In Memory Still Fresh: Apollo 1

EE Times Current · 25 Feb 2022 · 26m

What this episode covers

Matthew Beddingfield, grandson of James Gleaves, recounts the Apollo 1 fire through the eyes of his grandfather, a North American Aviation technician who fought to save the crew. The episode details the engineering failure of the plug-door hatch design, which prevented escape due to high internal pressure, and the subsequent forensic disassembly of the command module. It highlights the bravery of the ground crew who remained on the pad despite the risk, and the long-term emotional impact on Gleaves, who only recently shared his story.

Mentioned

Companies
NASA, North American Aviation
Products
Apollo 1
Also
James Gleaves, Matthew Beddingfield, Gus Grissom, Ed White, Roger Chaffee, Don Babbitt, Louis Cratolo, William Schick, L.D. Reese, Rocco Patron, Langley Research Facility, Kennedy Space Center

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