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A disaster struck Apollo 1. A fire broke out during testing of the Command Module Capsule on the ground, at the Cape Kennedy launch pad in Florida. This took place in an atmosphere of pure oxygen, and the resulting blaze killed three astronauts - Gus Grissom, Roger Chaffee and Ed White. It was shocking news for the world and a shattering national tragedy for the USA's space programme. Concerns had been raised about safety of the module but NASA had been anxious to proceed with the tests.

NASA flight directors Gerry Griffin, Gene Kranz and flight controller John Aaron recall the night of the tragedy. Changes were introduced in response to the fire and many believe that these ultimately saved the programme and contributed to the successes of later missions.

Photo: Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee - the three astronauts who died during the testing of Apollo 1