Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply Usage Conditions Apply There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page. IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer

This pen is identical to those carried aboard Apollo flights 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. It is a "space pen" and is able to be used in space at any orientation.

The Fisher AG-7 Space Pen was the result of a "million dollar research program" undertaken by the Fisher Pen Company during the 1960s, when NASA needed a pen capable of writing in the gravity-free environment of space.

On Earth, ball point pens rely on gravity for ink feed and have a small hole in the top of the ink cartridge through which the ink evaporates slowly. This pen is pressurized with nitrogen which forces the ink out through the tungsten-carbide ball, and the ink was specially formulated so it would not evaporate.

Transferred to the National Air and Space Museum from NASA in 1970.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Accessories Manufacturer Fisher Pen Company
 Dimensions 3-D: 13.2 x 1.3cm (5 3/16 x 1/2 in., 1/16lb.)
 Materials Stainless Steel
 Inventory Number A19700109000 Credit Line Gift of the Fisher Pen Company Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.