AS-204 (Apollo 1 designation)

AS-204, designated Apollo 1, was the first planned crewed mission of NASA's Apollo program. Tragically, it ended in disaster on January 27, 1967, when a cabin fire during a pre-launch test resulted in the deaths of three astronauts: Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edward H. White II, and Roger B. Chaffee. This incident highlighted serious safety issues in the spacecraft's design and led to significant improvements in safety protocols and engineering practices for future missions. Apollo 1's legacy emphasizes the importance of safety in space exploration and serves as a somber reminder of the risks involved.