Ronnie Walter Cunningham was one of NASA's early civilian astronauts, serving as the Lunar Module pilot on Apollo 7 in 1968. Before his career in space exploration, he served as a fighter pilot in the United States Marine Corps, eventually retiring with the rank of colonel after a long tenure in the military reserve.
Military and Academic Background
Born in Creston, Iowa, in 1932, Cunningham graduated from Venice High School in 1950. He enrolled at Santa Monica College before joining the U.S. Navy in 1951, where he pursued flight training. He served as a night fighter pilot in the Marine Corps during the Korean War, flying 54 missions. Following his active duty, he continued his service in the Marine Corps Reserve until 1975. Academically, he earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in physics from the University of California, Los Angeles, and completed coursework for a doctorate while employed at the RAND Corporation.
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Selected in the third group of astronauts in October 1963, Cunningham flew his only mission aboard Apollo 7. Launched on October 11, 1968, the eleven-day mission served as the first crewed flight of the Apollo program. Tasked with managing all spacecraft systems during the flight, he executed multiple engine tests and verified system performance. Following the mission, he transitioned to lead the Skylab branch of the Astronaut Office until 1971, overseeing the development and habitability of Skylab hardware.
Business and Public Life
After leaving NASA, Cunningham entered the private sector, serving as Vice President of Operations for Century Development Corp. in Houston. He completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School in 1974. Throughout his later years, he worked as an investor, consultant to technology start-ups, and a radio talk-show host. He authored the 1977 book The All-American Boys and contributed to several space history publications. He was an outspoken critic of the scientific consensus on climate change, contributing to the CO2 Coalition.
Fast facts
- Born: 1932, Creston, Iowa
- Died: 2023, Houston, Texas
- Military Rank: Colonel
- Apollo 7 Mission: 1968
- Education: University of California, Los Angeles
- 2008 Award: NASA Distinguished Service Medal
- Burial Site: Texas State Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was Walter Cunningham's primary role on Apollo 7?
He served as the Lunar Module Pilot, responsible for managing spacecraft systems.
When did Cunningham leave NASA?
His resignation was announced on June 17, 1971, and became effective in August of that year.
Achievements
- United States Astronaut Hall of Fame
- International Space Hall of Fame — 1983
- Affiliated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- Educated at University of California, Los Angeles, Santa Monica College and Harvard Business School
- Worked as astronaut, military officer and aircraft pilot
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