Space Exploration

Space Exploration merit badge requirements

1. Tell the purpose of space exploration and include the following:

   a. Historical reasons

   b. Immediate goals in terms of specific knowledge

   c. Benefits related to Earth resources, technology, and new products.

   d. International relations and cooperation

2. Design a collector's card, with a picture on the front and information on the back, about your favorite space pioneer. Share your card and discuss four other space pioneers with your counselor.
3. Build, launch, and recover a model rocket.* Make a second launch to accomplish a specific objective. (Rocket must be built to meet the safety code of the National Association of Rocketry. See the "Model Rocketry" chapter of the Space Exploration merit badge pamphlet.) Identify and explain the following rocket parts:

   a. Body tube

   b. Engine mount

   c. Fins

   d. Igniter

   e. Launch lug

   f. Nose cone

   g. Payload

   h. Recovery system

   i. Rocket engine

4. Discuss and demonstrate each of the following:

   a. The law of action-reaction.

   b. How rocket engines work

   c. How satellites stay in orbit

   d. How satellite pictures of Earth and pictures of other planets are made and transmitted.

5. Do TWO of the following:

   a. Discuss with your counselor a robotic space exploration mission and a historic crewed mission. Tell about each mission's major discoveries, its importance, and what was learned from it about the planets, moons, or regions of space explored.

   b. Using magazine photographs, news clippings, and electronic articles (such as from the Internet), make a scrapbook about a current planetary mission.

   c. Design a robotic mission to another planet or moon that will return samples of its surface to Earth. Name the planet or moon your spacecraft will visit. Show how your design will cope with the conditions of the planet's or moon's environment.

6. Describe the purpose and operation of ONE of the following:

   a. Space shuttle or any other crewed orbital vehicle, whether government owned (U.S. or foreign) or commercial

   b. International Space Station

7. Design an inhabited base located within our solar system, such as Titan, asteroids, or other locations that humans might want to explore in person. Make drawings or a model of your base. In your design, consider and plan for the following:

   a. Source of energy

   b. How it will be constructed

   c. Life-support system

   d. Purpose and function

8. Discuss with your counselor two possible careers in space exploration that interest you. Find out the qualifications, education, and preparation required and discuss the major responsibilities of those positions.

1. * If local laws prohibit the launching of model rockets, do the following activity: Make a model of a NASA rocket. Explain the functions of the parts. Give the history of the rocket.

The official source for the information shown in this article or section is: Boy Scout Requirements, 2014 Edition (BSA Supply No. 33216 - SKU# 619576)

A FREE workbook for Space Exploration is available here! with the maps, charts, links, diagrams, and checklists you need! Or click here to print just the Space Exploration requirements.

meritbadge.org has PDF and DOC versions of Boy Scout merit badge workbooks, Webelos workbooks, and Cub Scout workbooks.

• Per the BSA: "You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject." Pamphlets (books) are at local Scout Shops and online at ScoutStuff.org.
• "Get a signed Merit Badge application from your Scoutmaster." An online, printable Word doc file version is available.

• Boy Scout Merit Badges: Animal Science - Archaeology - Astronomy - Architecture - Chemistry - Composite Materials - Digital Technology - Electricity - Electronics - Energy - Environmental Science - Geology - Nuclear Science - Radio - Space Exploration - Weather
• Webelos Activity Badge: Engineer - Geologist - Scientist
• Cub Scout Belt Loops & Pins: Astronomy - Geography - Geology - Science - Weather

• An Introduction to Merit Badges – how to get started, who chooses the counselor, etc.
• Merit Badge Worksheets & Requirements – with the revision dates, diagrams, charts, checklists, logs, and links you need.
• Merit Badge Application – offers online resources to let you print "Blue Cards," etc.
• Merit Badge FAQ – answers dozens of questions like: Who can be a counselor? Can requirements be added or removed?
• Merit Badges Requiring Prior Approval – Certain requirements need prior approval. Most do not. Here is the list.
• Also see: List of how many boys have earned each Merit Badge – Merit Badge policies – Merit badges required for the Eagle Scout rank – Merit Badge Days
• Additionally: List of Merit Badges by Field of Study – Merit Badge Pamphlets & Libraries
• Merit Badge Counselors must complete Youth Protection Training, file an Adult Application (and Merit Badge Counselor Information Form); and be approved by the local council. (See the Guide for Merit Badge Counselors for additional details.)