This commercially-produced industry model of the Apollo lunar module was used on the air by Walter Cronkite during CBS News television broadcasts. Most likely manufactured by Toppings, the model carries the emblems of Grumman, the manufacturer of the lunar modules, and NASA on its circular base.
The CBS News broadcasts of the Apollo lunar landings anchored by Walter Cronkite became, for many Americans, the primary way that they witnessed this history. Of the major newsmen on the air at the time, none have been so closely identified with the Apollo lunar landings as Walter Cronkite. This model is one of the few pieces of material culture (other than the recordings of the broadcasts themselves) that illustrates how most Americans watched the Apollo program.
Walter Lister, an associate producer for CBS News, "salvaged it [the model] to show [his] daughter and her classmates" when it was going to be discarded. Lister donated it to the National Air and Space Museum in 2009.
Display Status
This object is on display in Destination Moon at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
MODELS-Crewed Spacecraft & Parts
Dimensions
Model: 7.5 × 8 × 7.5 in., 1/2lb. (19.1cm × 20.3cm × 19.1cm, 0.2kg)
Other (weight with stand): 1lb. (0.5kg)
Materials
Plastic, Paint, Aluminum Alloy, Copper Alloy, Iron Alloy, Decal Paper and Adhesive
Inventory Number
A20090208000
Credit Line
Gift of Walter Lister, Producer, CBS News
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.