CEST
Paris, Avenue HocheSold for €256 inc. premium
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[Apollo 1] NASA'S DARKEST HOUR: the tragic Command Module fire that claimed the lives of the first Apollo astronauts
NASA, 27 January 1967
Printed 1966.
Vintage gelatin silver print on fibre-based paper.
With NASA caption dated "January 29, 1967" on the reverse (issued by NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.).
25.4 x 20.3 cm. (10 x 8 in.)
Historical context
This harrowing photograph captures one of NASA's darkest moments during the Apollo era, revealing the devastating aftermath of the intense flash fire that engulfed the Apollo 1 Command Module on January 27, 1967, at Cape Kennedy's Pad 34. The tragedy claimed the lives of astronauts Ed White, Gus Grissom, and Roger Chaffee.
Their loss led to sweeping safety reforms in spacecraft design, procedures, and training, ensuring the success of future Apollo missions—including the Moon landings just two years later.
Printed 1966.
Vintage gelatin silver print on fibre-based paper.
With NASA caption dated "January 29, 1967" on the reverse (issued by NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.).
25.4 x 20.3 cm. (10 x 8 in.)
Historical context
This harrowing photograph captures one of NASA's darkest moments during the Apollo era, revealing the devastating aftermath of the intense flash fire that engulfed the Apollo 1 Command Module on January 27, 1967, at Cape Kennedy's Pad 34. The tragedy claimed the lives of astronauts Ed White, Gus Grissom, and Roger Chaffee.
Their loss led to sweeping safety reforms in spacecraft design, procedures, and training, ensuring the success of future Apollo missions—including the Moon landings just two years later.
Footnotes
NASA launched a full investigation, led in part by astronaut Frank Borman, and presented its findings before a congressional hearing. According to the Apollo 204 (Apollo 1 was originally designated AS-204) Review Board's final report (April 1967), "the most probable initiator of the fire was an electric arc in a power cable in this severely damaged area near the floor in the lower forward section of the left-hand equipment bay".
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