Why Are Different Ballpoint Pens Needed in Space?

Yes, even astronauts’ ballpoint pens are special. Pretty interesting, isn’t it?

Alright Why were special ballpoint pens developed for use in space?

In fact, pencils were used in the first space missions at NASA.

However, due to the fact that graphite is a highly flammable substance and the graphite dust that breaks easily, there is a danger of damaging the electronic systems in spacecraft in weightlessness, ballpoint pens suitable for use in weightlessness are used instead of pencils. It was first developed by a US entrepreneur Paul C. Fisher.

These pens have a pressurized ink cartridge; in weightless environments, underwater and It can be used in wide temperature ranges such as approximately -50 to 200°C.

These items include a system consisting of a pressurized gas and a movable float.

The float separates the gas and ink. Compressed gas also pushes the ink, allowing the ink to reach the tip of the pen..

In addition, since the force exerted by the pressurized gas does not depend on the direction of the pen, with these pens, It is possible to write by holding the pen at any angle. Again, these pens use inks whose fluidity changes depending on the tension applied to them.

Pens can be used thanks to inks that become fluid when necessary. It can be used longer without leakage.

To sum up, ink in a weightless environment Since it does not flow on its own, special pens that can be used in space have been developed.

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