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

The Fisher Space Pen AG7 is the pen chosen by NASA for the Apollo 7 mission in 1968 after two years of rigorous testing. Since then, it has accompanied every manned spaceflight. Its design and construction have remained unchanged for more than 50 years.

The pen you're buying today is identical to the one taken to the Moon in 1969.

Design and Materials

The body is made of solid brass with an exceptionally hard chrome-plated finish. The weight of the pen feels comfortable in the hand while writing.

Snap-action mechanism and side button for retracting the magazine
The lever at the top ejects the magazine; the side button retracts it
The design ensures that the refill is retracted before the pen is placed in a pocket
Autoclave-sterilizable—suitable for doctors and healthcare professionals

Refill and Writing Characteristics

The pen uses a Fisher Pressurized PR4 cartridge with black ink and a medium tip. The cartridge operates under pressure, which means it writes in extreme temperatures, underwater, and in zero gravity.

It doesn't run in the heat or freeze in the cold—it's reliable all year round.

Gift wrapping

Each Fisher Space Pen AG7 comes in a sturdy, padded gift box along with a brochure detailing the history of the Fisher Space Pen. It is manufactured entirely in the U.S. from the highest-quality brass and steel components.

Who is it suitable for?

This is a practical and long-lasting gift for a man—and not just for men. It's suitable for:

Teachers, lawyers, politicians, and business leaders
Doctors and Healthcare Professionals
Military personnel and police officers
High School Seniors and Masters
Anyone who appreciates the quality and history behind an object

It's also great as an everyday pen to keep in your car or purse—it works in all conditions.

History of the Fisher Space Pen

In NASA's early missions, astronauts used mechanical pencils. For the Gemini project in 1965, NASA purchased 34 mechanical pencils for a total of $4,382.50—about $128.89 each. This sparked public outrage over the cost.

Paul S. Fisher of Fisher Pen Co. developed a new concept—a pressurized-cartridge pen—without funding from NASA. The company invested approximately 1 million U.S. dollars from its own funds.

The new cartridge works in a weightless environment, underwater, in various liquids, and at temperatures ranging from -34°C to +120°C. In 1967, NASA adopted the pens for the Apollo missions. Approximately 400 pens were purchased at a price of $6 each.

In February 1969, the Soviet Union also purchased 100 ballpoint pens and 1,000 refills for the Soyuz spaceflights. Prior to that, Soviet cosmonauts had written with pencils. To this day, both American astronauts and Russian cosmonauts use the Fisher Space Pen.

Specifications	Value
Brand	Fisher Space Pen
Model	AG7
Style	Snap-lock mechanism and side button for retraction
Material	Brass
Finish	Chrome-plated finish
Color	Black
Length	14.2 cm
Width	0.95 cm
Weight	28 years old
Magazine	Fisher Pressurized PR4, black ink, medium
Packaging	Gift box with lining and brochure
Origin	United States

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Fisher Space Pen AG7 uses a pressurized ink cartridge, which means it writes under conditions where ordinary pens fail. It works in zero gravity, underwater, in various liquids, and at temperatures ranging from -34°C to +120°C. The barrel is made of solid brass with a chrome-plated finish, making it significantly more durable than standard pens. The design has remained unchanged for over 50 years and has been proven in real space missions.

Why is the Fisher Space Pen AG7 a good gift for a doctor?

The pen is so durable that it can withstand autoclaving—a process used to sterilize medical instruments. This makes it particularly suitable for doctors, nurses, and other medical staff. In addition to its practicality, it also has a prestigious history linked to NASA’s space missions, making it an attractive topic of conversation in professional settings.

How does the AG7 mechanism work?

The AG7 features a button at the top that ejects the refill and a unique side button that retracts the refill. The design ensures that the refill is always retracted before the pen is placed in a pocket. The mechanism is sturdy and clicks firmly, with no play or inaccuracy during use.

What type of refill does the Fisher Space Pen AG7 use, and can it be replaced?

The pen comes with a Fisher Pressurized PR4 refill with black ink and a medium tip. The refill is special—it operates under pressure, ensuring reliable writing even under extreme conditions. Fisher Space Pen refills are replaceable and are available in various ink colors and tip sizes.

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

Each AG7 comes in a sturdy gift box with a soft lining and a brochure telling the story of the Fisher Space Pen and its role in space missions. The packaging is elegant and requires no additional gift wrapping. It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, Christmas, and any occasion where you’re looking for a practical and memorable gift for a man or woman.

Have Russian cosmonauts used the Fisher Space Pen?

Yes. In February 1969, the Soviet Union purchased 100 Fisher ballpoint pens and 1,000 ink refills for use on the Soyuz spaceflights. Prior to that, Soviet cosmonauts had written with pencils while in orbit. To this day, both American astronauts and Russian cosmonauts continue to use Fisher Space Pens.

Why is the Fisher Space Pen suitable for everyday use in the car or in your bag?

The pen performs reliably in extreme temperatures—it doesn't leak in the heat of summer and doesn't freeze in the cold of winter. This makes it ideal for keeping in a car or everyday bag, where temperatures can vary significantly. The sturdy brass construction with a chrome-plated finish ensures durability even with heavy daily use.