Former American NASA astronaut, physicist, entrepreneur, venture capitalist and author, Walter Cunningham is best known for being the third person out of only twelve to have ever walked on the surface of the Moon. An International Space Hall of Fame inductee, Walter now provides inspiring talks at corporate events, conferences and summits all around the world.
Part of one of the history-making moon landing missions, Walter was the third human to step onto the moon’s surface after Neil Armstrong and Elliot See. He began his career as a pilot for the US Navy and went on to become a fighter jet pilot, flying for over 4 years in the US Marine Corps. His career progressed to serving as a Marine Corps Colonel, after the Armistice in Korea. He was soon approached to join NASA as an astronaut and engineer.
During his time at NASA, Walter worked on complex systems analysis and electric power systems where he contributed to the design and development of the iconic Apollo spacecraft, and also piloted the Apollo VII spacecraft. He also designed and integrated the largest spacecraft ever placed in orbit, two launch vehicles and five manned modules.
A man that has reached the pinnacle of his career, Walter has been recognised for his astonishing work as an astronaut, having received awards such as the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal, the AIAA Haley Astronautics Award, the UCLA Professional Achievement Award, the Medal of Valor, as well as being appointed the Special Trustees Award at the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 1969, the American Conservative Union’s Outstanding American Award in 1975 and inducted into four Hall of Fames in space and aviation.
An international renowned speaker, Cunningham speaks professionally and knows how to inspire and motivate an audience by drawing on his own experience as an Astronaut and a businessman. Walter shares his knowledge on what it takes to achieve a goal that seems impossible, how to manage and work in a team during high risk and challenging situations, and his expert knowledge of space travel.
