For taking notes and making alterations to flight plans during the Apollo 11 mission in July 1969, astronauts were issued sturdy metal mechanical pencils for their flights. NASA purchased a number of these from Lew Manufacturing of Rhode Island for the Apollo and Skylab programs. It is made of polished chrome with a twist-motion to advance the lead, and a piece of velcro was added to allow attachment to the inside of the spacecraft or other objects.
NASA transferred this pencil to the Museum in 1971.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
United States of America
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Miscellaneous
Garland
3-D: 12.7 × 0.6cm (5 × 1/4 in.)
Chrome, velcro
A19980077000
Transferred from NASA/JSC
National Air and Space Museum
Usage conditions apply
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