Reaching for the Stars: Astronaut Mike Fossum Uses His Scout Skills on the International Space Station

Hey Scouters, it's Ms. Alice. Today, we’re going to dive into an incredible topic: the patrol method—but with a twist. We’ll explore how the principles of the patrol method are exemplified at one of the most extraordinary places imaginable: the International Space Station.

Let’s set the scene. Imagine the thunderous roar of engines as the Soyuz 27 rocket launches into the sky, carrying Astronaut Mike Fossum on an extraordinary journey. His words resonate with me: “I’m really an ordinary guy in an outrageous job.” Mike’s story is one of adventure, challenges, and dreams realized, much of which he credits to his experiences in Scouting.

Mike grew up in the Rio Grande Valley, a kid who loved books, adventure, and dreaming big. One night, while camping on the shores of Falcon Lake with his Scout troop, Mike lay on his back, staring at a sky filled with stars. That night, under the vast expanse of the cosmos, he dared to dream of traveling among those stars. He didn’t believe it could come true at the time, but that dream ignited a fire in him. It motivated him to excel in school, pursue engineering, join the Air Force, and, eventually, become an astronaut. Scouting, he said, taught him how to achieve long-term goals, set milestones, and work persistently toward them—lessons that guided him every step of the way.

Mike’s experiences with the patrol method in Scouting directly influenced his role as the commander of the International Space Station (ISS). As the leader of a six-person crew representing 15 countries, Mike’s primary responsibility was to take care of his team. He ensured that everyone was working effectively, balanced workloads, and offered assistance where needed. This, he said, mirrored the lessons he learned as a Patrol Leader and Senior Patrol Leader in Scouting: look out for your team, take charge when in charge, and never delegate responsibility for the well-being of others.

The patrol method is at the heart of Scouting. It teaches young people teamwork, leadership, and accountability. As Mike explained, no astronaut flies alone; it’s all about working together. Whether you’re managing a hundred-billion-dollar space station or leading your patrol on a weekend camping trip, the principles remain the same.

Scouting didn’t just prepare Mike for his career; it also gave him a positive outlet growing up in a challenging environment. In the Rio Grande Valley, where trouble was easy to find, Scouting offered adventure, camaraderie, and purpose. Mike vividly remembers the excitement of building campfires, cooking meals outdoors, and forming lifelong friendships. These experiences not only kept him out of trouble but also shaped the man he would become.

Today, Mike continues to give back to Scouting as a volunteer. He feels a deep responsibility to pay it forward, honoring the leaders who made a difference in his life. “I can’t pay back Mickey Allen, Bob Helbin, or Tom Huster,” he said, “but I can pay it forward.” For Mike, Scouting isn’t just a hobby—it’s a calling. He admires the countless volunteers who dedicate their time to mentoring young people and helping them navigate the journey to adulthood. These mentors, he says, are there to guide Scouts through mistakes, teach them about consequences, and prepare them to lead.

Scouting has a profound mission: to prepare young people to lead in their troops, communities, and country. It’s about instilling values that last a lifetime. As we recite the Scout Oath, “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law,” we reaffirm our commitment to this mission.

So, the next time you’re working with your patrol, remember that the skills you’re building could one day take you to incredible places—maybe even the stars. And who knows? Perhaps one of your Scouts will look back, just like Mike Fossum, and say, “Scouting changed my life.”