NASA spent millions developing a space pen while Soviets used pencils
the verdict
REFUTED
the evidence says no
confidence 0/100
The claim is an urban legend. NASA did not spend millions developing a space pen; the Fisher Space Pen was independently developed using private funds, and both American and Soviet space programs initially used pencils.
Evidence against · 7
Snopes: NASA's 'Astronaut Pen'
cited by 0
Fact-checker ruling: False
See more details
More against · 6
PolitiFact: No, NASA did not spend over $165 million on a space pen while ...
cited by 0
Fact-checker ruling: False
Wikipedia: Space Pen
cited by 0
Reference article covering this claim directly
reuters.com: Fact Check: NASA did not spend billions on space pens while Russia used pencils
cited by 0
Fact-checker ruling: reviewed
nasa.gov: Space Pens, Pencils, and How NASA Takes Notes in Space - NASA
cited by 0
Identifies the claim as a myth and states NASA did not spend millions to invent it.
airandspace.si.edu: The Saga of Writing in Space | National Air and Space Museum
cited by 0
Confirms the story is false as both nations initially used pencils.
politifact.com: PolitiFact | No, NASA did not spend over $165 million on a space pen while Russians used pencils