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Why do astronauts not use pencil in space?
The pencil wasn’t an ideal choice for writing in space because its tip could flake and break off, drifting in microgravity with the potential to harm an astronaut or an equipment. Apart from this, pencils are flammable, and NASA wanted to avoid anything flammable aboard a spacecraft.
Why use a pencil instead of a pen?
Pencils are better for shading. Pencils are more environmentally-friendly than pens. Pencils need sharpening, while pens are always ready to write. The more you sharpen a pencil, the shorter it gets—and becomes difficult to use.
What pens do astronauts use in space?
The Fisher Space Pen is a gas-charged ball point pen that is rugged and works in a wider variety of conditions, such as zero gravity, vacuum and extreme temperatures. Its thixotropic ink and vent-free cartridge release no significant vapor at common temperatures and low pressures.
Are pens or pencils cheaper?
Pencils are cheap. Compared to a pen, a pencil generally costs less and is, therefore, definitely more attractive.
Is it better to write in pencil or pen?
However, pens typically offer a smoother feel while writing (depending on the pen type) and are more likely to stand the test of time. Pencils, on the other hand, allow for editing and erasing, and when used with a setting spray, can potentially last as long on the page as some pen ink.
How much does an astronaut pen cost?
They both paid $2.39 per pen instead of $3.98. The space pen’s mark on the Apollo program was not limited to facilitating writing in microgravity. According to the Fisher Space Pen Company, the Apollo 11 astronauts also used the pen to fix a broken arming switch, enabling their return to Earth.
Should astronauts choose pencils hard?
Astronauts should choose pencils with a soft lead because it doesn’t as much force to mark on paper. Theoretically speaking, the magnitude of the force could push an astronaut away from the piece of paper in space; therefore, a soft lead is easier to use in space.
Why don’t astronauts use pencils in space?
The Fisher Space Pens made their debut in 1968 on the Apollo 7 mission and have been involved in all manned missions since. So, the short reason is that astronauts only used pencils when they were waiting for something better to come along. As soon as it did, they switched and never looked back.
Why don’t regular pens work in space?
Other users have answered the question of why regular pens don’t work in space, but they left off an important fact. Astronauts don’t actually use pencils. The graphite in pencil lead is, of course, made of carbon, extremely flakey, and highly flammable.
Why are graphite pencils not used in space?
Graphite pencils are not used in space beacuse it will be dangerous for the astronauts if the lead broke. It can enter the ears, or eyes , or mouth of the astronauts. Also since graphite is inflamable, it will increase the chance of a fire due to the surrounding oxygen inside the space station.
How much did it cost to send a pencil into space?
Still, there were attempts to bring pencils into space. In 1965, the agency famously ordered 34 specially designed mechanical pencils in hopes of finding the perfect writing tool for astronauts. But at $128 each, they weren’t exactly cheap, and it only got worse when the public got wind of the price.