Description and Support

Space Exploration Merit Badge

There isn't only great history to study and to be made, but there is the awesome experience of flying model rockets and there is no better place than Cape Acahela is the place to do that! We'll even help you build them!

Support provided:

Approved Merit Badge Counselor.
Daytime meeting to review pre-reqs and already completed worksheets.
Daytime class work if needed.
Build model rockets on site.
Fly rockets in our Lower Field flight range.
All launch equipment provided.
Model rockets can be ordered and shipped direct to Acahela to be available on arrival. (Especially handy for NJ units wishing to avoid engine permitting problems).
Additional Advanced Model Rocketry class available.

This is currently supported at Camp Acahela and Goose Pond.

Class size: No restrictions

Advance notice needed: Two weeks is preferred.

Cost to the unit is: $6.00 per participant plus the cost of whichever kit the unit selects, plus two rocket motors (between $6.50 and $12.00 additional depending on the kit and motors. No additional fee if the unit provides it's own kits and motors.)

Patches for the completed award are available at a cost of $2.29 each and can be purchased at Camp Acahela or at the Scout Service Center's Scout Shop.

THE KEY to the Requirements

Below are the current requirements for this Merit Badge. This color key is designed to help you understand what requirements can be completed at our facilities, what has to be done ahead of time, and what we can't support (or what will require special arrangements). Certain requirements may require additional fees to cover the costs of materials used and will be noted with this symbol set (*) .

Text that is green like this means these are fieldwork requirements we support at our camps and can be completed with our Counselors.

Text that is blue like this means that you can arrange to meet with our Counselors and and review or complete these requirements with them. This usually means you must complete these in advance using a worksheet and then sit in a class-like meeting to discuss the material or requirement.

Text that is in red like this is not supported in our program. If you elect to do this requirement, you must complete these requirements with local Counselors.

Text that is in purple like this means this is a Pre-Requisite and needs to be completed ahead of time. (In some cases we also support these Pre-Reqs separately).

Text that is pink like this means that this requirement can be done either by our counselors or by some other local counselor but usually requires additional outside work that won't be completed in a single weekend. This usually means special arrangements need to be made, but this can usually be worked out by speaking with us ahead of time.

Text in brown like this means that this requirement can be satisfied at a location near one of our camps by either visiting the site, or participating in an activity at that nearby site (such as visiting Steamtown for the Railroading Merit Badge). In this way, you can use Acahela or Goose Pond as basecamps and then travel to the nearby site.

Merit Badge Requirements

Tell the purpose of space exploration and include the following:

Historical reasons,

Immediate goals in terms of specific knowledge,

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

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.

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:

Body tube

Engine mount

Fins

Igniter

Launch lug

Nose cone

Payload

Recovery system

Rocket engine

Discuss and demonstrate each of the following:

The law of action-reaction.

How rocket engines work

How satellites stay in orbit

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

Do TWO of the following:

Discuss with your counselor an unmanned space exploration mission and an early manned mission. Tell about each mission's major discoveries, its importance, and what we learned from it about the planets, moons, or regions of space explored.

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

Design an unmanned 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.

Describe the purpose and operation of ONE of the following:

Space shuttle

International Space Station

Design an inhabited base located on the Moon or Mars. Make drawings or a model of your base. In your design, consider and plan for the following:

Source of energy

How it will be constructed

Life-support system

Purpose and function

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.

* Pennsylvania does not have any restrictions on model rocket engines similar to those in New Jersey. NJ units visiting with us can have their rocket kits and engines shipped directly to Camp Acahela to avoid any permitting problems.

On-Line and Additional Support

Worksheets and Requirements

Details about this Merit Badge can be found at the US Scout Service Project Website at the following URL:

http://usscouts.org/mb/mb107.asp

At the end of the description at that location, you will find copies of worksheets that you can easily save and print out. This will make the task of completing the Merit badge much easier and give your boys a guide to the information they need to know.

Having this done ahead of time can make the difference between leaving our camps with a signed "Blue Card" or not.

If you have any questions or need further guidance or help, we're here for you! Contact Ranger Tim Bongard at (570) 335-0283 or e-mail him at tbongard@nepabsa.org .