Walter Cunningham

Program Event Walter Cunningham of 16 April 2011

Press Release

FOAM13

07-04-2011

Foundation Astronomical Observatory of Tradate "FOAM13”. Saturday, April 16, will host an important event for the first time in the City of tradatel, it may fall on the Apollo astronauts who conquered the moon. The meeting with the Apollo 7 astronaut Col. Walter Cunningham, says the President of FOAM13 Roberto Crippa, will take place at i the Civic Library of Tradate Frera Via Zara at 16.00 to 18.30.

The APOLLO 7 mission was an important flight test, because were tried in space all changes made after the tragedy of APOLLO 1,the crew includes: Walter "Wally" Schirra, Donn Eisele and Walter "Walt" Cunningham texted for the first time in space the reliability of the APOLLO spacecraft.

The first tests were carried out of action and simulation of the extraction of the LM (Lunar Module) from the hold, it feel more times the switching on and the turning off of the engine of the SPS (Service Module), vital to be able to return to Earth; were sent the first live TV pictures from inside the capsule, it was tested a telescope connected to a computer and a sextant for the star navigation. Fundamental it were the tests of fuel cells that produced electricity and water of the hatch output control module and the heat shield for the return of the capsule into Earth's atmosphere.

The APOLLO7 mission was not only the demonstration of suitability to the flight of the spacecraft, but also all the related procedures, such as the assembly of the rocket, the launch preparations and the direction of the flight. APOLLO7 reached 100% of objectives and it was therefore the first step to succeed to bring the man to the moon by decade's end and to keep the promise made by President John Fitzgerald Kennedy on 25 May 1961:"We have chosen to go to the moon and to do other things, not because they are easy, but because they are difficult". At the end of the decade it had only 14 months, but the first step was done.

Curriculum Col. Walter Cunningham:
Walter Cunningham attended Venice High School Venice ( California ). In 1951 he enlisted as a volunteer at the U.S. Navy in 1952 and began his flight training. Exceeds 4500 hours of flight, including over 3400 in jet aircraft. In 1963 he was hired by NASA with the third group of astronauts selected. On 11 October 1968 launched the Saturn 1B rocket, participated in the mission of Apollo 7 was the first time that the Americans threw three men in Earth orbit.

A short account of the event

"Walter Cunningham" of 16 April 2011

By Roberto Ajolfi that we thanks for the kind cooperation

We invite you to visit his blog: "Tranquillity Base" Italian blog of the proget Apollo http://tranquillitybase.wordpress.com

Saturday, April 16 at Tradate (VA) in the Civic Library "Brother" was held a meeting with Col. Walter Cunningham, mainly known as LMP of Apollo 7. Organized by the Astronomical Observatory of Tradate Messier 13 (FOAM13) was also the occasion for the presentation of Cunningham's book, "The Children of the Moon", recently made, available in Italian translation.

The meeting included a series of introductory speeches by various people:

• Roberto Crippa, FOAM13 President, did the honors, he offered a brief general introduction on the Apollo Project for participants less 'experts' and thanked the authorities for supporting the event and the activities of of the Foundation in general

• Giuseppe Palumbo, FOAM13 as Event Manager, introduced the program of the event, paid tribute to the authorities at the forefront and greeted the cadets present on behalf of the Military School "Teuliè in Milan

• Dario Galli, President of the Province of Varese, Stefano Candiani, Mayor of Trade: two speeches very similar, mainly devoted to greet and thank Cunningham and highlight the excellence of the Observatory and FOAM13, as well as the always-on collaboration between them and local authorities

• Mario Clerici, President of the Park Pineta underlined the fruitful cooperation between the Parco Pineta (where there is the Observatory of Tradate and FOAM13

We then entered into the heart of the meeting with the participation of Umberto Cavallaro, astronaut's friend and translator of his book. Cavallaro said the difficult gestation of the book and the difficulty of finding a publisher: it took 3 years to find one, but then been enough six months to get to publication. He then spoke of his strong will and Cunningham to complete the work because it is a book that deserves to be read by everyone, "the difficulties faced by the translation and the close collaboration required between the two so that this was true and able to really make the thought of Cunningham (to interpret American slang ) He explained that not to be regarded as another biography of an astronaut because you will find much better: there's the story with his reflections on 70 s, with the end of major projects, but also the Skylab (Cunningham was responsible, making a significant contribution to the project , the ASTP and the beginning of the relationship with former Russian rivals, the first steps of the Shuttle. Cavallaro reminded how the first edition of the book dates back to 1977 and the second in 2006, enriched by further reflections on the space program during the period between the two editions. Cavallaro (member of the Italian Amateur Astronomers Philately) accompanied his speech with a beautiful presentation with images of postcards and postmarks related to the various Apollo missions.

After a additional intervention (for historical background) by Palumbo, was the time of Luigi Pizzimenti to introduce Cunningham as Head of the Section of Astronautics FOAM13 as well as friend, an intervention that has required to Luigi a great capacity of synthesis seen to the speeches of the previous dwell. In his speech, however, has managed to give the basic biographical notes, some curiosity (you know that Cunningham leads a radio talk show?) and managed to make us understand the severity of selection which was submitted to become astronauts and the historical importance of Walt was in flight. I think this last point is very important, because it often exists only for non-fans Apollo 11, there are only Armstrong and Aldrin (but not always) Collins, whereas all the Apollo missions were essential and 7 (the Flight of the Phoenix) the first after the fire of Apollo 1, he restored confidence and the enthusiasm needed to achieve the vision of Kennedy.

And finally the intervention of Cunningham. For the Italian translation, present was Paul Attivissimo, well known journalist and popularizer that believe does not require additional explanation. A first personal observation: I also hope of get 79 years in her condition. A great orator, with the right taste for the joke, as well as in placing emphasis on the points that really matter.

His whole speech was focused on describing what it meant to be an astronaut in the 60's, but through some comparisons with the current situation there made it clear (and who has read the book knows) that he does not like what the U.S. space program has become. The 60's were for him the Golden Age of space flight, the 'good old times', as opposed those of today. I think he impressed more than one person telling the difference between the reaction to the accidents of Apollo 1 (still do not know the exact cause, but 21 months after Apollo 7 launch) and those of two shuttle Columbia and Challenger (known causes almost immediately But it's been years before returning to flight).

He then spoke of the competition with the USSR and the combination of Sputnik / Gagarin changed the way the world looked to the Russians: the United States had been joke in the 'technology sector where it had always been considered cutting edge. A shock.

The story of the selection of its time and the comparison between the physical requirements and 'academic' required to be taken into consideration were another point touched. He reminded what needed to be an astronaut in his day: (1) you had to be presumptuous enough to be presented in the selections, (2) have a long list of physical requirements, qualifications and experience as a pilot, (3) a huge ego ("we were all motivated, competitive, enterprising, and male "). In this part of the speech there was a funny moment when Cunningham gave the height requirements using English units of measurement, the poor Attivissimo got lost in the conversion. When after a few moments would have to convert the same requirements for today's astronauts will be limited to a "now has the same requirements are very different. " Saving in corner.

Walt reminded how he lived the launch of Shepard: An episode found in the book so do not spoil you the pleasure of reading it. I only say that a few months after being selected, Cunningham found himself sharing his office with Shepard.

Cunningham has shown rightly proud talking about his mission to reconstruct the fundamental trust of America and NASA, 100% of the targets achieved, the first of five major steps that led to the Apollo 11 moon after only 9 months! Walt has also shown us the pictures of the three crew members just stepped on the aircraft carrier Essex , after landing: covering the banner of welcome so that the photograph was "SEX HELL." In telling the hectic period that led to Apollo 11, Cunningham has spent the words of appreciation for Armstrong, in his opinion "the best choice to command this historic mission."

He talked about the astronaut's salary: $ 13,000. Just select wondered "should not take more than having all the effort that it took me to get here?" He recalled how the astronaut at the time was one of the best work and probably the most envied. Although in contrast to today's astronauts, NASA did not pay for life insurance. He then told what were the 3 main reasons why many have left this job in the chorus of the program: family problems, financial problems and he believes the main reason, the stress of training. The long preparation, the shifts in the reserve crews have exhausted most of the better element.

He wanted remember the phrase of Peter Conrad uttered during Apollo 12, as everything is born from a bet with Oriana Fallaci, bet never paid. He recalled how everyone thought that Pete would be the first to moon "if only because it was seen that the little guy and NASA, Grumman paid handsomely for each weight reduction LM, put him in command would be a big saving."

Comparing the images of the Launch Pad 34 at the launch of Apollo 7 and today, he commented bitterly, "I hope that also represents the state of NASA yesterday and today. "

Finally, he recalled that "Apollo fed the human spirit", that the missions of that period were "the moment of maximum elevation of our spiritual lives, " and that "the real rewards were the changes within us, and Finally, he launched into a "Arrivederci Milan!" that ripped a huge applause in the hall.

At this point, questions from the audience. At this time we mark the answer to a question about private in the space business and the 'space tourists': thumbs down for both of them by Walt. The desire of profit by private persons and the enormous costs of space programs do not get along according to him. And the 'space tourists' are not astronauts: "An astronaut is a person who trains hard for 24-36 months, even 24 hours a day, a 10-day mission, a mission that seems like a vacation after all the work took place. "

The classic question about his mission, it was fun to hear him say: "Wally [Schirra] had a cold, and all had a cold, " demonstrating how a strong figure like that of Schirra has influenced, for better or for worse, everything their work.

Everywhere the question "Were you afraid during the countdown?". Cunningham said no, and listed the three most frequently asked questions of all: "(1) how it feels in a microgravity environment (2)? you afraid? and (3) as we go to the bathroom in space? It usually the order of interest is inverse to that with which I have listed!

Another good point was touched on what it takes to restart with space exploration: according to Walt biggest problems are the budget and the low risk appetite of modern civilization. To quote his words: "Flying in was, is and will always be risky. Today humanity is facing a time where we do not accept these risks. "

After surgery, Cunningham was given a plaque by President FOAM13 Crippa and began the long line to get the book autographed. For me, when he signed my copy had a nice curtain: Cunningham having penned most of his signature, he stopped because he realized he was using his'signature check' (the signature check, his real signature), I told him that he could well go on! Attivissimo said that I have an autographed copy almost unique. So I then pointed out that it was doubly unique because in my copy are missing from the pages numbered 239/240. We had a laugh, a handshake, and so, under the next.

Be noted, the Astronautic exhibition hosted in the same premises of the Public Library of Tradate, very significant and pieces on display truly remarkable. Among all the material we remember the faithful Replication of the suit of Buzz Aldrin made by Luigi Pizzimenti Section Head of Astronautics FOAM13 (someone might have seen her in the last video of Negramaro), some models of rockets and capsules made by Paolo Bardelli and Matteo Arcuri, official modelers of the Section of Modeling FOAM13 (the Saturn V el'N1 and reproduction of the command module of Apollo 7 are not to be missed), many relics and original parts (even some of Von Braunof V2 at the time of Peenemünde!) and a remarkable collection of postmarks linked to the Vice President of Project Gemini FOAM13, Roberto Cogliati. Also of significant collections of coins commemorating the Auxiliary Telescopes of Macalli Giuseppe, Giuseppe Palumbo,Head of Events, of all FOAM13 Federico Manzini, Head of the scientific activity . On the walls a series of 12 panels on the Apollo missions and 8 others on Astronautics's Soviet Union , all crammed of information to read to get a good culture topic. All original parts of the missions come from the personal collection of Luigi Pizzimenti.

The only regret I was not able to interact more with Cunningham (after all is normal in such a great event with participation). That is to be remembered that these 'children of the Moon' have been all around the age of 80 years (and beyond): we must build on these rare moments of availability and try of involve as much as possible the last generation. One of the most beautiful things of the day was to share the line to get the book autographed with a cadet in the process to enroll in Aeronautical Engineering and a father who brought his son (I do not think much more than 10 years) to know and Cunningham who responded to questions that arose, this should aim to revitalize space exploration

Foto REPORTAGE of the event Walter Cunningham del 16 Aprile 2011 organized by FOAM13 For the pictures we thanks: Emanuele Nicoli, Paolo Bardelli, Diego De Gasperin, Alberto Villa, Sergio ZeChe spesso rinunciano a vedersi nelle foto per far vedere tutti noi That so often renounce to appear in photos to allow us to look all together

Main entrance of the Public Library "Brother" Tradate			Are ready the 450 seats in the Main Hall of the Library		President of FOAM13, Roberto Crippa interviewed by Simone Longhini Network 55

The cameraman was "in love" with the spacesuit		Meanwhile, Dr. Paolo Bardelli Attivissimo arrived with his family. Very kindly accepted the invitation of FOAM13, , a translator of Walter Cunningham. Also brought us the faithful reproduction of the U.S. flag that has given a final touch to the diorama of the suit of Buzz Aldrin on display at the Exhibition of Astronautics FOAM13,				Meanwhile, the Military School "Teuliè in Milan, is preparing to give the “Presentarmi!” to W. Cunningham

Arrival of the Astronaut of Apollo 7, Colonel Walter Cunningham, Civic Library "Frera" di TRADATE

Spouses Cunningham arrive accompanied by Luigi Pizzimenti and welcomed by President FOAM13, Roberto Crippa, by the Event Manager Dr. Joseph Palombo of FOAM13, and the Chairman of Pinewood Park Dr. Mario Clerici.					Dr. Francesca Crippa has the task of a translator for his wife, Dorothy, while you are photographing ...

On the square of the Public Library "Frera" Tradate, ready to do the honors with Walter Cunningham, Military School of Cadets "Teuliè in Milan and Walter Cunningham to make a gift of their official Crest.					We start at the opening of the Exhibition of Astronautics FOAM13, on the right Dr. Bruno Moretti Associate Division of Radio Astronomy FOAM13

Walter Cunningham inaugurates and visits "Astronautical show of FOAM13"

Walter Cunningham cut the ribbon and opening of the exhibition		What we look at all ?.... but the reproduction of the space suit of Buzz Aldrin, Walter Cunningham remains amazed and began to observe it from all sides. In the first image from left on the right Joseph Macalli FOAM13, Auxiliary Telescopes Section Manager, Manager Antonio Paganoni SezionerMeridiane FOAM13, secretary Prof. FOAM13, Tina Lisco, Dr Giuseppe Palumbo FOAM13, Events Manager, Dr. Mario Clerici President and Pinewood Park Dr. Francesca Crippa the secretary FOAM13,

Luigi Pizzimenti explains all details to Dorothy and Walter Cunnungham recognizing reproduced with extreme precision				Paolo Attivissimo, Walter Cunningham and Luigi Pizzimenti	Cadets of the Military Barracks "Tulliè" with Walter Cunningham	Entering the room panels, the center of the Vice President FOAM13, Roberto Cogliati

he will be a future astronaut?	Cunningham stops in front of the display historical artifacts of V2 in the background you can see Dr. Alberto Villa collaborator section SETI FOAM13,		Luigi Pizzimenti introduces the exhibition with Walter Cunningham	These are significant images. Walter Cunningham in front of panels dedicated to Wernher von Braun and Saturn V carrier, which allowed Cunningham to fly on Apollo 7		Walter Cunningham notes the panel dedicated to its mission: Apollo 7

) ... and explains many details of his mission from the images of the Panel of Apollo 7			The Dr. ssa Francesca Crippa, Dorothy Cunningham and Walter Cunningham, at the window of the private collection of Luigi Pizzimenti. Left Paolo Bardelli Head of modeling the FOAM13.

The two Secretaries, the older FOAM13, , Crippa Maria and Tina Lisco, are presented to Walter Cunningham		Dorothy Cunningham has photographed all the panels exposed and with her husband has complimented for the accuracy, quality and popular teaching in them			Walter Cunningham close to the models of the Saturn V U.S. and CCCP N1	He will be a future astronaut? He told us that when the academy will end..he wants to take part in 'Italian Air Force ....

Preparing the EVENT

After the inauguration of the Exhibition of Astronautics Walter Cunningham drinking a cappuccino preparing the conference		Our hostess in uniform FOAM13, welcome the guests, reservations and public		while filling the room, Dr Bruno Moretti is preparing to film the event		also arrives The commissioner Assessor Sergio Stevenazzi with the Golden Book of Tradate

The two older secretaries FOAM13 , treat the sale of the book of Luigi Pizzimenti that begin immediatly to sign books		Not only her husband, but Cunningham's wife, Dorothy, signing autographs shaking hands like those of Mr. Marco Arcuri, collaborator Department of Modelling FOAM13,		Some young fans approached Walter Cunningham	Roberto Ajolfi, whom we thank for his collaboration with Luigi Pizzimenti	The President of FOAM13 with Antonio Paganoni Resp Sundials FOAM13 and Vincent Gallo UAI Section Manager of Astronautics

Francesca Crippa together with the Director of the Public Library "Frera" Tradate thank Dr. Mario Stefani, along with his colleagues, for supporting the event	The President of the Province Ing Dario Galli and right Provincial Councillor for Tourism, Dr. Francesca Brianza	Here comes the Mayor of Tradate Stefano Candiani	The President of the Province and the President of the Pineta Park speak with Dr. Antonio Lo Campo, author of the book "Return to the Moon" and Massimo Calenzani who worked for the graphic part of the Show		It’s also arrived Prof. Luca Molinari President of the Astronomical Society GV Schiaparelli Varese to the right of Dorothy	IProf. Claudio Maccone FOAM13 SETI Manager, Vice President FOAM13 Roberto Cogliati and Dr. Antonio Lo Campo

The Events Manager Mr. Giuseppe Palumbo, salutes Walter Cunningham	Everything is ready ... left Walter Galmarini and we thank them for their help organizing the Event, Emanuele Bardelli Paolo Nicoli and ready to photograph everything possible, the Library Hall is full and the authorities are all present				the table is ready for the event and begins the President of the Astronomical Observatory Foundation Tradate FOAM13 Roberto Crippa

All is ready.......

The President of FOAM13 introduces the Event	The Resp Events FOAM13 Giuseppe Palumbo conducts the event and spoke of the historical moment of the 1968 year of the launch of Apollo7		The President of the Province Dario Galli and his mainly speech to underline the excellence and thank Cunningham and FOAM13, and also the collaboration between them and local authorities			Next to Prof. Claudio Maccone Prof. Federico Manzini Manager of the Section Scientific Activity of FOAM13

Il The Mayor of Tradate in his speech in English was also addressed to Walter Cunningham to thank him for his participation and the thanking FOAm13 for the Organization to the event in Tradate			Mario Clerici, President of the Park Pineta underlined the fruitful cooperation between the Pineta Park Authority, where stands the Centre of Trade and FOAM13, hoping for a closer, collaborative activities			Prof. Luca Molinari President of the Astronomical Society GV Schiaparelli Varese left of Dorothy

Unberto Cavallaro, then spoke of his strong will and Cunningham to complete the work because it is a book that deserves to be read by all "		Luigi Pizzimenti introduces Walter Cunningham as Head of the Section of Astronautics FOAM13 as well as friend. In his speech was able to give basic biographical notes, some curiosity and succeeded to help us understand the severity of selection which was submitted to become an astronaut and the importance of the historic flight that Walt was involved			And it is the time to Walter Cunningham and in the hall of the Library there is expectation ...

) For the translation into Italian, was present Prof. Paul Attivissimo, noted journalist and adviser that I think does not require additional explanation.		A great speaker!, with the right taste for the joke, as well as in placing emphasis on the points that really matter. You can see the attention almost religious, with which all the 'have listened and applauded!

At the end of his lecture Walter Cunningham has answered numerous questions			President Roberto Crippa, delivers the plate to FOAM13 Walter Cunningham		Dott ssa Francesca Crippa delivered a present to Dorothy Cunningham, have been together for two days and Francesca said that were the best days of his life, so that between the two has been established a friendship with an exchange to phone numbers, email and addresses ..

SDorothy is wearing the gift, a blue silk scarf.		After the conference, Walter Cunningham, signing his book and thanks to "maintain order" of FOAM13 everything goes in order.				The Resp Teaching FOAM13 Dr. Giuseppe Palermo is obiouvsly happy

The sign to the Golden book of Tradate

Mayor Stefano Candiani prepares the Golden Book to Tradate	This page prepared and dedicated by the City to Trade, to Walter Cunningham		The Mayor explained the importance for Tradate of his Golden Book	Walter Cunningham writes a dedication and signing the golden book which will remain forever in the archives of the City		There is also lawyer. Alcide Nicoli FOAM13 and the Councilior Sergio Stevenazzi

Here is the dedication to Walter Cunningham to the City of Trade : What a wonderful reception by surprise, the people made me feel like I'm Italian		Handshake from the Mayor of Tradate and President of Pinewood Park Dr. Mario Clerici		It also donated the book about Ermanno Bazzocchi and Aermacchi’s aircraft	Are present also the Councillor for Culture David Fratus and the President of the City Council Fabio Tonazzo	Memorable photos with the cadets of the Military School "Teuliè

And after, all together in the Observatory

starting from the Public Library of Tradate, going to the observatory that will be visited by spouses Cunningham			Luigi Pizzimenti has also prepared a surprise on car that has accompagned then to observatory		At a reception we serve a refreshments that never hurts

We enter into the Reception of 'Observatory FOAM13			.... and begin to visit the observatory with the information panels located on the ground floor that have very interested and Mrs Cunningham making a lot of questions on the panel that explains the cosmology, Kepler's laws, the pendulum to Foucault, The History of telescopes and the faithful reproduction of the telescope by Galileo Galilei			Then go up to the main telescope T65

Arriving on the second floor where there is T65, we open the dome and explain to the functioning of the telescope to Spouses Cunningham					Walter Cunningham explains how he did with the sextant to determine the shipping of 'Apollo 7, ….amazing

We go down and ... is not usually to see our President Roberto Crippa chatting hand in hand with Walter Cunningham		We arrive at the beautiful conference room named after the "Prof. Salvatore Furia" and begins with autographs for the employees of FOAM13			and then gets a dedication on the "Golden Book"of the Foundation
		Tutti in posa per la foto di gruppo
The group of women and young ladies who look at our windows in Conference Room					All ready for most important autograph

...... and you are autographed photos in front of the Duomo in Milan					The one on the giant poster that will remain in Observatory, named after Apollo 7 and Walter Cunningham
...
The last wonderful party and Supper...

The Restaurant at The Old Hostel Lombardo in Tradate, offers a charming place with excellent cuisine and fine				Cunningham is always in great demand for photos		Roberto Crippa and Luigi Pizzimenti, reward those who have contributed to the success of the event

The excellent translators, Prof. Paul Attivissimo and Dr. Francesca Crippa		Dr. Massimo Calenzani	Eng. Giovanni Colombo	Dr. Giovanni Palumbo	The two exceptional models, the electronic Paolo Bardelli and Eng. Matteo Arcuri

Giuseppe Macalli , the creator of the idea to acquiring the space suit from which you all ...	The ebanist Anthony Paganoni, a wood artist	The three beautiful hostess that accompanied event, the next Dr. Chiara Mazzucchelli, Sara Ricciardi, and Martina Cillis	The two gorgeous secretaries: Tina Lisco and Mary Crippa	The ordering service, Dr. Simone Bernasconi and Diego De Gasperin	Then, surprisingly, Walter Cunningham wanted to take the floor to thank everyone for the wonderful reception accorded to him and his lovely wife.

Walter Cunningham thanked Luigi Pizzimenti, giving the official patch of Apollo 7 numbered and signed.			And finally the cake! reproduced with the plaque that had given him the FOAM13 Public Library Tradate. Mr and Mrs Cunningham wanted to cut it out together ... like two newlyweds.
					It was a splendid and an emotional adventure. THANK YOU WALTER CUNNINGHAM
Photos of ritual and… exchange of strawberries

Il Pannello di Apollo 7, uno dei tanti esposti alla Mostra dell'Astronautica tenutasi presso le Sale Mostra della Biblioteca Civica "Frera" di Tradate.

April 15, 2011: The visit held in Milan for Spouses Cunningham Cunningham spouses were organized visits to the Castello Sforzesco, the Treasury of the Cathedral and its twenty rooms, museums, and Leonardo's Last Supper masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance, La Scala in Milan and its museum and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele Via Montenapoleone, where are numerous designer shops and famous brands, all very appreciated by Walter and Dorothy Cunningham.

Luigi Pizzimenti, Giovanni Colombo, Giuseppe Macalli e Francesca Crippa, near spouses Cunningham visiting Milan 15 April 2011