Roger B. Chaffee

Date of Birth: February 15, 1935

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: January 27, 1967

Biography

Roger Bruce Chaffee was an American aeronautical engineer, naval officer, and NASA astronaut in the Apollo program. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Chaffee demonstrated an early interest in aviation and engineering, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University in 1957. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy as an aviator, where he logged over 2,300 hours of flying time. In 1963, Chaffee was selected to be an astronaut as part of NASA’s third group of astronauts, known as “The Fourteen.” He was assigned to the Apollo program, which aimed to land humans on the Moon and bring them safely back to Earth. Tragically, Chaffee lost his life in the Apollo 1 disaster on January 27, 1967, during a pre-flight test when a cabin fire broke out, also killing fellow astronauts Gus Grissom and Ed White. His contributions to space exploration and his ultimate sacrifice are remembered as integral parts of NASA’s journey to the Moon.

5 Interesting Facts about Roger B. Chaffee

1. Roger B. Chaffee was an Eagle Scout, the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America.

2. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service as a Naval aviator.

3. Chaffee was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor in 1997.

4. A lunar crater was named “Chaffee” in his honor, located near the Apollo 1 site on the Moon.

5. Purdue University named a dormitory “Chaffee Hall” in his memory.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Roger B. Chaffee

1. “I consider myself very fortunate to have been selected for this program.”

2. “We have a job to do, and we are going to do it well.”

3. “Space exploration is worth the risk. It’s worth the sacrifice.”

4. “This is a tremendous challenge, and I’m eager to meet it.”

5. “I believe that this country should continue to explore space and push the boundaries of what we know.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Roger B. Chaffee’s exact net worth is not well-documented, but as a NASA astronaut in the 1960s, his earnings would have been consistent with a high-ranking military officer’s salary at the time.