{"product_id":"fisher-space-pen-cap-o-matic-firefighter-ballpoint-pen-matte-black-with-red-stripe","title":"Fisher Space Pen Cap-O-Matic Firefighter Ballpoint Pen Matte Black with Red Stripe","description":"\u003cp\u003eLet's get the famous story out of the way first. Everyone 'knows' that ballpoints didn't work in space, without gravity, so the Americans spent millions of dollars to develop a special pressurised ballpoint that \u003cem\u003edid\u003c\/em\u003e work in space. The Russians just used a pencil. Well, not really.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Americans and Russians both used pencils. Paul Fisher, an inventer and pen maker, developed the pressurised refill, creating the 'Space Pen'. Then both the Americans and the Russians bought them from him and used them in space. Graphite is conductive, so snapped off bits of lead were considered a bit of a safety hazard floating around in a space capsule, so they were glad of a good alternative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOh, and standard ballpoint pens \u003cem\u003edo\u003c\/em\u003e work, and astronauts do sometimes use them, they're just not as reliable in zero gravity and extreme temperatures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut Paul Fisher's Space Pen \u003cem\u003ewas\u003c\/em\u003e reliable in these conditions, which makes it useful in all sorts of conditions, not just in space. They'll write better on damp paper, and greasy or dusty paper. They'll cope better in freezing conditions or excessively warm conditions. They have a much longer shelf life than standard ballpoints, too. They're just more reliable here on Earth, as well as in space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Cap-O-Matic is a simple, high quality retractable pen. The top part of the pen pushes down to extend and retract the tip, for easy operation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFirefighter edition non-reflective matte black with red stripe barrel. Durable, demanding and tough. Fitted with a gas pressurised ink refill cartridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e131mm long, 9.5mm wide, 8mm at grip.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fisher Space Pen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43642506445043,"sku":"FS89499","price":43.51,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0659\/6388\/4787\/products\/FS89499_Fisher-Space-Pen-Cap-O-Matic-Firefighter-Ballpoint-Pen-Black-Red_P1.jpg?v=1663345198","url":"https:\/\/cultpens.com\/en-us\/products\/fisher-space-pen-cap-o-matic-firefighter-ballpoint-pen-matte-black-with-red-stripe","provider":"Cult Pens","version":"1.0","type":"link"}