In 1982, Lonnie Johnson, an engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, was working on improving a heat pump designed to use water instead of Freon, aiming for a more environmentally friendly solution. During one of his experiments at home, a sudden burst of water unexpectedly shot across the room, catching his attention.
Rather than viewing the incident as a setback, Johnson saw potential in the powerful jet of water that had erupted. He remarked to himself, “That would make a great squirt gun,” sparking the idea that would lead to one of the most successful toys in history.
How was the Super Soaker invented?
Johnson began developing his concept, crafting an initial prototype from readily available materials in his workshop. Using PVC pipe, Plexiglas, and a two-liter soda bottle as a water reservoir, he assembled a device that, while rudimentary in appearance, demonstrated impressive firepower.
Though the prototype was far from polished, it clearly showcased a new approach to water guns—one that would soon revolutionize the toy industry. Johnson’s accidental discovery, born from a quest for eco-friendly technology, ultimately transformed into the iconic Super Soaker, a product beloved by millions worldwide.