HOW THE TRAGEDY OF APOLLO 1 MADE THE MOON LANDING POSSIBLE
The fatal incident resulted in crucial safety changes. The capsule’s hatch was altered so that the door could open outwards for a quick escape. During the Apollo 1 prelaunch, the cabin atmosphere was flammable oxygen. To reduce the chances of fires breaking out again, this was changed to a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen. The spacesuit that Chaffee died in was made of nylon. For the following Apollo missions, suits were changed to a non-flammable beta cloth. The safety of both the apparatus and testing procedures were subject to intense focus testing to ensure that the deaths of Chaffee and his crew members would help keep future crews safe.