Can a pencil write in outer space?

Answer 1

A traditional ballpoint or fountain pen relies upon gravity; try writing on a piece of paper with the pen upside down for a while, and it will cease to function.

Similarly, if you attempt to use a conventional pen in a low/zero gravity environment there is nothing to direct the flow of ink 'downwards' through the nib or ballpoint, so the ink will eventually stop flowing.

The lack of gravity is a greater concern for astronauts who wish to keep a diary than the hostile environment of space. Extreme temperatures and the vacuum of space are not the main issues likely to affect an astronaut floating around in his insulated, oxygenated tin can. If they did become issues, it is unlikely that he/she would stop to write about it anyway, as imminent death has presumably higher priority than ink flow.

However, that didn't stop NASA courting some controversy over the use of some very expensive pencil holders designed for use by suited astronauts with bulky gloves.

The issue of a space pen has been the subject of legends that go something like this:

Back in the 60's, as the space race was gearing up, NASA was faced with developing a method of writing in zero gravity and/or the vacuum of space; the 'astronaut pen' was developed at a final cost of about $1,500,000.

Russia's space agency was faced with precisely the same problem; they used pencils.

Of course, this is completely false, and probably attributable to some clever marketing by the Fisher Space Pen Company.

Pressurised ink cartridges are used in the Fisher 'Space Pen'. It is claimed that it can write in zero gravity, under water, upon wet or greasy surfaces, and at extreme temperatures... so it's exactly what you need should you have to write an SOS note during the explosive decompression of your space capsule!

Answer 2

No, funny fact though, after a long period of research, the Soviet Union was able to develop a pen that could actually work in space. Meanwhile in the US, the astronauts used pencils.