The original Fisher space pens

Contrary to urban legend, NASA did not spend millions of dollars developing a pen that could write in space when they could have been using pencils. Actually, the Fisher space pens were created when Paul Fisher realized that pencils actually posed a hazard in space. Not only could the points break off and float freely throughout the capsule but in the oxygen rich environment, a piece of wood was highly combustible. Realizing that unique pens that could operate in zero gravity would be a much safer alternative, Paul Fisher developed a writing instrument that used a semi-solid ink in a pressurized cartridge. This cartridge would not leak because there was no liquid inside and did not rely on gravity to maintain the flow. This unit became the AG7, carried into space on Apollo 11 in 1968 and first of the Fisher space pens that are still used by NASA today.

The technology used to create space writing pens is now used by Fisher to create dozens of models. Although most users will never take their pen to the moon, many professions benefit from such a reliable writing instrument. Today, there are several improvements on the original AG7. Space writing pens are available with built-in touch screen stylus points, multiple ink colors, with telescopic bodies for storage in tight areas and more. From great pens that cost less than $10 that are perfect for the job site to engraved commemorative units for executives, there is a Fisher pen for everyone.