Fisher Space Pen AG7 – the original space pen from the Apollo mission

The Fisher AG7 was the pen chosen by NASA for the Apollo 7 mission in 1968 following two years of intensive testing. Since then, it has been standard equipment on every manned space flight.

The design and construction have remained unchanged for more than 50 years. The pen you buy today is identical to the one taken to the Moon in 1969.

Construction and materials

The body is made of solid brass with an extremely hard chrome-plated finish. Weighing 28 g, it sits comfortably in the hand whilst writing.

Click mechanism with a push-button at the top
Unique side button for retracting the refill
The design ensures the refill is retracted before the pen is placed in a pocket
Withstands autoclave sterilisation – suitable for doctors and healthcare professionals

Technical specifications

Feature	Value
Material	Chrome-plated brass
Colour	Chrome
Length	14.2 cm
Width	0.95 cm
Weight	28 g
Cartridge	Fisher Pressurised PR4, black ink, medium
Mechanism	Click-action with side retraction button
Country of origin	USA
Packaging	Gift box with lining and brochure

A gift with a story and practical value

The Fisher Space Pen AG7 is attractively packaged in a sturdy, padded gift box. 🎁 Each pen comes with a brochure telling the story of the Fisher Space Pen.

It is suitable for a wide range of people:

Teachers, lawyers, politicians, business leaders
Doctors and healthcare professionals
Military personnel and police officers
A-level students and school leavers
Anyone who values quality and the history behind an item

The pen doesn’t melt in the heat or freeze in the cold – reliable in all conditions, whether in your car or your everyday bag.

The history of the Fisher Space Pen

During the early NASA missions, astronauts used pencils. For the Gemini programme, NASA purchased 34 mechanical pencils at a total cost of $4,382.50 – around $128.89 each. The expenditure caused public outcry.

Paul S. Fisher of Fisher Pen Co. developed a new pen entirely with private funds – around $1 million of his own investment, without any funding from NASA. The pressurised ink cartridge functions in zero gravity, underwater, in liquids and at temperatures ranging from –34°C to +120°C.

NASA tested the pens rigorously and, in 1967, approved them for the Apollo missions. Around 400 pens were purchased at a price of US$6 each for the Apollo programme. In February 1969, the Soviet Union also purchased 100 Fisher pens and 1,000 refills for the Soyuz spaceflights. To this day, American astronauts and Russian cosmonauts continue to use these pens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Fisher Space Pen AG7 and a standard ballpoint pen?

The Fisher AG7 uses a pressurised ink cartridge developed without funding from NASA. Unlike standard pens, it writes in zero gravity, underwater, in liquids and at extreme temperatures ranging from -34°C to +120°C. The body is made of solid brass with a chrome-plated finish, making it significantly more durable. It does not melt in the heat or freeze in the cold. The design has remained unchanged for over 50 years.

Is the Fisher AG7 suitable as a gift for a doctor?

Yes, the Fisher AG7 is particularly suitable for medical professionals. The pen can withstand sterilisation in an autoclave – the device used to sterilise medical instruments. This makes it a practical and meaningful choice for doctors, nurses and anyone working in the healthcare sector. As well as its practical value, it has a unique history that makes it a memorable gift.

How does the AG7’s retraction mechanism work?

The AG7 has a dual-action mechanism. At the top, there is a push button which ejects the refill when pressed. On the side, there is a unique side button for retracting the refill. The design ensures that the refill must be retracted before the pen can be slipped into a pocket. The mechanism is sturdy and clicks firmly into place, with no play or instability.

Are Fisher Space Pens still used in space today?

Yes. The Fisher Space Pen AG7 was approved by NASA following two years of testing and was first used on the Apollo 7 mission in 1968. Since then, it has been standard equipment on all US manned space flights. In 1969, the Soviet Union also purchased 100 Fisher pens and 1,000 refills for the Soyuz flights. To this day, astronauts and cosmonauts continue to use these pens in orbit.

What type of refill is used in the Fisher AG7 and can it be replaced?

The Fisher AG7 comes with a Fisher Pressurised PR4 refill containing black ink and offering a medium line width. The refill is pressurised, allowing for writing in all conditions. The refill can be replaced when it runs out, making the pen a long-lasting investment. Genuine Fisher refills are designed specifically for this range of pens.

How is the Fisher AG7 packaged, and is it suitable as a gift?

The Fisher AG7 comes in a sturdy, padded gift box, ready to give as a present. Each pen includes a booklet detailing the history of the Fisher Space Pen. The packaging is elegant and requires no further wrapping. It is ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and all kinds of formal occasions. You can find it at Dulotec.COM at a great price with fast delivery.

Why did NASA choose a ballpoint pen rather than a pencil for its space missions?

In early missions, astronauts used pencils. For the Gemini programme, NASA purchased 34 mechanical pencils at a cost of around $129 each, which drew public criticism. Apart from the cost, broken graphite tips and pencil shavings posed a risk in a weightless environment – they could get into the astronauts’ eyes or damage the equipment. Paul Fisher developed a pressurised ink pen that works safely and reliably in space, investing around $1 million of his own money without any assistance from NASA.