
DR. JAN ROGERS, LEFT, AND MATTHEW SHERMAN WITH THE ELECTROSTATIC LEVITATOR

Dr. Jan Rogers, project scientist for the Electrostatic Levitator (ESL) at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center(MSFC). The ESL uses static electricity to suspend an obejct (about 2-3 mm in diameter) inside a vacuum chamber while a laser heats the sample until it melts. This lets scientists record a wide range of physical properties without the sample contacting the container or any instruments, conditions that would alter the readings. The Electrostatic Levitator is one of several tools used in NASA's microgravity materials sciences program.

S64-31447 (10 Sept. 1964) --- Astronaut Roger B. Chaffee Editor's Note: Astronaut Chaffee died in the Apollo/Saturn 204 fire accident at Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Jan. 27, 1967, along with astronauts Virgil I. Grissom and Edward H. White II.

A wreath is left at the Apollo 1 monument as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The monument honors and memorializes the Apollo 1 crew of Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, Edward H. White II, and Roger B. Chaffee. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

S64-32343 (10 Sept. 1964) --- Astronaut Virgil I. Grissom Editor's Note: Grissom, one of the Original Seven or Mercury astronauts, lost his life in the Apollo 204 fire at Cape Kennedy on Jan. 27, 1967, along with astronauts Edward H. White II and Roger B. Chaffee.

A wreath is left at the Apollo 1 monument as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The monument honors and memorializes the Apollo 1 crew of Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, Edward H. White II, and Roger B. Chaffee. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The Apollo 1 grave sites of Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, and Roger B. Chaffee are seen with flowers as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro, background, and NASA Astronaut Kayla Barron, place flowers at the Apollo 1 grave sites of Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, and Roger B. Chaffee as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Deputy Administrator Jim Morhard, left, and NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock, right, place wreaths at the graves of Apollo 1 astronauts Virgil “Gus” Grissom, and Roger Chaffee as part of NASA’s Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The graves of Apollo 1 crew members, Virgil Grissom and Roger Chaffee are seen during a wreath laying ceremony as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

A wreath placed by NASA Deputy Administrator Shana Dale and other NASA senior management is seen in between Astronauts Virgil Grissom and Roger Chaffee memorials Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008, at Arlington National Cemetery. The wreath laying ceremony is part of NASA's Day of Remembrance. Wreaths were laid in the memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest of space exploration, including the astronaut crews of Columbia, Challenger and Apollo 1. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot gives remarks at the graves of Apollo 1 crew members, Virgil Grissom and Roger Chaffee, during a wreath laying ceremony as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Flowers are seen at the grave markers of Virgil "Gus" Grissom and Roger Chaffee from Apollo 1 after NASA Administrator Bill Nelson placed them there during a ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro leads guests to a moment of silence at the Apollo 1 monument as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The monument honors and memorializes the Apollo 1 crew of Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, Edward H. White II, and Roger B. Chaffee. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The grave marker of Roger Chaffee from Apollo 1, is seen after a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths and flowers were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, left, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, and NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, right, pay respects at the grave markers of Virgil "Gus" Grissom and Roger Chaffee, from Apollo 1, during a ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The graves of Apollo 1 crew members, Virgil Grissom, left, and Roger Chaffee are seen during a wreath laying ceremony as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The grave markers of Virgil "Gus" Grissom and Roger Chaffee, from Apollo 1, are seen after a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

S66-30236 (1 April 1966) --- The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has named these astronauts as the prime crew of the first manned Apollo Space Flight. Left to right, are Edward H. White II, command module pilot; Virgil I. Grissom, mission commander; and Roger B. Chaffee, lunar module pilot. Editor's Note: Astronauts Grissom, White and Chaffee lost their lives in a Jan. 27, 1967 fire in the Apollo Command Module (CM) during testing at the launch facility.

Flowers are seen at the grave marker of Roger Chaffee from Apollo 1 after NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy placed them there during a ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

NASA employees and members of the public listen as acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot gives remarks at the graves of Apollo 1 crew members, Virgil Grissom and Roger Chaffee, during a wreath laying ceremony as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

The grave markers of Apollo 1 astronauts Virgil “Gus” Grissom and Roger Chaffee are seen after a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA’s Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

The grave marker of Roger Chaffee, from Apollo 1, is seen after a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Dr. Jan Rogers (left) and Larry Savage (foreground) of the Science Directorate at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) are joined by Dr. Richard Weber (center) and April Hixon of Containerless Research Inc. of Evanston, Ill., in conducting an experiment run of the Electrostatic Levitator (ESL) using insulating materials. Materials researchers use unique capabilities of the facility to levitate and study the properties of various materials important in manufacturing processes.

The grave markers of Virgil "Gus" Grissom, foreground, and Roger Chaffee, from Apollo 1, are seen as acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk pays respects during a ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Astronaut Kayla Barron is seen during a moment of silence at the Apollo 1 monument as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The monument honors and memorializes the Apollo 1 crew of Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, Edward H. White II, and Roger B. Chaffee. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Dr. Jan Rogers and Dr. Michael Robinson operate the Electrostatic Levitator (ESL) at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The ESL uses static electricity to suspend an object (about 2-3 mm in diameter) inside a vacuum chamber while a laser heats the sample until it melts. This lets scientists record a wide range of physical properties without the sample contacting the container or any instruments, conditions that would alter the readings. The Electrostatic Levitator is one of several tools used in NASA's microgravity materials science program.

New Horizons Mission Systems Engineer Chris Hersman, left, New Horizons Project Manager Helene Winters, and New Horizons Deputy Mission Systems Engineer Gabe Rogers, right, all of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, wait for a signal from the spacecraft that it is healthy and collected data during the flyby of Ultima Thule, Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019 at the Mission Operations Center of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson lays flowers at the grave markers of Virgil "Gus" Grissom and Roger Chaffee from Apollo 1, during a ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Aubrey Gemignani)

NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro leads guests to a moment of silence at the Apollo 1 monument as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The monument honors and memorializes the Apollo 1 crew of Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, Edward H. White II, and Roger B. Chaffee. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

S67-21294 (28 Jan. 1967) --- Close-up view of the interior of Apollo Spacecraft 012 Command Module at Pad 34 showing the effects of the intense heat of the flash fire which killed the prime crew of the Apollo/Saturn 204 mission. Astronauts Virgil I. Grissom, Edward H. White II, and Roger B. Chaffee lost their lives in the accidental fire.

Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot visits the graves of Apollo 1 crew members, Virgil Grissom and Roger Chaffee, during a wreath laying ceremony as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy place flowers at the grave markers of Virgil "Gus" Grissom and Roger Chaffee from Apollo 1, during a ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

The grave marker of Roger Chaffee, from Apollo 1, is seen after a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro, background, and NASA Astronaut Kayla Barron, place flowers at the Apollo 1 grave sites of Virgil I. “Gus” Grissom, and Roger B. Chaffee as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot gives remarks at the graves of Apollo 1 crew members, Virgil Grissom and Roger Chaffee, during a wreath laying ceremony as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

S66-49181 (August 1966) --- The three crew members for the Apollo-Saturn 204 (AS-204) mission check out the couch installation on the Apollo Command Module (CM) at North American's Downey facility. Left to right in their pressurized space suits are astronauts Virgil I. Grissom, Roger B. Chaffee and Edward H. White II. Editor's Note: The three astronauts died in a fire on the launch pad, Jan. 27, 1967.

NASA Deputy Administrator Jim Morhard speaks after a wreath laying ceremony at the graves of Apollo 1 astronauts Virgil “Gus” Grissom and Roger Chaffee as part of NASA’s Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and his wife Alexis participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the graves of Apollo 1 crewmembers Virgil "Gus" Grissom and Roger Chaffee as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot, NASA employees, and members of the public bow their heads at the graves of Apollo 1 crew members, Virgil Grissom and Roger Chaffee during a wreath laying ceremony as part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy place flowers at the grave markers of Virgil "Gus" Grissom and Roger Chaffee from Apollo 1, during a ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

The grave markers of Roger Chaffee, and Virgil "Gus" Grissom and from Apollo 1, are seen in this black and white infrared photograph after a wreath laying ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Flowers are seen at the grave marker of Roger Chaffee from Apollo 1 after NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy placed them there during a ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, left, along with NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, lay flowers at the grave markers of Virgil "Gus" Grissom and Roger Chaffee, from Apollo 1, as NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana looks on, during a ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. Wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy place flowers at the grave markers of Virgil "Gus" Grissom and Roger Chaffee from Apollo 1, during a ceremony that was part of NASA's Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Keegan Barber)

NASA Deputy Administrator Jim Morhard speaks after a wreath laying ceremony at the graves of Apollo 1 astronauts Virgil “Gus” Grissom and Roger Chaffee as part of NASA’s Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

Former astronaut Bob Cabana, director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, speaks during the opening of the tribute exhibition to the Apollo 1 astronauts who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

Martha Chaffee and Sheryl Chaffee, widow and daughter of astronaut Roger Chaffee, respectively, look at areas of the newly opened Apollo 1 tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017. Astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Chaffee perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of the astronauts. The tribute features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A display case dedicated to astronaut Gus Grissom is shown inside the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. It also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

The three-part hatch that was in place on the Apollo 1 spacecraft is shown in a tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. This is the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A display case dedicated to astronaut Roger Chaffee is shown inside the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Chaffee were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. It also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

The crew access arm that astronauts walked across to reach the Apollo spacecraft for missions to the moon serves as the exit for the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

Former astronaut Bob Cabana, director of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, speaks during the opening of the tribute exhibition to the Apollo 1 astronauts who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

Former Gemini and Apollo astronaut Tom Stafford speaks during the opening of the tribute exhibition to the Apollo 1 astronauts who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A display case dedicated to astronaut Ed White II is shown inside the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. Gus Grissom, White and Roger Chaffee were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. It also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A gateway featuring the Apollo 1 mission logo over the moon is shown inside the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. Astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

The new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission is shown looking down the length of the area. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

Former Gemini and Apollo astronaut Tom Stafford speaks during the opening of the tribute exhibition to the Apollo 1 astronauts who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

Therrin Protze, Chief Operating Officer, Delaware North Corporation Parks & Resorts at KSC, Inc., speaks during the opening of the tribute exhibition to the Apollo 1 astronauts who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A display screen showing the memorial plaque that is in place at Launch Complex 34 is shown inside the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. Astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. It also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A display case dedicated to astronaut Gus Grissom is shown inside the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. It also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A redesigned hatch for an Apollo spacecraft is shown inside the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. Astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. The version of the hatch after it was redesigned was also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

The new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission is shown looking down the length of the area. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

An Apollo spacecraft mockup marks the capstone of the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A display case dedicated to astronaut Roger Chaffee is shown inside the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Chaffee were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. It also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

Former Gemini and Apollo astronaut Tom Stafford speaks during the opening of the tribute exhibition to the Apollo 1 astronauts who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. The tribute highlights the lives and careers of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White II and Roger Chaffee who were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. The tribute also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

A display case dedicated to astronaut Ed White II is shown inside the new tribute to the crew of Apollo 1 who perished in a fire at the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967, during training for the mission. Gus Grissom, White and Roger Chaffee were lost during the fire. The tribute at the Apollo/Saturn V Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center opened Jan. 27, 2017, 50 years after the crew of three was lost. It features numerous items recalling the lives of the three astronauts. It also includes the three-part hatch to the spacecraft itself, the first time any part of the Apollo 1 spacecraft has been displayed publicly. A version of the hatch after it was redesigned is also showcased as an example of improvements NASA made throughout the agency and to the Apollo spacecraft that would later carry astronauts to the moon.

S66-36742 (1966) --- This is the insignia for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Apollo 1 mission, the first manned Apollo flight. Crew members are astronauts Virgil I. Grissom, Edward H. White II and Roger B. Chaffee. The NASA insignia design for Apollo flights is reserved for use by the astronauts and for other official use as the NASA Administrator may authorize. Public availability has been approved only in the form of illustrations by the various news media. When and if there is any change in this policy, which we do not anticipate, it will be publicly announced. EDITOR'S NOTE: The three astronauts lost their lives in a fire during a simulation on the launch pad on Jan. 27, 1967.

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida paid tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, during the agency's Day of Remembrance on Jan. 27, 2022. From left, Lowell Grissom, brother of Virgil “Gus” Grissom; Kathie Scobee Fulgham, daughter of Challenger Commander Francis R. Scobee; and Sheryl Chafee, daughter of Apollo 1 astronaut Roger Chafee, place a wreath in front of on-screen images of NASA astronauts who have perished in the line of duty. The ceremony was held in the Center for Space Education at Kennedy’s Visitor Complex in Florida.

NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida paid tribute to the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other astronauts who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery, during the agency's Day of Remembrance on Jan. 27, 2022. From left, Lowell Grissom, brother of Virgil “Gus” Grissom; Sheryl Chafee, daughter of Apollo 1 astronaut Roger Chafee; and Kathie Scobee Fulgham, daughter of Challenger Commander Francis R. Scobee, place carnations on the fence in front of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

NASA Deputy Administrator Jim Morhard, left, and NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock, right, look on as June Scobee Rodgers, widow of Challenger commander Richard Scobee, Chuck Resnik, brother of Challenger mission specialist Judy Resnik, and Jane Smith Wolcott, widow of Challenger pilot Michael Smith, place flowers at the graves of Apollo 1 astronauts Virgil “Gus” Grissom, and Roger Chaffee as part of NASA’s Day of Remembrance, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The wreaths were laid in memory of those men and women who lost their lives in the quest for space exploration. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

S66-30238 (1 April 1966) --- The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has named these astronauts as the prime crew of the first manned Apollo Space Flight. Left to right, are Edward H. White II, command module pilot; Virgil I. Grissom, mission commander; and Roger B. Chaffee, lunar module pilot. On the second row are the Apollo 1 backup crew members, astronauts David R. Scott, James A. McDivitt and Russell L. Schweickart. EDITOR'S NOTE: Astronauts Grissom, White and Chaffee lost their lives in a Jan. 27, 1967 fire in the Apollo CM during testing at Cape Canaveral. McDivitt, Scott and Schweickart later served as crewmembers for the Apollo 9 Earth-orbital mission, which was one of the important stair-step missions leading up to the Apollo 11 manned lunar landing mission of July 1969.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Flowers lay at the foot of the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida before a Day of Remembrance wreath laying ceremony to honor members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The floral arrangement is dedicated to the Apollo 1 crew members Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Roger B. Chaffee and Edward H. White II. The memorial honors 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Kennedy Space Center Director and former astronaut Bob Cabana, left, United Space Alliance's Associate Program Manager for Solid Rocket Boosters Roger Elliott and Center Deputy Director Janet Petro participate in a Day of Remembrance wreath laying ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The ceremony honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The memorial displays the names of 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- United Space Alliance's Associate Program Manager for Solid Rocket Boosters Roger Elliott, back, Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro, and Center Director and former astronaut Bob Cabana, participate in a Day of Remembrance wreath laying ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The ceremony honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The memorial displays the names of 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- United Space Alliance's Associate Program Manager for Solid Rocket Boosters Roger Elliott, left, Kennedy Space Center Deputy Director Janet Petro, and Center Director and former astronaut Bob Cabana, participate in a Day of Remembrance wreath laying ceremony at the Space Mirror Memorial at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The ceremony honors members of the NASA family who lost their lives while furthering the cause of exploration and discovery. The memorial displays the names of 24 United States astronauts, including the crew members of space shuttles Columbia and Challenger, Apollo 1, and those who died in training and commercial airplane accidents. The memorial is a project of the Astronauts Memorial Foundation and was paid for by Florida residents who purchased special Challenger mission automobile license plates. 2011 marks the 25th anniversary of the loss of Challenger, which broke apart over the Atlantic Ocean 73 seconds into flight on Jan. 28, 1986. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett