What is a Fisher Space Pen?

A Fisher Space Pen is a pressurized ballpoint pen designed to write in extreme conditions where ordinary pens fail. Thanks to its sealed, pressurized ink cartridge, it can write upside down, underwater, in zero gravity, and in extreme hot and cold temperatures.

Originally developed for space exploration, the Space Pen has been trusted on every crewed NASA space mission since Apollo 7. Today, it is widely used for everyday carry, outdoor activities, professional work, and any situation where reliable writing performance matters.

How Does a Fisher Space Pen Work?

A Fisher Space Pen works using a hermetically sealed, pressurized ink cartridge. Inside the cartridge, compressed gas forces ink toward the tip, allowing it to write smoothly in any position without relying on gravity.

The specially formulated thixotropic ink stays thick until writing pressure is applied, helping prevent leaks, skips, and drying out while ensuring consistent ink flow in a wide range of conditions.

Are Space Pens worth it?

Space Pens are designed for reliability in situations where standard pens may fail. They are especially valued by professionals, travelers, outdoor users, and everyday carry enthusiasts who need consistent performance. Because they are built to perform in extreme environments and offer long-lasting durability, Space Pens are a practical choice for anyone who wants a dependable pen that works when it matters most.

What Pen Do Astronauts Use in Space?

Astronauts use Fisher Space Pens during space missions. The AG7 Original Astronaut Pen was independently developed by Paul C. Fisher and selected by NASA after extensive testing. It first flew on Apollo 7 in 1968 and has been used on every crewed NASA mission since. Today, the CH4 Shuttle Space Pen is used aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and was also carried on Artemis II, continuing the Space Pen legacy in the next generation of human space exploration.

What was the pen that Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took to the Moon?

Astronauts on Apollo 11, as well as every crewed NASA space mission, used the AG7 Original Astronaut Pen. It was selected after rigorous NASA testing and became the standard writing instrument for space missions due to its ability to perform in zero gravity and extreme conditions.

Can astronauts just use pencils?

No. Pencils are not used in space due to safety concerns. Broken pencil tips and graphite dust can float in microgravity and create hazards for equipment and astronauts.

Instead, astronauts use pressurized writing instruments such as the Fisher Space Pen. The Space Pen was independently developed by Paul C. Fisher without NASA funding and was later purchased by NASA after extensive testing demonstrated its reliability and safety in space.

A common myth claims that NASA spent millions of dollars developing a pen while Soviet cosmonauts simply used pencils. In reality, both the American and Soviet space programs initially used pencils, but both eventually adopted the Fisher Space Pen because it was safer, cleaner, and more reliable in zero gravity.

Read more: Space Pens, Pencils, and How NASA Takes Notes in Space

Why are Space Pens better than regular pens?

Space Pens are engineered for reliability in environments where standard pens may fail. They are designed to:

· Write at any angle, including upside down

· Perform in extreme temperatures from -30°F to 250°F

· Write on wet surfaces and underwater

· Resist drying out over time

· Deliver long-lasting performance, writing up to 12,000 feet (approximately 2.5 miles) using the Fisher Pressurized Refill (PR).

Do Space Pens really work upside down?

Yes. Space Pens are engineered to write at any angle, including upside down. Unlike standard pens that rely on gravity, a Space Pen’s pressurized ink cartridge ensures consistent ink flow, allowing smooth and reliable writing regardless of orientation.

Can a Space Pen write underwater?

Yes. Space Pens can write underwater and on wet surfaces. Their pressurized ink cartridge prevents water from interrupting ink flow, ensuring consistent performance even in wet or challenging environments. This unique capability is one of the reasons Space Pens are trusted for outdoor, industrial, and aerospace applications. You can watch demonstrations of Space Pens writing underwater on our YouTube channel.

What temperature can a Space Pen handle?

Space Pens are engineered to perform in extreme temperatures ranging from approximately -30°F to 250°F. This makes them a reliable writing tool for outdoor use, demanding work environments, and aerospace applications where standard pens may fail.

How long does a Space Pen last?

Space Pen refills are designed for long-lasting performance:

· The Fisher Pressurized Refill (PR) can write up to approximately 12,000 feet (about 2.5 miles)

· The Fisher Universal Refill will write for about 1,200 ft.

· Unopened pressurized refills have an estimated shelf life of approximately 100 years

This combination of durability and longevity makes Space Pens a dependable choice for both everyday use and demanding environments.

Do Space Pens dry out?

No. Space Pens use a sealed, pressurized ink cartridge that prevents the ink from drying out, even after long periods without use. This design ensures consistent and reliable performance whenever the pen is needed.

How do I refill my Fisher Space Pen?

Most Space Pens are refillable. To refill, simply unscrew the pen, remove the used cartridge, and insert a compatible Fisher refill for your specific model.

If you need assistance, Consumer Service is available to help. Step-by-step instructional videos are also available on YouTube to guide you through the refilling process.

Do all your pens take the same refill?

Most Space Pen models use the same Fisher Pressurized Refill (PR).
The Q4 Multi-action Pen is an exception and uses the Universal Refill instead.

What’s the difference between the PR4 and SPR4?

There is no difference in the refill itself. The PR4 and SPR4 are the same refill. The “S” simply refers to blister card packaging and does not indicate a different product or performance.

What refill does my Infinium Space Pen take?

The Infinium Space Pen does not use a replaceable refill. Instead, the entire pen is filled with ink.

If your Infinium Space Pen ever runs dry, just send it back to us under the Lifetime Guarantee for a fully refilled replacement at no charge.

What refill does my Y2K Space Pen take?

The Y2K Space Pen uses the PRY2K refill, available in medium point with black or blue ink.

For ordering assistance or availability, please contact Consumer Service.

Are Fisher Space Pen refills universal?

Fisher Pressurized Refills (PR) are designed to be compatible with most Space Pens and can also fit many other pen brands using the included free adapter. This makes them a versatile option for maintaining reliable writing performance across different pen styles.

What are your refill point sizes?

Space Pen refills are available in the following point sizes:

· Fine - .9mm

· Medium – 1.1mm

· Bold – 1.3mm

Can I buy a Space Pen refill locally?

Yes. Space Pen refills, including the (S)PR4 refill, are available at many retail locations such as REI, Office Max, outdoor and tactical stores, museum shops, space centers, and specialty pen retailers.

What’s the difference between Fisher Space Pen and Rite in the Rain pens?

We manufacture and supply pens and refills for Rite in the Rain. Rite in the Rain refills use a specially formulated ink designed to perform best on waterproof paper. While they share similar all-condition functionality, Space Pen refills typically offer a smoother writing experience across a wider range of surfaces.

What are your pens made of?

Most Space Pens are made from brass, chosen for its durability and long-lasting performance.

What is the lead content of the brass in Space Pens?

The lead content in our brass is less than 0.5%.

What is the brass composition used in Space Pens?

Our raw brass is composed of approximately:

· 85% copper

· 15% zinc

Why is my M4RAW/400RAW turning colors?

The 400-RAW and M4RAW raw brass Space Pens naturally develop a patina over time. This change is caused by contact with the environment and the user’s skin chemistry, making each pen unique over time.

How can I make my raw brass Space Pen shiny again?

Raw brass Space Pens can be polished using a standard brass cleaner such as BRASSO Metal Polish to restore their original shine.

Do you offer a permanent clip for the Bullet Space Pens?

No. A permanent clip is not available for Bullet Space Pens. However, we do offer removable clip options that can be added or removed as needed, allowing for flexible everyday carry without permanently altering the pen.

There's a notch/cut in my Bullet Space Pen’s O-ring. Is it damaged?

No. The notch in the O-ring is intentional. It allows air to flow and prevents a vacuum from forming, which ensures the cap can be removed easily.

Where can I buy replacement O-rings?

Our Bullet Space Pen O-rings are specific to Fisher Space Pens and are not found in retail stores. They can be purchased directly through our website on the O-Rings product page.

Do you make any pencils?

Yes. We offer a mechanical pencil option as part of our Thunderbirds Pen & Pencil Set or individually.

Does the stylus in my Q4 work on tablets or other smart devices?

No. The stylus tip on the Q4 is an older design intended for PDAs and Palm Pilots and is not compatible with modern tablets or touchscreen smartphones.

Why can’t I find the pen I want on your website?

If a product is not listed on our website, it is either currently out of stock or has been discontinued. You may contact Consumer Service to confirm availability.

What is the lightest Space Pen?

The lightest Space Pen is the Stowaway Space Pen, weighing approximately 0.2 oz.

Can you engrave symbols or pictures on Space Pens?

Engraving is available for standard characters including the Latin alphabet, numbers, and selected symbols such as:
! ? @ / . # $ ' ( ) + , - : ; = & ¿ ¡

We also support accented characters including:
àèìòù áéíóú âêîôû ãñõ äëïöü å

Emoji and images are not available for engraving.

What does engraving direction mean?

Engraving direction refers to how the text is oriented on a Space Pen, so it is readable while you are using it. It’s designed to be read from the writer’s perspective when holding the pen.

When holding the pen to write with the engraving facing you:

· In the right hand, engraving starts near the tip and reads upward toward the cap

· In the left hand, engraving starts near the cap and reads downward toward the tip

Examples may be viewed here.

Can I get a different color of engraving on my pen?

No. Engraving color depends on the base material of the pen.

Most Space Pens are made from brass, which results in a gold-colored engraving. Models such as the Measure Twice, Clutch, TLP, and ASGP are made from aluminum, which produces a silver-colored engraving.

I need a custom order for my company. Who do I contact?

For custom engraving orders, including logos and promotional products, please contact our promotional products team for pricing and lead times.

Do Fisher Space Pens have a warranty?

Yes. Fisher Space Pens are backed by a Lifetime Guarantee against manufacturing defects, reflecting a long-standing commitment to quality and reliability.

 What should I do if my pen stops working?

First, try replacing the refill, as this resolves most performance issues. If the pen still does not work, you can visit the Lifetime Guarantee page or contact Consumer Service.

I lost my spring. Can you send a replacement?

No. We are unable to send individual replacement parts such as springs. Pens requiring internal components must be returned for service under the Lifetime Guarantee process.

Can you install a stronger spring in my pen?

No. Springs are precisely calibrated for each pen’s internal mechanism. Using a different spring strength would affect proper function, so spring modifications are not available.

Do you offer returns, refunds, exchanges, or trades?

All sales are final. Fisher Space Pen does not offer returns, refunds, exchanges, or trades. However, all Fisher Space Pens are covered by a Lifetime Guarantee against manufacturing defects.

I forgot my coupon code; can you adjust my order?

No. Orders cannot be modified once submitted. If your order has not been engraved or shipped, it may be canceled. You will need to place a new order. For assistance, contact Consumer Service.

Can I modify my order?

No. Once an order has been submitted, we are unable to make changes, edits, additions, or deletions. If a modification is needed, the order must be canceled and a new order placed. Please contact Consumer Service for assistance.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes, orders may be canceled if they have not yet been engraved or shipped. If you need to cancel an order, please contact Consumer Service as soon as possible.

How do I get coupons?

Special offers and coupon codes are occasionally sent to subscribers of the Fisher Space Pen Email Newsletter. Signing up is the best way to receive exclusive promotions, product announcements, and company news.

I entered a coupon code, but it didn’t work.

A coupon code may not work if it is invalid, expired, or not applicable to the items in your cart. Please note that Fisher Space Pen does not honor coupon codes, discounts, or promotional offers distributed by third-party coupon websites or unauthorized sources. For additional details, please see our coupon policy.

Do you offer a military/police/teacher/ discount?

At this time, Fisher Space Pen does not offer military, law enforcement, teacher, or first responder discounts. To stay informed about future promotions, product launches, and special offers, we recommend subscribing to the Fisher Space Pen Newsletter.

How long will it take to receive my order?

Order processing and delivery times vary depending on the shipping method selected at checkout. Most orders are processed promptly, and tracking information is provided once your order ships so you can monitor its progress. For additional details, please see our Order Processing and Shipping information.

What should I do if my order hasn't been delivered, or tracking says it was delivered but I can't find it?

You can track your order using the tracking number included in your shipping confirmation email. If your package is delayed, missing, or marked as delivered but cannot be located, please contact the shipping carrier directly for assistance. Once an order leaves our facility, delivery is handled by the carrier. Fisher Space Pen is not responsible for lost, stolen, or misdelivered packages. For additional details, please see our Order Processing and Shipping information.

Do you ship internationally?

Fisher Space Pen does not ship internationally. International customers can purchase through our network of authorized international distributors.

Do you sell or share my information?

No. Fisher Space Pen does not sell or share customer information. Protecting your privacy is important to us. For more information, please review the Fisher Space Pen Privacy Policy.

Who do I contact for donation requests?

For donation requests, please contact: donations@spacepen.com

Is Fisher Space Pen a family-owned company?

Yes. Fisher Space Pen remains a family-owned business and is operated by Paul Fisher's son, Cary Fisher, and grandson, Matt Fisher.

What is Fisher Space Pen's contact information and office hours?

Email: weborders@spacepen.com
Phone: 702-293-3011

Office Hours:
Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Pacific Time

Factory Hours:
Monday through Thursday, 5:00 AM to 3:00 PM Pacific Time

Holiday Closures:
Closed on federal holidays and during the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.

Address:
711 Yucca Street
Boulder City, NV 89005

Does Fisher Space Pen offer factory tours?

No. We do not offer tours of our manufacturing facility. However, our company store in Boulder City, Nevada is open to visitors during normal business hours.

If you're interested in seeing how Space Pens are made, our YouTube channel features behind-the-scenes videos showcasing the manufacturing process, product assembly, company history, and the craftsmanship that goes into every Fisher Space Pen.