A smart man called Carl Sagan once said, "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known," Start your journey of space exploration here, and who knows? Something incredible could be waiting for you.
The UK Space Agency aims to inspire the next generation of UK scientists and engineers by introducing Scouts to the exciting and growing world of space engineering and space science. The practical and problem-solving skills developed through Scouting, along with the enthusiasm for science shown by Scout Leaders, could be instrumental in encouraging this future generation of space scientists and engineers.
At Scouts we're making some changes with the Space Activity Badges.
The Scouts Astronautics Activity Badge (UK Space Agency) code 109494, will be phased out. This badge will be available to purchase until 30th June 2025 and will be taken offline on 1st July 2025.
The Scouts Astronomer Activity Badge (UK Space Agency) code 112978, has been renamed to Scouts Space Activity Badge (UK Space Agency). We're also updating the requirements , there will be a cross over of how to earn the badge until July 1st 2025, until then, you can choose to use either set of requirements. The design of the badge will not be changing.
You can view both set of requirements to earn the badge below.
How to earn your Scouts Space Activity Badge (Updated Jan 2025)
The themes for the badge are, Earth from space, Life in Space, Space Technology and Our Universe. These themes were chosen from the research we conducted looking at the previous requirements, current activities on activity finder, the National Curriculum Science levels for Scouts, the Squirrels Space Explorer badge requirements and the new proposed requirements for the Beavers and Cubs Space Badges. The new requirements were written using the information that was gathered, and the continuation on from Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs.
1. Find out what happens to an astronaut's body in space. Learn how the lack of gravity affects their body, and what they do to stay fit.
2. Learn about the speed of light and how we use light years to measure distances in space.
3. Discover how different space technologies have helped us to understand and explore the universe.
Think about planetary rovers, space telescopes and advanced robotic arms.
4. Find out what a black hole is, how it forms and how we can detect where they are in space.
5. Discover something new about the universe and share it with the group.
You could explore planets, stars, galaxies, asteroids or something else.
6. You can use the stars to find your way. Explore how you can navigate using stars and constellations.
You could use a telescope, a star map or a digital tool.
7. Imagine you’re planning an expedition to a distant solar system. Design how you’ll travel there and think about what you will need to take with you.
How to earn your Scouts Space Activity Badge (Original Requirements)
1) Show what you know about the night sky and why the pattern of stars changes, night by night, throughout the year.
2) Learn the meaning of the terms celestial, equator, poles, circumpolar and zodiac.
3) Build a model of the solar system using everyday materials found in the home, such as different size fruit or sports balls.
- Use an outside area to scale the solar system.
4) Explain how the Moon affects the tides.
5) Build a telescope from two cardboard tubes or two A4 pieces of black card, and lenses.
- Compare what you can see through a telescope and what you can see with the naked eye.
6) Observe three constellations on a clear night and record what you saw.
- Read a star map using a compass and red light.
7) Compare the differences between using a star map and a normal map.
- Learn how to identify a satellite.
8) How do you tell it apart from an aeroplane, star, planet or a meteor?
Then complete these activities:
- identify a satellite to observe
- choose a clear night and use a clock and a compass to help you observe the satellite
- plan an evening with your Scout Group and teach others how to observe the satellite