Original URL: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/05/24/atlantis_snap/
Atlantis spacewalkers snapped through shuttle windows
Fetching photo reveals classified US space writing tech
Posted in Science, 24th May 2010 14:49 GMT
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Pic NASA has released [1] a fine snap of astronauts Michael Good (left) and Garrett Reisman, caught on camera through the aft flight deck windows of space shuttle Atlantis during last Friday's third STS-132 [2] mission spacewalk at the International Space Station:
However, the sharp-eyed among you will note that the agency has inadvertently revealed a highly-classified piece of US space kit - what appears to be the very cutting edge of orbital mechanical pencil* technology:
Doubtless this amazing writing implement cost American taxpayers $7bn and took ten years to develop before someone realised they'd have to bodge some Velcro on it with a bit of tape to stop it floating off and blocking the toilet. ®
Bootnote
* Could be a pen, possibly, but we reckon that's a rubber (oh, ok, eraser) on the end. As ever, expert comment on the matter is warmly invited.
