Gus Grissom

Date of Birth: April 3, 1926

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: January 27, 1967

Biography

Virgil Ivan “Gus” Grissom was an American astronaut, mechanical engineer, and United States Air Force test pilot. He was one of the original NASA Project Mercury astronauts and the second American to fly in space. Born on April 3, 1926, in Mitchell, Indiana, Grissom displayed an early interest in aviation, which led him to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. He joined the U.S. Air Force after World War II and became a test pilot. Grissom made his first spaceflight on July 21, 1961, aboard the Mercury-Redstone 4 spacecraft, also known as Liberty Bell 7. His second spaceflight was on March 23, 1965, as the command pilot of Gemini 3, the first manned mission in NASA’s Gemini program. Tragically, Grissom’s life was cut short on January 27, 1967, when he, along with fellow astronauts Ed White and Roger B. Chaffee, died in a fire during a pre-launch test for the Apollo 1 mission. Grissom is remembered for his contributions to space exploration and his pioneering spirit.

5 Interesting Facts about Gus Grissom

1. Gus Grissom was the second American to fly in space, following Alan Shepard.

2. He was the first NASA astronaut to fly in space twice.

3. Grissom’s Liberty Bell 7 spacecraft sank after splashdown, but it was recovered from the Atlantic Ocean 38 years later, in 1999.

4. He played a key role in the development of the Apollo spacecraft.

5. Grissom was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 1978.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gus Grissom

1. “If we die, we want people to accept it. We are in a risky business, and we hope that if anything happens to us, it will not delay the program. The conquest of space is worth the risk of life.”

2. “Space exploration is worth the effort. It pays off in terms of knowledge and understanding.”

3. “There is no cure for adventure.”

4. “The conquest of space is not only a matter of science but also a matter of national pride.”

5. “You gotta be tough to be a test pilot and an astronaut.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Gus Grissom’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a military officer and astronaut in the 1960s, his earnings were modest compared to today’s standards.

Children

Gus Grissom had two sons with his wife, Betty Moore Grissom: Scott Grissom and Mark Grissom. Both sons have honored their father’s legacy through various means, including involvement in space-related events and activities.