Astronautics

Astronautics Scout Badge post 2002

The Scout Activity badges from post 2002 are circular with the Activity image on a blue background with a red border. The Badge is worn on the left sleeve starting from the shoulder and going down in order of achievement.

To earn the Astronautics Scout badge they must achieve the following

1.       Explain the purpose of space exploration including:

·         historical reasons

·         immediate goals in terms of specific knowledge

·         benefits related to Earth resources, technology, and new products

2.       Chose one topic below and with it undertake option one or two:

a.                   a commercial or scientific rocket (Ariane, Delta, Soyuz, Proton, Zenit, etc)

b.                   the NASA Space Shuttle

c.                    the International Space Station

d.                   a specific satellite (eg Envisat, Cassini, Aurora, etc)

e.                    an unmanned space probe

Option one

Describe the topic's primary mission purpose; explain the functions of the component parts, together with a brief history and accomplishments of a specific mission and what was learned from that mission.

Option two

Build a scale model of or about the topic, either from a commercial kit, or from plans available from the Internet or model clubs and shops.

3.       Discuss and demonstrate two of the following:

 .                     the law of action-reaction in the context of rockets and zero or low-gravity environments

a.                   how rocket engines work, and their lift-off and re-entry procedures

b.                   how satellites stay in orbit and the different types of orbits they use

c.                    how satellite pictures of the Earth, planets and their moons are made and transmitted

4.       Complete all of the activities in one of the following alternatives:

Alternative A - Rocketry

1.       Explain the safety code for rocketry and be able to identify the principal parts of a rocket.

2.       Describe how solid and liquid propellant rocket motors work.

3.       Build, launch, and recover a single or double-staged model rocket.

4.       Make a second launch to accomplish a specific objective. For example, carrying a fragile payload, aerial photography, altitude measurement, temperature measurement, parachute recovery, remote control, building a launch controller or launch pad.

Notes

This activity must follow the appropriate BMFA/ UKRA safety codes on Rocketry.

Alternative B - Space exploration

1.       Describe how space satellites and probes have added to our knowledge of the Solar System.

2.       Build an accurate scale model of a space exploration vehicle. Find out about its design, function, and basic operation. Be able to help others learn about your vehicle.

3.       Design an inhabited base space colony. What conditions will you need to overcome to ensure suitable living arrangements, energy sources, special equipment, health and safety needs, and environmental protection or danger? Share and explain your design or model with others.

4.       Using photographs, news clippings, articles from the internet etc, mount a display about a current space mission and share your findings with others.

Alternative C - Space port

1.       With a group of Scouts, plan and participate in a themed 'Space Camp' or event, undertaking appropriate activities.

2.       Assist in organising a visit to a space centre, museum, planetarium or rocketry enthusiasts group and share your experiences with an adult or other Scouts.

3.       Find out about careers in the space industry.