space exploration merit badge

[blackbrandt]

What semroc rockets are good for leading this merit badge? I can fly up to about 1300 feet without losing the rocket typically, but would like to keep it under 500 or so feet on a B motor. Any tips on the rocket or leading that part of the badge?
Here are the requirements:

Tell the purpose of space exploration and include the following:
a. Historical reasons
b. Immediate goals in terms of specific knowledge
c. 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 of the Space Exploration merit badge pamphlet.) Identify and explain the following rocket parts:
a. Body tube
b. Engine mount
c. Fins
d. Igniter
e. Launch lug
f. Nose cone
g. Payload
h. Recovery system
i. Rocket engine
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.
Do TWO of the following:
a. 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.
b. Using magazine photographs, news clippings, and electronic articles (such as from the Internet), make a scrapbook about a current planetary mission.
c. 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:
a. Space shuttle
b. 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:
a. Source of energy
b. How it will be constructed
c. Life-support system
d. 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.

Also, is it a bad idea to launch a couple of big boys (AKA some D and E rockets?)

[jflis]

The FlisKits Rhino would be a great rocket for this. Also, I can help you with a nose block and a short BT-60 to make an effective payload section, too.

As for "How a model rocket motor works" you should check out our "Cut Away Model Rockrt Motor" for just that purpose

[blackbrandt]

How much is that for say, 15-16 kits? I already have launch equipment...

[JStarStar]

If you want to launch a D or E without sending it over 1300 feet, a thicker/heavier rocket is probably your ticket.

A minimum-diameter D/E will usually go that high or higher. If your field isn't big enough to handle flights that high, a bulky-draggy rocket would be a better bet.

[jflis]

How much is that for say, 15-16 kits? I already have launch equipment...

The Rhino is $10.45 in bulk ( retail is $16.95). You can see more about our bulk pack program by clicking EDUCATORS from our main page

16 kits would be $167.20 not including postage. We have several other lower cost kits as well, though they are lighter and would go higher with B motors...