Invented by Paul Fisher in 1965 and patented, a pen designed for use in space cost about two million dollars to develop. NASA placed an order for 400 units of this pen, referred to as the “space pen,” in 1968, and the Soviet Union purchased 100 units.
The distinctive feature of this pen was its ability to write without the need for gravity. The pen could comfortably write towards the ceiling as well.[1] The space pen was first used by astronaut Walter Cunningham during the Apollo 7 program. After its invention, this pen was used in almost all space missions and is now displayed in some space museums.
Some of us may wonder, “Why did they spend millions of dollars making this pen when a one-dollar pencil works?” Yes, a lead pencil can be used to write in space and many other places. However, minuscule particles flying around while writing and in a zero-gravity environment can jeopardize billion-dollar projects and human life.[2] For instance, these particles in the air could potentially enter the astronauts’ eyes or sensitive electronic panels. Ballpoint pens or fountain pens don’t work in space either because their ink moves based on gravity.
The “space pen” operates with pressurized ink cartridges, allowing writing on any surface in space, underwater, in a vacuum, and on all types of surfaces. This pen can be used between minus 120 and plus 150 degrees Celsius. The pen has a minimum shelf life of 100 years and operates with nitrogen gas and special ink. When it touches the surface to write, the system activates, and the ink flow accelerates.[3] Today, you can purchase different models of this pen for approximately 70 dollars.
Law of Gravity
Gravity, or also known as the “law of gravitational attraction,” is one of the hundreds of laws created for the Earth to move regularly and for living beings to sustain their lives.
This law is directly related to our bodies and organs. Our muscle and bone structure, even the rhythm of our hearts, are created in accordance with gravity. If this force were greater, more weight would be placed on our bones, leading to more fractures. Our planet would rotate slower, and due to the increasing tide events, the seas would rise, causing harm to creatures on Earth.
If it were less, our muscles and bones would erode. That’s why astronauts undergo extensive training before being sent to space. Even inside the spacecraft, they are required to perform certain movements for two hours every day. Astronauts staying in space for a long time cannot walk on their own for a while upon returning to Earth due to muscle and bone loss.[4]
If gravity didn’t exist, our moon would leave us, and the gases forming our atmosphere would disperse. Oxygen would escape along with the atmosphere, and we wouldn’t be able to breathe. Our vulnerable Earth would be hit by celestial bodies of various sizes.
The law of gravitational attraction is valid for the entire universe. If there were no gravity, our Earth would detach from the Sun, galaxies would scatter, and connections between stars would be severed. The temperature and lifespan of stars are also linked to the force of gravity.
Moreover, without our atmosphere distributing the heat received from the Sun, our Earth, which is about 100 degrees Celsius during the day, would be about minus 100 degrees Celsius at night. The waters in our oceans and seas would also scatter into space. In short, it would be impossible for living beings to survive.
Returning to the space pen, the human curiosity and exploratory instinct have driven humanity to venture into space and conduct research. Millions of dollars were spent to be able to write in space.
Every law that emerges by the command of our Lord serves the marvelous creation and life. Perhaps, from now on, when we see a pen, we will remember this secret and be grateful.
Footnotes
[1] www.spacepen.com
[2] www.scientificamerican.com/article/fact-or-fiction-nasa-spen
[3] www.snopes.com/fact-check/the-write-stuff
[4] www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler/2016/02/160215_vert_fut_yercekimi_olmasa
