This mission actually took place before the completion of Apollo 1. The overall mission objectives for the AS-201 flight was to test the Saturn 1B launch vehicle and the Apollo Command and Service Modules. The scientists were mainly collecting data to verify the structural integrity, launch loads, stage separation, and operation of subsystems of the Saturn 1B, and evaluate the Apollo spacecraft subsystems, heat shield, and mission support facilities. The rocket was launched on February 26, 1966 from Cape Canaveral and helped scientists achieve all of the objectives except the evaluation of the ablator at high re-entry rates.

Facts and Statistics from the NSSDC (National Space Science Data Center) Master Catalog:

The Saturn 1B, carrying the unmanned Apollo spacecraft CSM-009, was launched from launch complex 34 of the eastern test range of Cape Canaveral. After ignition of the S-IVB liquid-hydrogen-powered second stage the launch escape tower was jettisoned and the recoverable cameras ejected. Following a seven minute burn the 2nd stage and instrument unit separated from the Apollo CSM spacecraft. The CSM reached a maximum altitude of 499 km over the Atlantic Ocean before beginning its descent. At this time a ullage maneuver was performed which consisted of rocket burns designed to increase the re-entry velocity in order to test the heat shield. The reaction-control system rockets were fired for 30 seconds, then the service modules main propulsion engine was fired for 100 seconds and then for 10 seconds. The service module was jettisoned and the command module re-entered at 8300 meters/sec, generating a re-entry heat of roughly 2200 degrees C. Three main parachutes deployed at an altitude of 3700 meters and splashdown took place in the Atlantic at 16:49 UT, 37 minutes after launch, at 8.18 deg S. 11.15 deg W, 8472 km downrange. The target point was missed by 72 km, and the U.S.S. Boxer recovered the capsule by 19:20 UT.