Fisher Space Pen Automatic Pencil – X-FF8P

Fisher Space Pen Automatic Pencil – Model X-FF8P

The Fisher Space Pen X-FF8P is a precision mechanical pencil made of anodized aluminum in an elegant bronze color. It is suitable for writing, drawing, and sketching—at home, in the office, or outdoors.

The case is lightweight and durable, weighing just 11.8 grams and measuring 8 mm in diameter. The convenient clip allows it to be securely attached to a pocket or notebook.

Key Features

• Housing material: aluminum
• Finish: anodized aluminum
• Color: bronze
• Length: 13.7 cm
• Diameter: 8 mm
• Weight: 11.8 grams
• Mounting bracket: clip
• Refill: 0.5 mm graphite
• Rubber band under the button
• Comes in a gift box

History of the Fisher Space Pen

During NASA's early missions, astronauts used mechanical pencils. In 1965, for the Project Gemini program, the agency purchased 34 mechanical pencils for a total of $4,382.50—about $128.89 each. This sparked a public debate over the spending of public funds.

At the same time, Paul S. Fisher of Fisher Pen Co. developed an entirely new type of pen, without funding from NASA. The company invested about 1 million U.S. dollars from its own funds. The new pen used a pressurized ink cartridge and worked in zero gravity, underwater, and at extreme temperatures ranging from -34 °C to +120 °C.

Fisher proposed the pens to NASA in 1965. After rigorous testing, the agency decided in 1967 to equip the Apollo program astronauts with them. About 400 pens were purchased at a price of $6 each.

In February 1969, the Soviet Union also purchased 100 Fisher pens and 1,000 refills for use on the Soyuz missions. Until then, Soviet cosmonauts had written with pencils. To this day, both American and Russian crews use these pens in space.

Frequently Asked Questions