NASA’s active Artemis II lunar fly by mission is the first of its kind in over 50 years.
If that doesn’t capture your attention, maybe its significance for future deep-space exploration does. NASA’s goal is that the discoveries on the Artemis II help inform future lunar landings and Mars trips. A lot rides on the mission (more than just the four crew members aboard the Orion). Amongst the advanced tech and finely tuned instruments designed for the interstellar trip, one space-gadget you may be surprised to find is, of all things, a pen. But with the unique conditions presented by Outer Space, decades ago it became clear that a space pen was necessary. The Fischer Space Pen AG7 is the solution. Further, its presence aboard the Orion means that it has been aboard every crewed flight since Apollo 7.
Artemis II: lunar observation mission
The Artemis II mission is huge for modern space exploration. The Orion capsule is set to circle around the far side of the moon while the crew takes photographs, makes geological observations, and collects other crucial information for the next lunar landing on Artemis III. The astronauts en route are paving the way as the first crew aboard an Artemis mission and the Orion spacecraft. They also have the chance to see the moon’s dark side with the naked eye, which few can claim to have seen. The information they collect will be invaluable and hopefully help prepare future astronauts for a Mars mission.
All that to say, it’s the type of mission you might want to take notes on.
While most mission notes are taken digitally, having a writing utensil for quick notes and scratch work is huge. Pencils won’t do; the graphite breaks off too easily and it too unpredictable in such a highly monitored environment. And you can’t use the average pen, which relies on gravity to deliver ink to page. That’s where Fisher stepped up in 1968, making the Space Pen a staple, space-travel accessory. (Though if you’re traveling somewhere a little closer than the moon, here’s another must-have).
The Space Pen: Fisher Space Pen AG7
The Fisher Space Pen AG7 uses a pressurized ink cartridge to write in zero gravity. Its ability to work in extreme conditions, like underwater and in extremely high or low temps, make it perfect for adventurers and astronauts alike. And unlike a ticket onto the Orion, it’s not NASA exclusive. The Fisher Space AG7 Original Astronaut Space Pen is on sale for $71.10 on Amazon. That price may be a little steep for your average ball-point, but not for a reliable pen for steep situations. (Or a pen that would work even in boiling, freshly steeped tea, if the situation ever arose). It uses pressurized nitrogen and an ink-resin hybrid to work reliably under intense conditions.
The Fisher Space Pen AG7 is just iconic
What’s more than the Fisher Space Pen’s impressive performance stats is how recognizable it has become. It was featured floating in one of the first, televised Apollo 7 broadcasts. The pen has cameoed in several TV shows since (including Gilmore Girls). Now, the tool has become a symbol of innovation and ingenuity recognized not only officially by the Space Foundation, but by the nation. Fisher Pen Company, a family-owned business that operates out of Boulder City, Nevada, showed that invention matters at every level. And with lots of new models, they continue to improve their designs. To claim it as America’s most iconic pen would not be out of this world—though several of the pens are at the moment.
The Space Pen’s decades of tried-and-true service prove it to be NASA-trusted. Obviously, the success of the Artemis II mission requires a lot more than a pen. But this is just one more tool that helps enables the individual behind it and which puts them one step closer to bringing their ideas to actualization. It’s the small steps that make a great leap, and since Apollo 7, the Fischer Space Pen AG7 has been there every step of the way.
