Hacker News Reader

The Russians used a simple, standard ballpoint pen, so the story is not true

The Russians eventually ended up using the same pen that NASA did. It pen was developed by a private company and sold to both of them at $2.39/ea.

Hmmm. What about the pencil shavings? Makes me wonder if the story is true.

Aerosolised conductive dust (carbon) is not something you want on a spaceship

Yeah I thought so but like most legends contains a kernel of truth and is certainly worth remembering for the lesson. Reminds me of the midwit meme https://www.ycombinator.com/library/IW-dalton-michael-elon-m...