During the space race back in the 1960's, NASA was faced with a major problem. The astronaut needed a pen that would write in the vacuum of space. NASA went to work. At a cost of $1.5 million, they developed the "Astronaut Pen." It enjoyed minor success on the commercial market.
The Russians were faced with the same dilemma.
They used a pencil.
ABSTRACT: "The lesson of this anecdote is a valid one—that we sometimes expend a great deal of time, effort, and money to create a 'high-tech' solution to a problem, when a perfectly good, cheap, and simple solution is right before our eyes. The anecdote offered above isn't a real example of this syndrome, however." |
FACT: When American astronauts first took to the stars, they, like the Russians, used pencils. However, a broken lead tip from a pencil became a dangerous hazard to eyes, noses, and electrical devices alike in the zero-gravity capsule. Yikes! Additionally, because of the fire in Apollo 1 that claimed the lives of three astronauts, scientists became weary that both the lead and wood of the pencil were a highly combustable fire hazard and could burn rapidly in the pure oxygen atmosphere of the capsule.
It was Paul C. Fisher that developed the first successful pressurized pens, which were finally approved for flight in September 1965. All research and development costs were paid by Fisher, and no development costs were ever charged to the government; the entire project cost just over one million dollars. Fisher's only compensation besides a hearty pat on the back: the 400 Fisher Space Pens sold to NASA for $2.95 each.
For more information, check out The Write Stuff.
It was Paul C. Fisher that developed the first successful pressurized pens, which were finally approved for flight in September 1965. All research and development costs were paid by Fisher, and no development costs were ever charged to the government; the entire project cost just over one million dollars. Fisher's only compensation besides a hearty pat on the back: the 400 Fisher Space Pens sold to NASA for $2.95 each.
For more information, check out The Write Stuff.