The Fire That Nasa Never Had

by B. Dean Smith

This book is an account of Colonel B. Dean Smith’s flying activities in support of research and development of the United States’ Ballistic Missile program and the space exploration of NASA from Cape Canaveral (Kennedy), Florida. Included is a report of a test done for NASA that examined space suits for the Gemini project. During this project, the author and another pilot experienced a disastrous fire in a simulator containing 100% oxygen, nearly taking both their lives. Five years later, in 1967, NASA’s Apollo I capsule was consumed by a similar 100% oxygen fire, taking the lives of three astronauts, Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee. The author takes the reader through an account of the preparations made before his test flight and fire. He then makes a comparison of the two fires and the subsequent NASA investigation report of the Apllo I incident and draws conclusions regarding the lessons learned.

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 27, 2006