If you have seen the Bollywood movie '3 Idiots' starring Aamir Khan, R Madhavan, and Sharman Joshi, you might also remember a scene where Boman Irani asked Dha to use a space pen instead of using cheap pencils while going into space. Why is it done? ,
Well, this is a frequently asked question and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) definitely has the answer.
PC: The Hindu
In the 1960s, NASA wanted to avoid the use of pencils because lead could easily break down and float away, posing a threat to astronauts and the spacecraft's sensitive electronics. Additionally, pencils are flammable, and NASA wanted to avoid any flammable objects in the spacecraft. Astronauts have also been using space pens since 1969.
However, regular pens that work on Earth do not work in space because they rely on gravity to flow ink to the nib.
PC: Quora
Then Paul C. Fisher of Fisher Pen Company came to NASA's rescue and designed a ballpoint pen that could work in space. His company invested one million dollars to fund, design, and patent the pen, which can operate in temperatures ranging from -50 F to +400 F.
After rigorous testing, NASA gave the Space Pen to astronauts for use. The pens have been used on every crewed NASA mission since Apollo 7 – dozens are currently aboard the International Space Station.
