Who Is Roger B. Chaffee? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Roger B. Chaffee was born on February 15, 1935. Tragically, his life was cut short at the age of 31, when he lost his life in the Apollo 1 fire on January 27, 1967. Despite the brevity of his life, Chaffee's contributions to NASA and space exploration are remembered and celebrated. He was selected as an astronaut in 1963 and was known for his exceptional piloting skills and commitment to advancing human spaceflight.
| Occupation | Technology |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 15, 1935 |
| Age | 31 Years |
| Birth Place | Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 27 January, 1967 |
| Died Place | Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S. |
Popularity
Roger B. Chaffee's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about his physical stature are limited, Roger B. Chaffee was approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall (178 cm). His weight was typically around 165 pounds (75 kg) during his astronaut training. As a pilot, he maintained a fit physique in line with the rigorous health standards required for astronauts.
Phase one of training for the third group of astronauts began in 1964 in lecture halls. Lectures in several fields were supplemented with trips to locations with geological significance so the astronauts gained hands-on experience.
As well as piloting the spacecraft, the astronauts were to perform scientific experiments and measurements on the Moon. The astronauts traveled to the Grand Canyon to learn about geography and to Alaska, Iceland, and Hawaii to learn about rock formations and lava flows.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Roger B. Chaffee was married to his wife, Mary Chaffee, and together they had three children: a son named Roger and two daughters, Stephanie and Tamara. Although there is no public information about significant relationships outside of marriage, Chaffee's commitment to his family was evident throughout his life.
He had an older sister, Donna, born two years earlier. The family spent the next seven years in Greenville before moving to Grand Rapids, where his father took a job as the chief Army Ordnance inspector at the Doehler-Jarvis plant.
Chaffee's interest in aerospace was sparked at a young age when his father, a former barnstorming pilot, took him on his first flight at the age of seven. Chaffee was thrilled by the flight and soon after started building model airplanes with his father.
Net Worth and Salary
Due to the era in which he lived, there is limited available data regarding Roger B. Chaffee's net worth. However, as a NASA astronaut and test pilot, it can be estimated that his salary would have been comparable to other astronauts of his time, typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 per year in the 1960s. Since his death, Chaffee's legacy has led to numerous tributes and dedications, undoubtedly securing a place in history much more valuable than monetary wealth.
Career, Business, and Investments
Chaffee’s career was primarily dedicated to NASA and the U.S. Navy. After earning his pilot wings, he became a test pilot and was involved in various projects, including the research aircraft and development of space missions. His most significant contribution was associated with the Apollo program, particularly Apollo 1, which was tragically doomed during a pre-launch test. His work helped pave the way for improvements in spacecraft safety that would later benefit other astronaut missions.
After starting classes at Purdue, Chaffee sought out a job to complement his coursework and involvement in the Phi Kappa Sigma social fraternity. His first job during his sophomore year was working as a server at one of the women's residences, but he disliked the job and sought new employment.
He was hired as a draftsman at a small business near Purdue. As a junior, he was hired as a teaching assistant in the Mathematics Department to teach classes to freshman students.
He was elected to the Tau Beta Pi national engineering honor society which is equivalent to Phi Beta Kappa in the non-engineering disciplines, and Sigma Gamma Tau engineering honor societies. In 1955, Chaffee took four flying lessons, but he did not have enough money to get his private pilot's license.
Two years later, the NROTC sponsored flight training for him to become a naval aviator. He soloed on March 29, 1957, and obtained his private pilot's license on May 24, 1957. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree, with distinction, in aeronautical engineering at Purdue in 1957.
Social Network
Roger B. Chaffee’s legacy continues to be honored on various social media platforms. Although he does not have an active social media presence due to his passing, many space enthusiasts and historians share content and discussions about his contributions. Social media groups and pages dedicated to the Apollo program often include tributes and updates on the advancements in space exploration that were inspired by the courage and sacrifices of astronauts like him.
After this, Chaffee undertook aircraft carrier flight training, including time spent on USS Saratoga (CV-60) performing both day and night flights.
He said of day flying, "Setting that big bird down on the flight deck was like landing on a postage stamp"; and of night flying, "Getting catapulted off that flight deck at night is like getting shot into a bottle of ink!" While working in Jacksonville, he concurrently worked on a master's degree.
Education
Roger B. Chaffee earned his degree in aeronautical engineering from Purdue University in 1957. His educational background laid a strong foundation for his achievements as a naval aviator and astronaut. Chaffee's commitment to learning and excellence in his field positioned him as a respected figure in aerospace history.
He graduated from Central High School in 1953, and accepted a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship. He began his college education at Illinois Institute of Technology, where he was involved in the fraternity Phi Kappa Sigma.
He transferred to Purdue University in 1954, continuing his involvement in Phi Kappa Sigma serving as chapter president in 1956 and obtaining his private pilot's license.
