Space Exploration Merit Badge

Virtual dates on 12 April, 19 April, 10 May
Plus a Rocket Launch Activity on Saturday 14 May 2022 at the Menomonie Middle School Athletic Field

*REGISTRATION FOR THIS MB IS NOW CLOSED - THANK YOU* 

Eagle Scout & UW-Stout Physics Professor, Alan Scott, will be the highly knowledgeable Merit Badge Counselor for this special event.  So come prepared to listen, learn and have a Blast of a Good Time!

Limit: 15 Scouts
Age: 14 or older (exception possible with approval)
Fee: No registration fee but will need to buy ($20 est.) and build an approved Estes Rocket kit before the 14 May Launch Day
*out of council registration by request only* 

You must attend all four sessions, plus completion of all assigned homework is required to earn this Merit Badge

MORE DETAILS:
This Space Exploration Merit is being Offered Virtually on April 12, 19, May 10.  Link info for the video call will be provided before the first session for those that are signed up.  All Virtual sessions must be attended and all assigned Homework completed on time in full to complete/earn this Merit Badge.  Make sure you have printed out the Space Exploration Work Sheet that can be found online before session one.  You will use this for notes and homework.

In addition to the three Online Virtual Sessions, a Required In Person Rocket Launch Event will take place on Sat. May 14, 2022 at the Menomonie Middle School Athletic Field/Track, 08:00am to 10:00am.  We will provided detailed directions to this site during the virtual sessions.  (The Alternate Launch Day because of unfavorable weather/high winds is Sat. 21 May, same time.

The Launch Event is to full-fill part of requirement # 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.)" 

ROCKET PURCHASE and LAUNCH:
Each Scout will have to Purchase three Approved Rocket Engines and an approved Model Rocket Kit.  Only Estes Brand Rocket Kits and Estes Brand Solid Propellant Rocket Engines will be allowed. APPROVE YOUR SELECTION WITH THE PROFESSOR PRIOR TO PURCHASE.
Here is a link to the  "Belleville Wholesale Hobby" Company: Belleville Wholesale Hobby | ESTES Brand
They have fair and low prices on their Rocket Kits and Engines and they ship pretty fast.  Everyone should be able to purchase a Skill Level One Rocket and three engines for under $20. (Hobby Lobby and Walmart carry a limited supply of Rocket Kits and Solid Propellant Engines also, but their prices will probably be higher.)

VERY IMPORTANT:  All Rockets participating in this Merit  Badge must have "die-cut balsa fins"!  No Plastic Fins! and must have "Streamer recovery or Parachute recovery" and only single stage.   An Xacto Knife and Wood Glue are usually all one needs to assemble a Skill Level One Rocket.  If scouts want to get creative they can paint/decorate their Rocket.

ENGINES:  Purchase only engines rated for the rocket you are building and NO ROCKET ENGINES Stronger then Estes B Series Solid Rocket Engines will be allowed!  

Do not throw out the plastic bag and the assembly directions your kit comes with. Bring it with you on launch day, it will serve as your proof that you purchased and Built a Rocket Kit after this registration was posted.

As stated in requirement 3, you have to launch twice, which means you have to recover your rocket after the first launch and successfully launch it again.  If it ends up on a roof, up in a tree or burns up, you will not complete this Merit Badge.  A simple Skill Level One Rocket with Low Thrust Engines is highly recommended for success!

We will provide all Launch Equipment.

See attached Event flyer for more information and contact Vern Caturia at 715-309-8278 with any questions. Their will be time to answer questions during the virtual sessions as well.