Walt Cunningham NASA astronaut Date of Birth: 16.03.1932 Country: USA

1. Walter Cunningham: A Multifaceted Trailblazer
2. Academic and Professional Pursuits
3. Military Service
4. NASA Career
5. Apollo 7 Mission
6. Publications and Recognition
7. Personal Life

Walter Cunningham: A Multifaceted Trailblazer

Walter Cunningham, born on March 16, 1932, in Creston, Iowa, left an indelible mark on history as the third civilian astronaut selected by NASA. In addition to his distinguished aviation career, he excelled in physics, business, and writing.

Academic and Professional Pursuits

Cunningham earned his bachelor's degree in physics from the University of California in 1960 and his master's a year later. In 1974, he completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. From 1959 to 1960, he worked as a research assistant at Planning Research Corp. and later as a scientist at Rand Corporation.

His diverse professional roles included vice president at Century Development Corporation, president of Hydrotech Development Company, and vice president and director at 3D International. From 1972 onward, he engaged in private investment ventures, founding The Capital Group in 1979 and becoming a General Partner of The Genesis Fund in 1986.

Military Service

Cunningham joined the U.S. Navy in 1951 and completed flight training in 1953. He transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps and served in aviation units in the United States and Japan. From 1956 to 1975, he served in the Marine Corps Reserve, retiring as a Colonel.

NASA Career

In 1963, Cunningham was selected as an astronaut by NASA. He served as CapCom (capsule communicator) for the Gemini-4 and Gemini-8 missions. He trained for the first Apollo flight with Walter Schirra and Donn Eisele, but shifted to the backup crew after the Apollo 1 tragedy. Cunningham's crew was eventually designated the prime crew for the first crewed Apollo mission.

Apollo 7 Mission

From October 11-22, 1968, Cunningham served as the Lunar Module Pilot on the historic Apollo 7 mission. This flight was the first crewed mission of the Apollo series after the Apollo 1 disaster.

Publications and Recognition

Cunningham authored and co-authored two books and numerous articles in various journals. He was awarded the NASA Exceptional Service Medal and the NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal for his contributions.

Personal Life

Cunningham married Lo Ella Irby and had two children: Brian Keith and Kimberly Ann. His passions included hunting, sports cars, and tennis.