Space Exploration Merit Badge

Step into the future by exploring the vast realm of outer space through the Space Exploration merit badge. This merit badge aims to foster a passion for space and its unending mysteries among young minds.

As we navigate through this article, we will introduce you to the amazing people who work tirelessly behind the scenes, from scientists and engineers to educators and entrepreneurs, all striving to advance human existence beyond the confines of our blue planet.

In a world where transporting people and cargo into space cost-effectively becomes a reality, imagine the possibility of establishing communities on moon bases or even Mars. Picture harnessing solar power from satellites to provide clean and dependable electricity for everyone on Earth, and mining the moon and asteroids for rare, valuable materials.

Earth, while abundant, has its limitations, and the ever-growing demands of our population strain these resources. Envision a future where we can spread humanity amongst the stars a truly awe-inspiring dream.

The journey through the Space Exploration merit badge will not only educate but also inspire you. Who knows, once you’ve earned this badge, perhaps you’ll be the one to make a discovery or contribute in a way that brings us one step closer to the stars.

Space Exploration Merit Badge Requirements

Model Rocketry

Model rocketry is a great way to learn about space exploration The rocket you build won’t reach space, but the science and technology that goes into your rocket is the same as NASA uses in launching giant rockets

Model rockets are made of paper, balsa wood, plastic, glue, and paint. You build them with simple tools such as a modeling knife, sandpaper, scissors, rulers, and paintbrushes.

Model rockets are powered by solid propellant rocket engines. Depending on the size and design of the rocket and the power of the engine, model rockets may fly only 50 feet high or up to a half-mile in altitude.

You can purchase model rocket kits and engines online, through mail-order catalogs, and in toy and hobby shops.

If you can borrow a rocket launcher, you can buy everything you need to complete requirement 3 for less than $15. If you buy or build your own launcher, the total cost for this requirement could be about $35 to $40.

1. Building Your Rocket

If you have never built a model rocket before, it is best to start with a simple kit. The kit will consist of a body tube, nose cone, fins, engine mount, and parachute or some other recovery system that will gently lower your rocket to the ground at the end of its flight.

Engines must be purchased separately from the rocket Be sure to buy the recommended engines for your kit. If you use engines that are too powerful, you may lose your rocket on its first flight.

Unless your rocket kit comes with preformed plastic fins, you will need to cut fins from sheets of balsa wood included in the kit. The instructions will tell you to sand the leading and trailing edges of the fins to look like the edge of a knife.

Do a good job on this step, because sharp edges on the fins help the rocket slice cleanly through the air as it flies upward. Blunt fin edges cause turbulence (rough air) that robs your rocket of altitude.

Also, do a good job painting the fins, and sanding and painting the nose cone if it, too. is made of balsa wood. Very smooth surfaces reduce friction with the air.

2. Stability-Checking Your Rocket

Check every rocket for stability before flying it. Stability checks before launch assure you that your rocket will fly properly. Unstable rockets tumble in the air and may head back toward the launchpad at high speed.

Stability checks are simple and require only a long piece of string, a piece of tape, and a few minutes of your time. To check a new model rocket, prepare the rocket for flight and insert a live engine.

Tie a slipknot around the body of the rocket and slide it to the point where the rocket is perfectly balanced on the string. Hold the string in one hand over your head, and begin to twirl your rocket as though you were spinning a lariat.

As the rocket picks up speed, gradually play out the string until the rocket is about 6 to 8 feet away. If you are not tall, you may want to stand on a chair at this point.

If your rocket is stable, it will travel around you without tumbling. The nose cone will point into the air and the tail end will follow. If the tail end goes first or if the rocket tumbles, your rocket may be dangerous to fly.

You can correct this situation by putting on larger fins or adding weight to the rocket’s nose with a lump of clay.

3. Launching Your Rocket

When your rocket is ready for its first flight, you must choose a proper launching site.

Your launching site should be a large field that is free of power and telephone lines, trees, buildings, or any other structures that might snag a returning rocket. Choose a field away from airports.

You will need a launch pad. Perhaps you can borrow a launchpad from a local model-rocket club, or join the members on a day when they are launching rockets. If not, you can either buy a launch pad kit or build your own.

A simple launchpad can be built from a block of wood, a blast deflector made from a flattened metal can, and a straight rod. Rods made specifically for rocket launchers are the best and most inexpensive. Buy one where you get your rocket supplies.

Your launch system should be electric. It must have a switch that closes only when you press it and then opens again automatically. It also should have a master switch, or you should be able to disconnect the batteries while you se: up your next flight.

The wires from your batteries (about 6 volts) should extend about 15 feet to small “alligator” clips at the ends. These clips will be attached to the wires of the igniter. Never use fuses or matches to ignite your rocket.

Some kits may come with payload sections for carrying raw eggs or insects. Never send up animals other than insects in your rockets.

An insect’s strong outer skeleton protects it from launch stresses, but mammals and other animals with backbones will feel much discomfort and possibly die from the experience.

Also Read: Exploration Merit Badge

4. Accomplishing a Launch Objective

After you have made your first launch, make a second launch with a specific objective in mind. You might try to spot-land the rocket within a 50-foot circle. That isn’t as easy as it sounds. You must make allowances for wind drift and aim your rocket accordingly.

Another objective might be to carry a payload aloft and recover it safely. Several rocket kits come with payload sections for carrying raw eggs or insects,

Still, another objective would be to launch a small camera on your rocket to take a picture of the launch site from a high altitude. Specially designed cameras are available for model rockets.

Rocket Parts

The body tube is the barrel of the rocket. It holds the engine, the recovery device, and the payload. The rocket’s fins and launch lug are mounted to the body tube.

The engine mount is a small tube that is glued to the inside of the body tube. The engine mount provides a sturdy place for inserting the rocket engine, Rocket fins are the main stability device of the rocket.

Their function is similar to that of feathers on an arrow. Igniters are small wires that are inserted into the nozzle of a rocket engine. When electricity is passed through the wire, the wire heats, and chemicals coating the wire ignite.

This, in turn, ignites the rocket engine. The igniter wires are blasted out the nozzle when the engine propellants start burning.

Before fins can stabilize a rocket, the rocket must be moving through the air. The launch lug is a small drawer mounted to the side of the body tube.

The lug slides over the rod on the launchpad, and the rod stabilizes the rocket until the fins are able to take over (which happens in a fraction cí a second).

The nose cone is fitted at the upper end of the rocket. Its purpose is to divide the air smoothly so the rocket can travel through the air with little turbulence. Nose cones are usually tapered to a point.

Payloads that can be carried on model-rocket flights include small cameras, radio transmitters, and raw eggs.

Payloads carried on space rockets include satellites, spacecraft bound for other planets, scientific experiments, and astronauts. Model rockets can be recovered in many ways.

Recovery systems may be parachutes that are stored inside the body tube and ejected automatically by the rocket engine near the time the rocket reaches its maximum altitude. Streamers also are used for recovery.

They slow the rocket as it falls back. Other recovery systems are helicopter-type rotors or wings for gliding landings.

The rocket engine is the power plant of your model rocket. An engine consists of a cylinder, called the casing, that holds the solid propellant.

The upper end of the casing usually has a plug and the lower end has a nozzle. The nozzle is a small opening through which the burning gases escape.

The nozzle makes the gases travel at high speeds when they exit. much the same way the nozzle on a garden hose makes water squirt farther where the hole is smaller. Inside the engine are the solid propellants. The propellants have oxygen built into their chemistry.

This enables them to burn even in outer space, where there is no outside oxygen. (Rocket engines are different from jet engines. Jet engines must take in air from the atmosphere to burn their fuel.)

Also Read: Aviation Merit Badge

Careers in Space Exploration

A career in space exploration makes you think of being an astronaut. Since 64 percent of the present and former astronauts were Boy Scouts, you have a good head start.

But astronautics is only one occupation among the many that will be needed to explore and settle our solar system and beyond.

Many positions at NASA, at educational facilities, and in private businesses involve space exploration and research.

To prepare for a space career, you must study math and science. Take all the high-school math you can-algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. Also take biology, chemistry, physics, and computer science.

You must be able to write and speak clearly. Being bilingual and having good people skills are vital in this age of the International Space Station.

Study English and at least one foreign language. You will also need social studies including history, geography, international studies, art, drama, and music. All of these will widen your world and make you a

better communicator. To get into college, you will need good grades and high scores on standardized exams such as the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or ACT (American College Test).

In college, choose a technical or science major-physics, chemistry, biology, or geology. mathematics, engineering, computer science, or pre-medicine. Round out your education with Humanities courses such as Languages, history, economics, art, and public speaking.

1. Aerospace Operation Technicians

Aerospace engineering and operations technicians work with systems used to test, launch, or track aircraft and space vehicles.

Like all engineering technicians, those who specialize in aerospace apply science, math, and engineering principles to solve technical problems.

They may assist engineers and scientists with research, by building or setting up equipment, preparing and conducting experiments, collecting data, and calculating the results.

Engineering technicians need creativity to help with design work, often using computer-aided design (CAD) software or making prototypes of newly designed equipment.

They must be able to work with their hands to build and repair small, detailed items without making errors.

Most positions for engineering technicians require at least a two-year associate degree in engineering technology.

Training is available at technical institutes, community colleges, and Vocational-technical schools, and in the Armed Forces. Engineering technicians often work as part of a team of engineers and other specialists.

2. Aerospace Engineers

Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. They develop new technologies for space exploration, often specializing in areas such as structural design, propulsion systems, navigation and control, instrumentation, and communications.

Aerospace engineers who work with spacecraft are also called astronautical engineers.

A bachelor’s degree in engineering is required for almost all entry-level engineering positions. Most engineers earn their degrees in electrical, electronics, mechanical, or civil engineering. Many aerospace engineers are trained in mechanical engineering.

Engineering students typically spend their first two years of college studying math, basic sciences, introductory engineering, humanities, and social sciences. Courses in their last two years are mostly in engineering, usually concentrating on one branch.

The last two years of an aerospace program might include courses in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, applied aerodynamics, flight vehicle design, trajectory dynamics, and aerospace propulsion systems.

3. Research associates

Research associates may take part in experiments or help analyze data for research projects such as mapping the planets and their moons.

This work generally requires a master’s degree, which takes two to three years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree.

4. Space scientists

Space scientists must have at least a Ph.D. degree, which usually takes four to six years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree.

Scientists work with existing projects and are also expected to use their creativity to develop future missions. Space scientists need a broad base of knowledge.

A scientist whose major field is chemistry, for instance, also needs a good grounding in physics, mathematics, and engineering.

In the future, space-related careers will be varied and indescribable in today’s terms. Some occupations could take you into space; others could help someone else get there.

We stand on the shore of a great sea and can only imagine what lies beyond the horizon. Perhaps your career will allow you to find out!

The Answer for Requirement Number 1

Space exploration is a multifaceted discipline with numerous objectives, benefits, and implications. Here are some of the main reasons for exploring space:

a. Historical Reasons

Historically, space exploration was driven by curiosity and the desire for discovery and exploration. As humans, we’re inherently driven to understand our surroundings. This curiosity was a key driving factor in the first stages of space exploration. It was also deeply tied to geopolitical rivalries, especially during the Cold War era when the U.S. and Soviet Union raced to demonstrate technological superiority.

b. Immediate Goals in Terms of Specific Knowledge

Immediate goals of space exploration often revolve around scientific discovery and knowledge enhancement. Current priorities include:

• Understanding the universe: Scientists aim to understand the origins and structure of the universe, the nature of stars and galaxies, and the laws of physics at extreme conditions.
• Searching for life: One of the most tantalizing prospects is the search for life on other planets, with Mars and the moons of Jupiter and Saturn being prime targets.
• Understanding Earth: Space exploration also helps us understand Earth better by providing a global perspective on climate and weather patterns, geological processes, and other phenomena.

c. Benefits Related to Earth Resources, Technology, and New Products

Space exploration has led to numerous technological advancements and products:

• Satellite technologies: These have revolutionized communication, weather forecasting, and navigation.
• Spinoff technologies: Numerous products we use today, from memory foam to scratch-resistant lenses, owe their existence to space technology.
• Resource potential: The potential for mining asteroids or other planets for rare minerals and metals could transform Earth’s economy.

d. International Relations and Cooperation

Space exploration often promotes international cooperation:

• Shared goals: Nations often collaborate on space missions, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
• Peaceful exploration: The 1967 Outer Space Treaty promotes peaceful exploration and use of space, prohibiting territorial claims and militarization.
• International Space Station (ISS): The ISS is a prime example of international collaboration in space, involving the United States, Russia, European countries, Japan, and Canada.

These reasons underline the fact that space exploration isn’t just about what’s out there in the cosmos. It also deeply impacts life here on Earth. It drives technological innovation, enhances our understanding of our own planet, fosters international cooperation, and continues to satisfy our intrinsic curiosity and desire for exploration.

The Answer for Requirement Number 2

I can provide an outline for one and share information on other space pioneers.

Collector’s Card Outline

Front of the Card:

• Picture of Neil Armstrong, the first human to walk on the moon.

Back of the Card:

• Name: Neil Armstrong
• Born: August 5, 1930
• Died: August 25, 2012
• Notable Achievement: First human to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission on July 20, 1969.
• Quote: “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”

You can share this information with your counselor, along with the details of your favorite space pioneer.

The Answer for Requirement Number 3

These key parts of a rocket:

(a) Body Tube: This is the main structure or the body of the rocket. It houses the various components of the rocket such as the engine and payload.

(b) Engine Mount: This is the part of the rocket where the rocket engine is installed. It’s designed to keep the engine securely attached to the rocket during flight.

(c) Fins: Fins are attached to the bottom of the rocket and are used to stabilize the rocket during flight. They ensure that the rocket flies straight and doesn’t spin uncontrollably.

(d) Igniter: The igniter is the device that starts the rocket’s engine. It generates heat to ignite the propellant in the rocket engine, causing the engine to start.

(e) Launch Lug: This is a small piece that is attached to the body tube. It guides the rocket during the initial launch phase to ensure a straight trajectory.

(f) Nose Cone: The nose cone is at the top of the rocket. It’s designed to minimize air resistance, or drag, as the rocket ascends.

(g) Payload: The payload is what the rocket is carrying. This could be a satellite, scientific instruments, or, in the case of manned missions, a crew and life support systems.

(h) Recovery System: The recovery system is designed to safely return the rocket or its payload to Earth. This could be parachutes, retro-rockets, or other systems that slow down the descent.

(i) Rocket Engine: The rocket engine is the part of the rocket that produces thrust. It does this by expelling gas out of the back, which pushes the rocket forward in accordance with Newton’s third law of motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

I hope this information gives you a good understanding of the basic parts of a rocket!

The Answer for Requirement Number 4

a. The Law of Action-Reaction

Also known as Newton’s third law of motion, the law of action-reaction states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. In other words, any force exerted on a body will create a force of equal magnitude but in the opposite direction on the object that exerted the first force.

In the context of rockets, when the engine burns fuel, it produces hot gases that are expelled out of the back of the rocket. This action of the gases moving backward produces an equal and opposite reaction that propels the rocket forward.

b. How Rocket Engines Work

Rocket engines work on the principle of action and reaction. Rocket engines burn fuel to produce a high-pressure and high-temperature stream of gases. These gases are ejected at the rear of the rocket at high speeds due to the force of the pressure. The action of the gases moving backward (downward) results in a reaction that propels the rocket forward (upward).

The key components of a rocket engine are the combustion chamber, where the fuel and oxidizer are burned, and the nozzle, which accelerates the gases and gives them the direction needed to propel the rocket forward.

c. How Satellites Stay in Orbit

Satellites stay in orbit due to a balance between two forces: the forward momentum of the satellite and the pull of Earth’s gravity.

The satellite is launched with enough speed (momentum) that as gravity pulls it towards Earth, it’s moving forward fast enough to continually “fall” around Earth instead of into it. This balance of forces keeps the satellite in orbit.

The height, speed, and size of the orbit depend on the amount of thrust provided by the rocket that launched the satellite and the angle at which it was launched.

d) How Satellite Pictures of Earth and Pictures of Other Planets are Made and Transmitted

Satellites and space probes capture images of Earth and other planets using a variety of instruments, such as cameras and spectrometers, that can detect different wavelengths of light and other forms of radiation.

The captured data is then converted into a digital format and transmitted back to Earth as radio signals. These signals are received by ground stations and then processed to create the images that we see.

For instance, images of Earth can show weather patterns, vegetation, city lights, and many other features. Images of other planets can reveal details about their surfaces, atmospheres, and even signs of past or present water.

The Answer for Requirement Number 5

a. Robotic Space Exploration Mission: Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity Rover)

• Major Discoveries: The Curiosity Rover, launched by NASA in 2011, landed on Mars in 2012 and has made significant discoveries. It found evidence of past habitable environments, including an ancient lakebed where conditions may have been favorable for microbial life. Curiosity also discovered organic molecules, providing further evidence of the potential for life on Mars.
• Importance: The mission was crucial in expanding our understanding of Mars’ geological and environmental history. It provided valuable insights into the planet’s potential habitability and the possibility of past or present life on Mars.
• Lessons Learned: The Curiosity mission demonstrated the feasibility of landing large rovers on Mars using a complex sky crane maneuver. It also showcased the importance of carefully chosen landing sites to maximize scientific discoveries.

c. Designing a Robotic Mission: Sample Return from Enceladus (Moon of Saturn)

• Destination: Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons known for its intriguing subsurface ocean and potential for habitability.
• Design Considerations:
  • Land and Drill: The spacecraft should be equipped with landing capabilities to safely touch down on Enceladus’ surface. It should also have a drilling mechanism to collect samples from beneath the moon’s icy crust.
  • Sample Containment: The mission should incorporate a well-designed sample containment system to protect the collected samples from contamination and ensure their safe return to Earth.
  • Analytical Instruments: The spacecraft should carry a suite of scientific instruments to analyze the collected samples on-site and gather data about the moon’s potential for supporting life.
  • Communications and Navigation: Reliable communication systems and navigation tools are essential to maintain contact with Earth and ensure precise trajectory adjustments during the mission.
  • Return Capsule: The spacecraft should include a return capsule capable of surviving the intense re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere to deliver the collected samples for further analysis.

By designing a mission to Enceladus, we could potentially gather direct evidence of habitability or signs of extraterrestrial life, deepen our understanding of the moon’s subsurface ocean, and advance our knowledge of the potential for life beyond Earth.

The Answer for Requirement Number 6

b. International Space Station (ISS)

Purpose: The International Space Station (ISS) is a collaborative project involving multiple space agencies, including NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA. It serves as a long-term habitation and research facility in low Earth orbit. The primary purposes of the ISS are:

1. Research: Conducting scientific experiments in various fields such as biology, physics, astronomy, and human physiology to advance our understanding of the effects of long-duration space travel on the human body and develop technologies for future space exploration.
2. International Cooperation: Fostering international collaboration and partnership among different nations to share resources, knowledge, and expertise in space exploration.
3. Technological Development: Testing and validating new technologies and systems for use in space, such as advanced life support systems, communication systems, and materials.
4. Human Spaceflight: Providing a platform for astronauts from different countries to live and work in space, conducting experiments and gaining valuable experience in long-duration missions.

Operation: The ISS is in continuous operation and orbits the Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 km (250 miles). It serves as a microgravity laboratory and living space for astronauts. Key aspects of its operation include:

• Assembly: The ISS was constructed in modules, which were launched into space and gradually assembled in orbit. The initial module, Zarya, was launched by Russia in 1998, and subsequent modules were added over the years.
• Crewed Missions: Astronauts from various countries are regularly sent to the ISS for long-duration missions, typically lasting several months. These crewed missions are conducted through the collaboration of multiple space agencies.
• Resupply: Regular resupply missions are conducted to deliver food, water, experiments, equipment, and other necessary supplies to the ISS. These missions are carried out by both government and commercial entities.
• Scientific Research: The ISS provides a unique environment for scientific research in microgravity. Astronauts conduct experiments and studies that contribute to our knowledge of space, Earth, and human health.

Components: The ISS is composed of various modules and components, each serving a specific purpose. Here are some of the main components:

These components work together to provide a livable and functional environment for astronauts to conduct research and carry out activities on the ISS.

The Answer for Requirement Number 7

Design of an Inhabited Base on Mars

In this design, I will focus on an inhabited base located on Mars, one of the most promising destinations for human exploration within our solar system.

a. Source of Energy

To meet the energy needs of the base, a combination of solar power and nuclear energy can be employed.

b. Construction

The base can be constructed using a combination of robotic and human-assisted methods. Key aspects of the construction process include:

c. Life-Support System

A robust life-support system is essential to sustain human presence on Mars. It includes provisions for air, water, food, and waste management.

d. Purpose and Function

The primary purpose of the inhabited base on Mars is to facilitate scientific research, exploration, and long-duration human missions. It can serve as a stepping stone for further exploration of the solar system and provide valuable insights into Mars’ geology, potential for life, and the challenges of living in an extraterrestrial environment.

The base can have multiple functions, including:

Please note that this is a conceptual design, and actual implementation would require careful planning, engineering, and technological advancements.

The Answer for Requirement Number 8

Here are two possible careers in space exploration along with their qualifications, education requirements, and major responsibilities:

1. Aerospace Engineer

Major Responsibilities:

• Designing and developing aerospace vehicles, such as rockets, spacecraft, and satellites.
• Conducting research and analysis to improve flight performance, aerodynamics, and materials used in space vehicles.
• Testing and evaluating prototypes and systems to ensure they meet safety and performance standards.
• Collaborating with other engineers, scientists, and technicians to solve technical challenges and implement innovative solutions.
• Overseeing the manufacturing and production process of aerospace components.
• Monitoring and analyzing data during space missions to assess vehicle performance and make necessary adjustments.
• Continuously staying updated with advancements in aerospace technology and industry trends.

2. Planetary Scientist

Major Responsibilities:

• Studying the geology, atmosphere, and other aspects of planets, moons, asteroids, or comets to gain insights into their origin, evolution, and potential for life.
• Collecting and analyzing data from space missions, telescopes, and remote sensing instruments to understand planetary processes and features.
• Conducting laboratory experiments or simulations to investigate the properties of planetary materials and their interactions.
• Developing and refining models and theories to explain planetary phenomena and observations.
• Collaborating with other scientists, engineers, and mission planners to design and develop space missions and instruments.
• Presenting research findings at conferences and publishing scientific papers.
• Contributing to public outreach and education initiatives to communicate the excitement and significance of planetary science to the general public.

It’s important to note that specific career paths and responsibilities can vary within these fields, and individuals may specialize further based on their interests and expertise. Continued professional development, staying updated with the latest research, and actively participating in relevant organizations and conferences are essential for career growth in the dynamic field of space exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)