The teleprinter was based on the military's AN/UGC-74, heavily modified to receive data over the Shuttle's audio system. It's more like a line printer than a Teletype, using a spinning drum and a row of hammers to print each line. 2/13

The teleprinter is absurdly heavy (~60 pounds) considering that every pound launched on the Shuttle cost $30,000. Moreover, it will overheat if left on for more than 20 to 30 minutes. I find it hard to imagine this was the best printer option available. 3/13