[RobRoy]

And americans invented that cool pressurized pen for zero gravity while the Russians invented the pencil. Both do the job, but one is a heck of a lot cheaper, except for those danged shavings.

[opentalk]

from link

--Space Pens
The Fisher Space Pen was developed for use in space. Most pens depend on gravity to make the ink flow into the ball point. For this space pen, the ink cartridge contains pressured gas to push the ink toward the ball point. That means, you can lie in bed and write upside down with this pen! Also, it uses a special ink that works in very hot and very cold environments. --

There are many great inventions, May be the reason Obama is dialing down the program and investing in a Muslim technology fund.

[Gaffer]

Space exploration and it's accompanying industry and government control and oversight once served a valuable function. However, it lost most of its realistic value when it became overrun by bureaucrats and politicians and a culture of 'no loss - maximum safety'. In actuality, space exploration is a dangerous business for daring men and women willing to RISK their lives for the adventure (and glory sometimes).

NASA today is nothing more than a political jobs ping-pong ball bounced back and forth for political points, a bureaucratic jobs machine that serves self-interested employees and industry, and a complete structure that stifles explorative spirit. [I won't get into their bullshit climate politicks]

Give space back to people that deserve it.