A Scientist with a Passion for Engineering
Lonnie G. Johnson, born in 1949, was an Air Force engineer and NASA scientist who worked on the Galileo mission to Jupiter and the Stealth Bomber project. He had a lifelong interest in inventing and often worked on projects in his spare time.
A Water Gun Created by Mistake
In 1982, while working on a heat pump system, Johnson was testing a high-pressure nozzle when it unexpectedly shot a strong stream of water across his bathroom. This inspired the idea for a powerful water gun.
The Super Soaker Hits the Market
Johnson spent years refining his design before licensing it to Larami Corporation. Released in 1990, the Super Soaker 50 became an instant hit, selling millions of units in its first years.
A Successful Inventor
After the Super Soaker’s success, Johnson continued inventing, working on advanced energy technology and securing over 100 patents. His unexpected discovery turned into one of the best-selling toys of all time.
Lonnie G. Johnson, an engineer and NASA scientist, worked on major projects like the Galileo mission to Jupiter. But an accidental experiment in his bathroom led him to create one of the most popular toys of all time. His unexpected discovery would change summer fun forever.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/yjaNhf56dS
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) March 18, 2025