Picture from http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/lunar/apollo1info.html 

As much as I support the United States, I applaud the Soviet Union for their accomplishments in space. It was astounding how early in the space race they put up Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman in space, up there. Then just two days later they launched the rocket carrying Alexei Leonov, the first space walker into space. I appreciate the speed in which the United States was able to reciprocate a spacewalk, but I regret how far behind the United States fell in reciprocating putting a woman in space.

In hindsight, it is very funny that on Gemini 3, a corned beef sandwich was brought up that had gone through rigorous testing to be put into space, yet I can see how, at the moment, the officials of NASA did not find the humor. It is true that the gag flawed the results of the medical tests being performed, and the engineers were true to say that crumbs could have affected the electronics. Still, the engineers were digging for an excuse to reprimand what the media found humorous.

The technological efforts of Gemini are quite notable. The Soviets could not measure up in their spacewalking capabilities. Also Gemini showed an ability to handle emergencies in space. Gemini 8 included a deadly spin. Gemini 9 included space walking troubles that could have also proven deadly. The United States made great strides with the Gemini program.

Apollo 1 was a terrible tragedy, and that is an understatement. As I read about the events in Moon Shot, it was as if my heart was ripped to shreds. Shepard, Slayton, Benedict, and Barbee vividly described the situation enough to make it seem real. I think the best tribute that I can give to Apollo 1 is my quotes this week.

Quotes of the Week

All quotes this week are from Moon Shot by Shepard, Slayton, Benedict and Barbee

1. “The entire problem might amount to no more than a loose wire.”
2. “‘Fire!’”
3. “The lives of Gus Grissom, Roger Chaffee, and Ed White had been snuffed out in eight and one-half seconds.”

Responses

1. This first quote was actually referring to communications issues that were had in the Apollo 1 ground test, but I found it sadly ironic how it referred to the main problem in Apollo 1 – exposed wires.
2. Such a simple word foreshadowed such tragedy. Not much more can be said.
3. Eight and one-half seconds was all it took to bring on such a catastrophe. This catastrophe brought to light more than one thousand major design flaws.

Quotes of the Month

All quotes are from Moon Shot by Shepard, Slayton, Benedict, and Barbee

1. “Good Lord, they were going to land on the moon.”

Such an astounding thing it was to land on a body in space that was so familiar a yet so unknown. I am astounded that there was not more to be said.

2.  “Soviets Send Man into Space; Spokesman Says U.S. Asleep”

Such an interesting headline to emphasizes how the news media can take quotes out of context, and yet it is so true that the U.S. did not expect to be beaten in getting a man into space.

3. “‘Fire!’”

I am astounded still at such a simple word announcing such a disaster. This one word struck fear into grown men and brought others to their knees, crying.

I read 100 pages in Moon Shot this week.