NASA's Million Dollar Space Pen vs The Soviet Pencils

[@Crlarl]

As is often the case, reality is more interesting than fiction.

[@kotoba4399]

this face.......

[@Talashaoriginal]

Indeed.

[@garethchild]

Exactly. It's a very interesting story.

[@redheadrusskie]

Nah, reality's still dull shit in comparison for most cases.

[@paulembleton1733]

John McChicken Nah, these six minutes describe pure drama. Whereas the popular story about pencils v pens is inane at best, and very boring.

[@spengu64]

Graphite conducts electricity, it was a problem in open circuit environment. Both Nasa and Soviets used pencils during the early days, both replaced them with these pens for the same reason. Still a great myth, unfortunately misleading.

[@babaloo7016]

spengu64 what about all the water. The astronots play with .they just love playing with H2O

[@fritzkier]

Baba Loo70 are you sure they played it near electrical component?

[@darksideorbit8898]

Everything conducts electricity, but graphite is definitely much more conductive than the pen liquid. It's only exposed for a short amount of time as it's pressurized. So the chance of electricity conducting through it is very slim. Also graphite is extremely conductive so using it on a rocket ship is a big no-no.

[@MrJdsenior]

Not sure graphite dust would cause a problem, considering how much they wrote, but if there was open circuitry, a snapped non-retrieved (lost) tip could certainly cause a problem. Good point. It was frequently that kind of out there stupid sounding stuff that caused problems, actually, like the switch in the wrong position causing all the stack overflow alarms on Apollo's first Moon landing. You could tell, by voice, heart rate, and the pointed "can you give me a reading on that" from Armstrong that it was bothering/distracting him. NOT a good time for that.

[@TheFootbaldd]

Coming from someone who has operated in a Navy engine room, we took a ton of logs, some hourly, some more frequently. There were some stations where you would log a hundred instruments every hour. I would imagine they wrote a ton of logs in the space program, but who knows. That could result in a lot of carbon particles deposited in the environment. Did they use conformal coatings on their circuit boards?

[@Ccodebits]

Do anyone else hear the high pitch dog whistle ( or ringing) sound at 0:50-0:53?

[@Delurpee]

I thought nothing of that until this comment

[@bishopofthechurchoftea7742]

Same lol

[@ananfaiz9900]

I thought I went deaf

[@Declan-pg8cg]

Yeah, it rose in pitch very quickly then just stopped. Probably a sound issue.

[@Xela42]

Bomb has been planted.

[@colinmartin9797]

The fisher AG-7 is actually still made. On the same machinery to the same specifications in the USA. It is an immensely satisfying little pen, with a cool snap action and writes on ANYTHING. Only costs about $30.

[@colinmartin9797]

Andrew Harnsberger no! The cartridges themselves are pressurized with nitrogen and a special gel ink that only becomes liquid as the ball rolls past it, so you can use the entire ink cartridge as a result, too You just toss them when they're empty. The cartridges are about $5 but last quite a long time and the quality is superb. I am a diehard fountain pen user but sometimes you need a ballpoint, and I wouldn't trade my fisher space pen ag-7 for anything!

[@MrAluminox]

Colin I do agree. I used the Fisher pens while sailing, as it doesn't care about humidity, and writes on any surface. A very reliable pen.

[@pythongunner]

There's a Fisher on my desk and in my pocket,how about you?

[@thestudentofficial5483]

Lol, student ballpoint cost like 30¢ here

[@dorianlindberg1662]

I use the bullet pen(like the one on the Seinfeld ep.). It is fantastic being a cook sometimes bits of oil or watery juices from whatever I am working on sometime spill on my papers yet I can still write on them. A slightly expensive buy, but with my name engraved on it for no extra cost nobody steals my nice pen anymore :P Btw - I am not a front for fisher... I just like their product/service.

[@jobaecker9752]

Fantastic! This story kind of...um...writes itself!

[@cloroxbleach9612]

Jo Baecker I see what you did there...

[@-danR]

I see what he wrote there...

[@ssstjepannn]

*smiles* i get it

[@Brinta3]

It’s a good thing that this piece of history hasn’t been... erased.

[@coreyfellows9420]

Ok, I'm gonna give u a like...only cause it's so dumb it's funny.

[@colinmartin9797]

I'm a paramedic and swear by my fisher ag-7. It works great with big heavy gloves. I loved it so much that I asked fisher (who still makes it in the original factory on the original equipment) for one without the chrome plating since the underlying brass is antimicrobial. They said that they couldn't do that for me, but they had a prototype one in raw brass that they'd made years ago that they never went through with producing, and just gave it to me. It's the ag-11 with a little space shuttle on the clip, but otherwise the same as the original 7. So now I have a literal one of a kind space pen from fisher. Truly awesome company that makes a truly awesome product.

[@RCAvhstape]

And the winner is: Fisher! They still sell those pens today.

[@trevor7850]

Seems like very well earned success. They saw a problem, engineered a solution, and sold it to these space agencies at a reasonable price. That’s capitalism at its best.

[@toasterbathboi6298]

Helium Road yup! I bought a bullet style space pen at the Kennedy space center, complete with a nasa insignia on the cap.

[@honkhonk8009]

Seriously?????

[@BubbafromSapperton]

I got my first Space pen way back in 1969 or so, haven't had one in years but needed one for working in the rain... got one on the weekend and used it today, what a great pen!

[@catnium]

bet ya guy did not pay 6 bucks for it like Russia did tho

[@bamjo8750]

I am so sick of this myth being spread around. Thanks for this!

[@cathyherrera7886]

bamjo Still don't makeup for purchasing a $0.40 pencil for $120

[@rhamby3470]

@@cathyherrera7886 they eventually changed that. The space pen fixed the problem.

[@larsonwells2656]

Why? Who the hell are you?

[@noop9k]

This is propaganda with clear political agenda. Quite possible that a lot more than a million was spent to promote and spread it.

[@buttsufancypantsu1644]

@Bad Cattitude That's no myth, it's a fact, just like the fact that you're about as clever as an eight year old on glue

[@parthkhaladkar9017]

3 Idiots anyone? “Ye Astronosssstsss pen hai!”

[@realeyes8199]

Lol

[@randomdude9135]

@@realeyes8199 yeah, that's why I searched it

[@tousifahmed8162]

yup

[@akashdeepkumar751]

Everyone knows communism is better capitalism

[@HeadsetHatGuy]

@@kredziigaming981 go to gulag blyat

[@ricefarmer5246]

astronaut: oh hey let’s use pencils *5 minutes later* astronauts: AH MY EYES ARE FULL OF PENCIL LEAD AND ERASER BITS

[@frivolas]

Oh man, I've heard this story told so many times, from professors to consultants, to all sorts of experts. Always with the moral of simplicity and efficiency. You're absolutely right when you say that rumors are eventually turned into truths. Loved this video. Thanks for sharing it!

[@getx1265]

I have a Space pen I've used regularly for the past several years. Very cool when writing while lying on my back.

[@originalbluebuddha]

What a fantastic channel. You deserve more subs.

[@BrazilianGaucho]

Or at least a compliment written with a space pen.

[@dostthouevenlogicbrethren1739]

Got the pen. It writes amazing. Definitely works to at least -30 C. Can attest to that first hand.

[@jollyandwaylo]

I have carried a space pen in my pocket for years and it is very useful in construction work. It writes on damp paper, it never leaks, it writes upside down and I have the version that comes apart to fit in my pants pocket. Great invention.

[@phlogistanjones2722]

They make DayGlo Orange now and even a DayGlo Yellow. I got one of each for construction work and they are gems.

[@davidswift9120]

So...as always...I love your no nonsense down to earth accounts of these things. What I'd like to know however, is how long it takes you to research these seemingly trivial - but important - adjustments to public perception. Hats off to you!

[@barrysfannystore5664]

I have a space pen and it was the best $25 AUD in my life. Totally worth it.

[@RonJohn63]

Back in the day, when I first heard of this, and "Soviet pencils", the *first* thing I thought was, "Graphite sure is conductive. Floating around and getting stuck in a switch *can't* be a Good Thing."

[@slome815]

Yeah, this fear was one reason that they stopped using them. But still, pencils were used without problems by both the soviets and the US in the early days. The dust is in reality too fine to cause problems with switches. The main reason for not using pencils is just the inconvenience of it all, when points break or wear out, you have to sharpen them constantly.

[@mikester1290]

Yes, and when you sharpen them, it's not always dust sized pieces that come off.

[@ausintune9014]

RonJohn63 it has to bridge the gap so it's only a problem in computers and the pieces have to be bigger then half a mill

[@RonJohn63]

_it's only a problem in computers_ Why *only* computers?

[@naphackDT]

Well regardless of how hazardous it actually is, you would want to cut down on the dust floating around in your cabin either way.

[@MajorplayLP]

Yea thanks for 0:49, my ears are bleeding now

[@rayhoodoo847]

What?

[@TheActualDP]

Yeah why was that high pitched tone even there?

[@andrasczeto3160]

Same question.

[@AndTecks]

I thought my tumor was acting up.

[@EdilbertoAriasRolon]

many people can't heart it... must be 16.000hz+ (something like that)

[@bearlemley]

I give the Apollo 11 commemorative edition away as holiday gifts on Newton’s birthday. They have great Apollo engravings and they last a long time. I’ve used an AG7 in my cockpit for decades.

[@mellingmichael777]

Pretty cool. I recently bought two Space Pens and have a couple of more soon coming in the mail. I'm a lefty and all of the pens I've boughten would skip due to the angle of my hand, and so it's a wonderful surprise to discover these pens with their old technology actually outperform more modern and expensive ones! As an added bonus they're made here in my state, Nevada! Thanks much for posting this informative video!!:-)

[@bugwber]

Thank you for your content. There was one part of this story that I was hoping you would mention. On one of the moon missions, while the two astronauts were getting back in the LEM, while moving around with their backpacks on, one of them accidentally broke the arming switch for the rocket. They could not figure out what to do. They’re gloves were way to thick to arm the switch. So they had to come up with a different plan. Sure enough, one of them figured out that if they took the pen apart, it was just the right size to fit over the steel nub left behind. As we I know, it worked! You can read this in the small brochure that comes with the space pens. It is something that Fisher was quite proud about. I have several. Great pen. (I do not recall which Apollo mission this occurred on.)

[@stevesmith1810]

0:50-0:53 that sound is horrendous...some kind of high pitched note.

[@aspir4368]

Steve Smith awful

[@LightRealms]

Steve Smith I didn't even notice it until after reading this comment XD

[@DavidCurryFilms]

What sound ?

[@Dylan12000000000000]

Thank you for saying something lmaoooo

[@robinbhattacharya4725]

Great content and narration. Keep this up Curious Droid.

[@canyoudigit5058]

WHAT a great story teller. This channel is one of KZbin's best. Learning has never been so interesting.

[@christophergrove4876]

Ha! I never knew the true story. I actually bought a silver Fisher Space Pen back in the late 70s and then later bought the compact, capped (not clickable) pocketable version. I ALWAYS have one in my pocket! Thanks for the cool story!

[@justinsincoise6693]

Still have it?

[@christophergrove4876]

@@justinsincoise6693 The original? I wish!

[@huevos808]

Comon, what sounds cooler. A NASA space pen or a Soviet Pencil?

[@huevos808]

A soviet pencil sounds like some kind of punishment in a russian gulag

[@joelights6476]

A red rocket? Wait, that sounds like something from the nether region of a dog.

[@dzonikg]

and still NASA pays Russians to take them to space

[@Wafflepudding]

Glorious Soviet pencil is better. Disagree and go to Gulag.

[@1pcfred]

NASA pays Russians because someone has to pay Russians. If we didn't people that we didn't want to gladly would.

[@sulfo4229]

My GF bought me the Fisher when I started flying. Best pen ever. After a year or so it fell out of my pocket while I was running into the heli I was about to fly... and got run over by an unknown airplane while we were up. Eventually I found it... It was flat, but still working! And I keep using it, as it now has the coolest CV of all the other pens around. The end.

[@LordZero666]

Hahaha. I love an old myth being debunked. I learned something new today and that's extra sweet.

[@mosindesire]

Your delivery is just spot on. You know when to zing the line a bit and when its serious stuff. No bs, just the facts, really enjoy the videos.

[@joeevans84]

Nice to finally understand that one

[@Jannis-m-j]

After finishing the video, I questioned my existence, who the f*ck watches a video about spacepens at 1:41 AM

[@HypocrisyPolice69]

This guy looks and sounds like the nicest guy ever. Great informative video, keep it up :)

[@Pussilover56]

The fragments of the pencil lead are deadly in the weightlessness of the spacecraft, since flying in the cockpit, they can fly into the electrical networks of computers or power grids. The one who studied at school, understands what it means. This is a ready recipe for an accident.

[@gavinjenkins899]

Yes it is an extremely good conductor. I'm not sure why sticking it in a socket would do anything useful, though. Either it connects through your body and hurts you, or it doesn't and does nothing, since it's not completing any circuit, and pencils are not fork shapes to go in more than one socket hole at once.

[@jonathantan2469]

Graphite is a conductor. It's less conductive than copper but has the same conductivity close to nichrome... which by the way, is what the heating elements in toasters are made of. If a pencil lead breaks off & the crew doesn't catch it, it'll be floating around & could potentially short out electronic circuits. A mechanical pencil lead can short out the circuits, or become a heating element in an oxygen rich space capsule. Also, pencil leads getting in astronauts eyes aren't pleasant.

[@seraphina985]

+Jonathan Tan Not to mention ideally you don't particularly want mineral dusts in air people are going to breathe, human lungs don't take overly kindly to most solids getting stuck inside them. Sure probably would not inhale anything like enough on a 6 month mission to the ISS to cause issues but still probably best not to have astronauts inhaling the stuff when we do know full well that solid carbon dusts are well not good for lungs, just need to review the medical literature on coal miners to know that much.

[@joefagan9335]

Jonathan Tan ... eyes or lungs!

[@zero5496]

Well you can used alphabet soap, without the soap of course

[@laserfloyd]

Thanks for sharing that. You always hear that story floating around (pun intended).

[@Kohdok]

I love that little idiom about the development of the Space Pen. But then you learn the context of graphite and pencil shavings and how pencils are a much worse idea. I did not know that the Russians ordered Space Pens, too! Talk about the shoe being on the other foot in this story!

[@vaos3712]

This is freaking fantastic!! I love it! Your awesome!!

[@XavierKatzone]

I love and have carried a Fisher Space PEN (pocket version) for DECADES! Highly recommended!

[@iangeraris5202]

love your space stories!!

[@gregoryharris6834]

If you are a space/science aficionado, this is, without a doubt, one of the best channels on KZbin. I often visit older videos like this one to make sure I'm remembering things correctly or to explore space/science trivia I've not checked into before. Top notch, well-researched content. Mr. Shillito is one of the best presenters of science, space and tech that I've ever seen/heard/watched.

[@yak141freestyle2]

You know youve done something right when your boss got angry at you for "smuggling a sandwhich into space"

[@NebulaStudios1]

I've been carrying an AG-7 since the 1970s. I also made them mandatory on several government projects I worked on in the 80s and 90s. Great pen.

[@PelenTan]

Sweet. Very nicely done.

[@HenryFalkner]

I bought two of those at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in 1987. They lasted five years each. They were the only ball pens I had that did not dry out before they were used up.

[@eliott.6997]

Very interesting! =) Fantastic video!

[@coopercarter]

Couldn't love this channel more.

[@InvincibleExtremes]

I use this pen going on 10 years in the army now, always in my wallet. It kicks butt.

[@gls600]

I've heard this story and (muffled voice) retold it a few times. Thanks for setting the record straight.

[@wullymc1]

Why is what he say's fact? I could be filmed saying the exact same thing. It doesn't make it true!!!!

[@gls600]

@@wullymc1 i've watched many of his videos and have found him to be credible and interesting source of information. Make a video of your own and post the link in your reply. Then I can begin to form a judgement about your reliability.

[@wullymc1]

I think he's a great source of information too. I'm also not saying he is wrong. What I said was because someone say's it's a fact doesn't mean it is. Fact!

[@slammds15]

Interesting stories! great channel!

[@AuthenticDarren]

An excellent video, I appreciate these kinds of stories. I could have written this same comment on many a Curious Droid video too.

[@sankarabhilash1]

Can't use pencil in space , bad idea , shrapnel will float and can enter nose or eye and could have caused damage to instuments

[@musewolfman]

I found that the refills for the space pen fit the pen a friend of mine made me, cost $2 less than the ones it came with, and actually write on receipt paper. I love them.

[@aformerogr]

Who would smuggle a corn beef sandwich into space?. I guess astronaut food is not good at all lol.

[@enticingFicus]

Andres Romero -They were still just cocky test pilots who probably enjoyed giving the anxiety-ridden higher-ups grief as much as a little brother likes annoying his sister. Taking people used to high-stakes scenarios (ie. testing a plane, combat, etc) and putting them in a box to push buttons and follow instructions (instead of use their talent) is a recipe for pranks just to watch someone blow a gasket. From that perspective it’s really hilarious.

[@johnny_eth]

Try eating dehydrated spinach for a coupe days.

[@robertbeach6727]

How about a golf club and golf balls to the moon.

[@lavellweathersby985]

Robert Beach for the longest golf drive in the galaxy... universe.

[@ericjamieson]

+Lavell Weathersby That's another myth. It's really hard to swing a golf club in a space suit (he had to do it one-handed) so it didn't actually go very far.

[@emmedigi89]

Talking about crumbs, there is another funny story involving modern day astronauts. Some time ago, and if memory serves me correctly, a new module was attached to the ISS and, to celebrate, the astronauts of the STS mission that brought that into space, had with them some delis from their homelands including some parmigiano from Italy. That was so crumby, that crumbs had stick all over the module and it had to be brought back to Earth for cleaning.

[@robertlight5227]

And that Fisher pen saved two lives on Apollo 11. Neil inadvertently turned in his space suit when coming back inside the LEM and damaged a launch toggle switch for the ascent stage rocket. Buzz would later use the Fisher pen at the precise launch moment to jam it into the damaged toggle, lever it over, so they could take off. True story.

[@jerrywh3]

Robert Light sorry your true story is wrong. It's clearly stated in mission transcripts and Buzz's own writing it was a felt tip pen. The Fisher pen was metal and could conduct electricity arcing out the wires in the switch. The felt tip was a plastic case.

[@alisonfisher1877]

jerrywh3 Actually the Fisher Pen was used to enable take off, ultimately allowing the astronauts to return home safely. Unfortunately the reason Buzz later claimed he used a felt pen (which would not write in zero g) is because he was disgruntled after seeking payment from Fisher for using his image in the space suit on some of their packaging and advertising materials, which the company refused to give because those pictures were/are considered public images. Without knowing the history, no one would even be able to tell it was Buzz. The amount he was asking for was, although I don’t know the exact amount, pretty high almost to the point of being considered ridiculous. Buzz did have his own struggles with alcoholism which may possibly have motivated him to seek out the money well after the historical event took place.

[@Capellix0001]

No matter how many times I rewatch, the video keeps getting better

[@N0Xa880iUL]

"3 Idiots" movie fans will get the reference as well.

[@parthkhaladkar9017]

"THIS is for winners, NAAT loosers"

[@Subhash_bhatt]

Salo ne logo ko chutiya banaya

[@moviepassion7995]

Such a well rounded explaination video. Props

[@danceswithcritters]

wonder if etch-a-sketch works in zero gravity?

[@zemzem8323]

danceswithcritters if it doesn't work they will make it work- filming magic

[@Useaname]

Or a spirofoil

[@amphibiousone7972]

You do a ton of research. This was a good one. Thanks.

[@OwenRhodri]

3:04 Someone smuggled a bra onboard? Were they missing their partners and some hapless crew member had to dress up and 'take one for the team'.

[@HankenORIGINAL]

Actually it's a well known fact that NASA cofunded the first space missions by selling shemale porn shot in space.

[@saltysoysauce954]

@@HankenORIGINAL Lmfao

[@anishnehete]

Lol

[@jimmym3352]

LOL, I want to learn about the story behind that one. On second thought, maybe I don't want to know. Don't ask don't tell.

[@gregcushing1716]

Someone's brown eye turned blue

[@philwaters9751]

Superbly told, with just the right pinch of irony added with superior timing. An old story made magical once more. Thanks Mr Droid. .. xxx ;-)

[@metalsmyth6945]

Anybody else think about the Seinfeld episode with the space pen? Lmao!

[@nguyendailam6703]

Take the pen!

[@jsfbr]

Wow! Such a beautiful story! Thanks a lot!

[@ScienceChap]

I love seeing historic "truths" debunked like this... Brilliant!

[@rochditidjani]

Interesting video.Thank you for clearing this enigma.

[@viniciusnoyoutube]

The best video about this myth.

[@Jibriltz]

I had a quick look - those Fisher Space pens now cost around $60. I can't say I'm not tempted but it's not worth owning something that expensive but so small that it's easier to lose than it is to buy.

[@zefrinalabdacida295]

Well I paid 25 Euros for my Fisher Space pen!

[@liucyrus22]

Inflation?!

[@JohnWilliamNowak]

Fisher makes a lot of different models - offhand, you can spend anywhere from $10 to $80 for one.

[@johnny_eth]

You should have bought 400 to get a bulk discount

[@robertbeach6727]

Back in the 60s I bought 2 of these l pens as gifts at $10 each. They're nice pens.

[@patpat0015]

I buy 2 space pen for 20$ each.I lost both of them :( Put really pratical during winter

[@gearheadgaming1537]

You are so great man never stop making videos you present with an exquisite vigor

[@Daniel.Liddicoat]

I love it when someone smashes a stupid urban myth into the ground

[@BertGrink]

I always feel calm and relaxed when i listen to Curious Droid's voice - plus his topics are always very interesting. Thanks for the good work, CD!

[@davidmalagon9757]

am I tripping or is there a dog whistle in the background?

[@katfranks1815]

David Malagon I hear it too! Not just on this video either. Wth

[@MyPaulo1988]

Yet another brilliant video Paul ☺ keep up the good work

[@chrisdjernaes9658]

Love These Stories .... American Entrepreneurism Wins Again !!!

[@joeelias2515]

Chris Djernaes pretty Yeah! Americans can actually achieve anything as long as they really and I mean REALLY, REALLY set their minds at it.No contest. God bless the U.S.of A

[@exponvaldese]

I really enjoyed this video, thanks for providing it.

[@magnetiktrax]

Space Myth Busters :-)

[@orangelion03]

This segment alone is enough reason to subscribe! Thank you for the real story. I had one of those Fisher pens in college in the 70s...might still be around in some box somewhere =)

[@VeritechGirl]

SEINFELD!!!

[@kohZeei]

IKR

[@nealboortzman9256]

Veritech Girl Here, Take the pen! Take the pen! I want you to have it! TAKE THE PEN!

[@VeritechGirl]

Neal Boortzman OMG Jerry! Why did you take his pen?!😡 He really loved that pen!

[@Rickshaw881]

"Soo,,,, how's the new pen?"

[@darthrupture9303]

Veritech Girl Alright! Alright! I'll give him back the pen! Geez! I didn't really want it anyways!

[@jerobriggs6861]

Very nice video. I've been watching a lot of them lately, and I love them. Thanks for the informative and interesting video.

[@doughnutsandcoffee8622]

Soviets: "Clearly pens don't work in space-" *AMERICA* : *CAN WE FIX THIS* ?

[@DandamanV]

I'm a recent subscriber, I'm hooked because your narratives are so well presented! Amazing channel!

[@jacksbob8746]

i bet those non flat earthers are losing there minds now. peace. haha #notaflatearth

[@draven4464]

@@henningfilms I think this dude just can't write a sentence

[@hamadalhussain1286]

Great informative video. Thanks! Magical background music too.

[@cindercinnamon2204]

Hey you. Yeah you there scrolling the comments. I know you're procrastinating!

[@herbderbler1585]

I'll procrastinate tomorrow. Right now I'm diligently clearing out my "watch later" list. This is an important online housekeeping procedure that any responsible individual must periodically undertake.

[@irumicu]

Shut up!

[@donrobertson4940]

I was procrastinating. Now I'm losing all hope for humanity, and fighting back the tears. Never read the comments

[@kingslushie1018]

Oh shoot you caught me

[@moldoveanu8]

Damn it, caught me

[@MayaWu44]

Sometimes materials about small things are more interresting, that those about large. Black holes, gravitational waves, new ultra materials... and I've just discovered how pens are important for astronauts. That was cool. Thanks.

[@garrysekelli6776]

Does this guy remind anyone else of the evil emperor palpetine from star wars?

[@Jarris2]

So informative, without the fluff. Thank you from a new subscriber!

[@Jarris2]

Chinese whispers?

[@cyberpleb2472]

A game traditionally played by children sitting in a large circle. The first child whispers a sentence or short story to the child next to them, who relays the story to the next child, etc. After the story has gone around the room and returned to the first child it has generally changed considerably.

[@willpattle1281]

Telephone

[@cyberpleb2472]

+Will. Yup.

[@davidogan]

Another excellent episode as usual! Thank you. I’m so impressed by your channel.

[@harrylaflare846]

Soviets are smart in a funny way lmao

[@bremCZ]

Jeff the Savage In that they bought the US pens?

[@ТатаринКазанский-ш5м]

@@bremCZ in that they were the first in space.

[@bremCZ]

@@ТатаринКазанский-ш5м That they were. I live on a street named after Garagarin.

[@bugatti9218]

Definitely one of the more interesting subjects you've described, Well done

[@braalkmath]

Varys... you go back to Westeros now

[@steve_seguin]

After owning a space pen (classic bullet model), all I can say is that it sucks for day to day applications. It's like trying to write with old crude oil using a ballpoint pen that has a broken ball. Sure, it works in a variety of applications, like under water, but the pen itself is also surprisingly uncomfortable. A cheap Bic gel pen is worlds more pleasurable.

[@kjenriquez16]

BALL point pen? It's actually a FLAT point pen

[@rbrtck]

+kjenriquez16 What? If you're talking about the Fisher space pen, I own one and it's definitely a ballpoint pen.

[@cyberpleb2472]

I've had a few over the last few decades and they have all been ball points.

[@Preuen-zs1fz]

kjenriquez16 😂

[@Preuen-zs1fz]

rbrtck flat earth jokes

[@Preuen-zs1fz]

Cyber Pleb flat earth jokes

[@familynichols1746]

Love your videos so much. Thank you!

[@nathanx.675]

A million dollar for a pen? This is almost as bad as Obamacare.

[@PanchosView]

Great video. Very well explained!

[@SAHBfan]

I find it difficult to believe that the Russians actually bought Fisher pens, though, instead of stealing the plans and making their own that looked nearly the same but didn't work as well...

[@md-lc8gq]

Because sending agents, stealing plans and setting up a production line for a cheap product of which only a few hundred pieces are going to be produced is kinda inefficient maybe?

[@wetlettuce4768]

Well considering Fisher sold them the pens for $6 each there was absolutely no need for them to make their own version it was cheaper and better to just buy the product that already exists.

[@Joris13T]

SAHBfan I also find it difficult to believe that people are giving such idiot comments... Yes, let us use our 'spies' to steal the plans and then built a factory/production unit for building 1000 pens. Would be very smart and a good use of their resources.... NOT

[@dougmc666]

The story here is that Americans are somehow superior to Russians to the degree that the only way the Russian government could develop a pen is by stealing the plans from a little company in the US. Many Americans believe they are somehow special and can point that out by insulting other nationalities.

[@Joris13T]

Doug Mcdonelll Oh my God, You see everywhere conspiracies ... The video is about a an urban legend, most likely created by people like you who want to insult Americans. Look how stupid they are....

[@raulrrojas]

Very good story and video, as allways. Thank you for clarifying the mith.