We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Science

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Do Astronauts Write in Space?

Margaret Lipman
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 2,110
Share

There's a well-known urban legend about how NASA spent millions of dollars to develop a pen that could write in space, whereas Soviet cosmonauts simply used pencils. Well, amusing as that anecdote might be, it just isn't true.

The truth, however, is still fascinating. It turns out that since the late 1960s, both American astronauts and Soviet/Russian cosmonauts have been purchasing space pens from the same supplier – the Fisher Pen Company. Without any funding from NASA, Paul C. Fisher invented the AG-7 "Anti-Gravity" Space Pen in 1967, which uses compressed nitrogen rather than gravity to make the ink flow. This remarkable pen could be used not only in space, but also upside-down, at extreme temperatures, and even underwater.

It was first purchased by NASA for the Apollo 7 mission in 1968, and successive models have been used by the space agency ever since. The Soviets, for the record, quickly caught on and ordered the very same pens the following year, ditching their grease pencils.

Houston, pencil or pen?

  • In the late 1960s, the space pens cost $3.98 at full price (though both the Americans and the Soviets received a discount for buying in bulk). You can buy one of your own today for around $50.

  • As simple as it would seem to just use a pencil instead, there are safety concerns. Graphite pencils can break, leaving tiny particles floating in the space capsule, where they could potentially damage vital equipment. And the wood of a traditional pencil poses a fire risk.

  • These days, nearly all writing in space is typed on laptops – specifically, on customized heat-resistant Lenovo ThinkPads for astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Margaret Lipman
By Margaret Lipman
With years of experience as an educator, Margaret Lipman produces thoughtful and informative content across a wide range of topics. Her articles cover essential areas such as finance, parenting, health and wellness, nutrition, educational strategies. Margaret's writing is guided by her passion for enriching the lives of her readers through practical advice and well-researched information.

Related Articles

Discussion Comments
Margaret Lipman
Margaret Lipman
With years of experience as an educator, Margaret Lipman produces thoughtful and informative content across a wide range...
Learn more
Share
https://direct.wisegeek.com/how-do-astronauts-write-in-space.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.