 Space Exploration
This Merit Badge requires 2 sessions to complete.
The Pathways to Eagle preparation work items for the Space Exploration merit badge are: 2, 3, 5b, 5c, 7
- Items in RED - MUST be completed before the session starts to make it possible to complete the merit badge at Pathways to Eagle. Bring proof of completion (item, written work, note, photo, etc.)
- Items in GREEN - Can be completed before the session starts or done during merit badge session.
- Items in BLACK - MUST be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of these requirements during the merit badge session.
Scouts are strongly encouraged to use a Merit Badge worksheet to show that they have done the preparation work for the merit badge.
Download the workbook for the
Space Exploration Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from the U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
Scouts MUST be able to discuss any items completed as preparation works or as written work.
Note: Some requirements contain items that fall into more that one category and are listed as the higher category.
1. |
Tell the purpose of space exploration including
the following: |
| 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.)
Identify and explain the following rocket parts.
*If local laws prohibit launching 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. |
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,
moon, comet, or asteroid that will return
samples of its surface to Earth. Name the
planet, moon, comet, or asteroid your spacecraft
will visit. Show how your design will cope with
the conditions of the environments of the
planet, moon, comet, or asteroid. |
6. |
Describe the purpose, operation, and components 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: |
| b. |
How it will be constructed |
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. |
|
The requirements listed on this web site are believed to be correct.
The official requirements can be found in the current edition of
"Boy Scout Requirements Book 2026"
Download the workbook for the
Space Exploration Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from, The U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
|
