On July 16, 1969, the United States launched Apollo 11 toward the moon with the goal of landing two astronaut explorers on the lunar surface four days later.  This successful mission accomplished mankind’s dream of walking on another celestial body.

50 years on, inspired by this mission, in a licensed collaboration with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), luxury goods company Montegrappa, has reproduced the iconic Saturn V rocket, interpreted as a writing instrument made in a three-dimensional effect of the rocket body’s First, Second and Third “stages”.

Montegrappa has issued a limited edition of 53 pens in solid 18k gold and titanium commemorating the 50^th anniversary of this historic event, and 473 pens in resin and sterling silver.  The Moon Landing Collection arrives in a magnificent enclosure in the form of an Apollo 11 capsule in a special collector’s display case.

As well as being the Year of Tolerance, 2019 also will mark the year of the first UAE National in space, a project managed and executed by Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). In September later this year, UAE Astronaut Hazzaa Al Mansouri, along with the mission’s main crew Roscosmos commander Oleg Skripochka, and American astronaut, Jessica Meir will be launched into space aboard a Soyuz MS 15 spacecraft.

With this mission, and its quest for knowledge and learning, MBRSC is taking a leap into the future, whilst writing a new chapter in history of the UAE.

Montegrappa is marking this significant event in the history of the UAE by creating a one-of-a-kind fountain pen dedicated to MBRSC. The design of the pen is based on the Moonlanding Limited Edition inspired by the ‘Saturn V’, however this unique piece features a UAE flag, the letters ‘UAE’ on the barrel, and the logo of MBRSC on the cap. The nib is adorned with a portrait of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose vision of the future of the UAE has made this possible.   This bespoke pen has been designed by Montegrappa’s talented craftsman and will be presented to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre ahead of their Soyuz MS 15 spacecraft mission in September 2019.

“The leadership of the visionary leaders of the UAE has helped Montegrappa thrive in this region and we have always shown our gratitude in the form of special editions of writing instruments themed around various elements of this country. In 2017 we launched the ‘Ishy Bilady’ collection celebrating the country’s National Anthem, and last year we launched the ‘Year of Zayed’ pen celebrating the founding father’s life, work and vision of prosperity, tolerance and peace. With this special pen made for MBRSC, we at Montegrappa celebrate the UAE’s first step into space and a leap into the future” said Charles Nahhas, Montegrappa’s Middle East Distributor.

Speaking of this gesture from Montegrappa, Salem AL Marri Assistant DG at MBRSC said: “We are delighted to receive this special memento from Montegrappa which reminds us that everything we are able to achieve comes from the vision of our great leaders to create a country in which we value education, scientific exploration and push the limits of human progress. Mankind’s ability to reason, to write and pass our learnings and values through generations is at the core of this philosophy. In the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ‘The pen and knowledge are mightier than all other powers’.”  

This unique pen is not for sale, but will be on display at the Montegrappa boutique in the UAE throughout the month of July 2019, following which it will be presented to Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre for display to commemorate this special event.