PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 5, Number 45 (October 9, 2011) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Melissa Lane Co-Editors: Susan Benecchi, Mark V. Sykes Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. Charles P. "Chuck" Sonett, 1924-2011 2. [NASA] Planetary Science Subcommitee to Discuss Impacts to FY12 Planetary Budget 3. [NASA] Concepts for the Next NASA X-ray Astronomy Mission: Corrections 4. [NASA] Request for Applications for X-Ray Community Science Team 5. [NASA PDS] Cassini Data Release 27: ISS and VIMS 6. [NASA PDS] Odyssey Data Release 37 7. Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter 8. Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month 9. COSPAR and Women in Aerospace Europe Sign a Cooperation Agreement 10. AbSciCon 2012 Proposal Requests 11. Postdoctoral Researchers in Lunar Science 12. Announcement: Europa Lander Open Forum 13. The NASA Postdoctoral Program 14. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions o---------------------------------------------------------------------o 1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-1 CHARLES P. "CHUCK" SONETT, 1924-2011 It is with deep sadness that we note yet another loss to our community this year with the recent passing of Chuck Sonett. Chuck was the first Planetary Science Department head at the University of Arizona, succeeding Gerard Kuiper as the second director of LPL. He was involved with the very beginning of the US space program, through the Apollo program, and was involved with the ESA/NASA Ulysses mission. A memoriam is posted at: http://www.lpl.arizona.edu/resources/faculty/memoriam/sonett/ 2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2 [NASA] PLANETARY SCIENCE SUBCOMMITTEE TO DISCUSS IMPACTS TO FY12 PLANETARY BUDGET The NASA Planetary Science Subcommittee (PSS) will have an open telecon/WebEx meeting Thursday, October 13, from 2-4 PM Eastern to discuss potential impacts on the FY12 budget of the NASA Planetary Division (the fiscal year begins October 1, 2011, but the federal budget is currently under Continuing Resolution). Invited Speakers include: Jim Green, Director of the SMD Planetary Science Division Eric Smith, Deputy Director of the JWST Program Office Directions for participation are found at: http://frwebgate1.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/PDFgate.cgi?WAISdocID =s15EWS/5/2/0&WAISaction=retrieve Information about the PSS is available at: http://science.nasa.gov/science-committee/subcommittees /nac-planetary-science-subcommittee/ 3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3-3 [NASA] CONCEPTS FOR THE NEXT NASA X-RAY ASTRONOMY MISSION: CORRECTIONS "Dear Colleague Letter" has been replaced by the correct "Request for Information". Also, the page limit for responses is 10 pages (not 7). Solicitation number: NNH11ZDA018L Response Date: October 28, 2011 NASA is seeking information that can be used to develop concepts that meet some or all of the scientific objectives of the International X ray Observatory (IXO). Information being sought includes relevant mission concepts, instrument concepts, enabling technologies, or any aspect of flight, ground or launch systems architecture. NASA is seeking information relevant to an X-ray astronomy mission concept or mission concepts that will satisfy some or all the scientific objectives listed in Table 1. The RFI also requests standalone instrument concepts as well as relevant key enabling technologies for such missions or instruments. Mission concepts should range in cost from ~ $300M to $2,000M in FY12 dollars. The full text of the Dear Colleague Letter is posted on the NASA research opportunity homepage at: http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ select "Solicitations" then "Open Solicitations" then "NNH11ZDA018L". For further information, please contact: Jean Cottam, PCOS Chief Scientist jean.cottam@nasa.gov NASA HQ PCOS program officers: Jaya Bajpayee, PCOS Program Executive jaya.bajpayee-1@nasa.gov Rita Sambruna, PCOS Program Scientist rita.m.sambruna@nasa.gov http://pcos.gsfc.nasa.gov/ [Edited for length.] 4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4-4 [NASA] REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS FOR X-RAY COMMUNITY SCIENCE TEAM NASA is requesting letters of application from U.S. scientists to apply for membership in the X-ray Community Science Team (CST). This request is open to all U.S. scientists, including individuals planning to respond to the Request for Information (RFI). Letters of application are invited from individuals, not groups. NASA expects to select approximately 10 individuals for membership on the X-ray CST and plans to announce its selection by November 3, 2011. An initial meeting (by telecon) is tentatively scheduled for the week of November 10, 2011. Prospective applicants need to ensure that they will have the necessary time and commitment to support their participation in the X-ray CST through the anticipated presentation to the CAA in Spring-Summer 2012. Replies to this call should be submitted by email only and be received by 4:30 PM EST on October 19, 2011. Please email your letter (with subject line "X-ray CST Application") to Dr. Richard Griffiths, NASA HQ, at richard.e.griffiths@nasa.gov. Questions may be addressed to Dr. Griffiths at the email address provided or at 202-358-1605. [Edited for length.] 5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5-5 [NASA PDS] CASSINI DATA RELEASE 27: IMAGING SCIENCE SUBSYSTEM AND VISUAL AND INFRARED MAPPING SPECTROMETER The Planetary Data System (PDS) announces the availability of the Cassini Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS) and Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) Data Release #27. This release includes ISS volume coiss_2066 and coiss_3003 (a cartographic map of Dione), plus VIMS volume covims_0044. Note that no new Cassini Radar data was archived with PDS this quarter. The new ISS and VIMS volumes can be found on the PDS Imaging Node website at: http://img.pds.nasa.gov/ The PDS Imaging Node now includes all Cassini ISS, VIMS and Radar data captured through 2010-12-31. 6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6-6 [NASA PDS] ODYSSEY DATA RELEASE 37 The Planetary Data System (PDS) is pleased to announce a new delivery of Odyssey Data, Release 37, for the following instruments: GRS, THEMIS, RADIO SCIENCE (Releases 109-111), and SPICE. The gamma sensor component of the GRS instrument suite will no longer return data. The HEND and neutron spectrometer components continue to operate. To access the above data, please visit the following link: http://pds.nasa.gov/subscription_service/SS-20111004.html To access the latest PDS Data Releases, please visit the following link: http://pds.nasa.gov/subscription_service/SS-Release.html 7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7 MARS EXPLORATION SCIENCE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER Dear Members of the Mars Community, On behalf of Dave Des Marais, the MEPAG Chair, Dave Beaty, Rich Zurek, and Charles Budney of the Mars Program Science Office, please find the October 2011 edition of the Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter on the web at: http://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov Regards, Joyce Pulliam 8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8 PLANETARY GEOMORPHOLOGY IMAGE OF THE MONTH The October 'Image of the Month' is now available at the IAG's Planetary Geomorphology web page: http://www.psi.edu/pgwg/images/Oct11Image.html This Month's topic is on "Inflated Lava Flows on Earth and Mars". Images and caption contributed by Dr. W. Brent Garry (1), Dr. Jacob E. Bleacher (2), Dr. James R. Zimbelman (3), and Dr. Larry S. Crumpler (4) (1) Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, AZ, 85719, USA (2) Planetary Geodynamics Laboratory, Code 698, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, 20771, USA (3) Center for Earth and Planetary Studies, Smithsonian Institution, National Air and Space Museum, Washington, DC, 20013, USA (4) New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science, Albuquerque, NM, 87104, USA Past images and captions are available at: http://www.psi.edu/pgwg/images/index.html Mary Bourke Coordinator of the IAG Working Group on Planetary Geomorphology 9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9-9 COSPAR AND WOMEN IN AEROSPACE EUROPE SIGN A COOPERATION AGREEMENT We are pleased to announce that the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) and Women in Aerospace Europe have signed a Cooperation Agreement formally establishing our partnership. Kind regards, The WIA-E Team To learn more about the Women in Aerospace Europe or COSPAR, please see, respectively: http://wia-europe.org http://cosparhq.cnes.fr/ 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 ABSCICON 2012 PROPOSAL REQUESTS The Astrobiology Science Conference 2012 (AbSciCon 2012) will be held April 16 - 20, 2012, at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center in Atlanta, GA. Given the wide variety of disciplinary tools and topics to be presented at the meeting, the success of AbSciCon 2012 hinges upon the community's involvement in the organization of topical sessions. The organizing committee is now soliciting community input for session topics and session organizers. Oct 15, 2011 is the SESSION TOPIC PROPOSAL DEADLINE. Follow this link for more information about the meeting: http://abscicon2012.arc.nasa.gov/ and this link to submit your session proposals: http://abscicon2012.abstractcentral.com/ 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS IN LUNAR SCIENCE The Universities Space Research Association's Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) invites applications for lunar science and exploration postdoctoral fellowships. Opportunities include: Lunar Surface Geology and Remote Sensing - Using new LRO data; integrating it with existing lunar data to evaluate processes associated with impact cratering and/or planetary differentiation. Experience with orbital remote sensing methods, photometry of lunar materials, and photogeology of lunar or lunar-like terrains preferred. Experimental and/or Analytical Petrology and Geochemistry - Using Apollo and lunar meteorite samples (or synthetic analogues) to evaluate processes associated with impact cratering and/or planetary differentiation. Experience with electron and ion microprobes, and/or LA-ICPMS techniques preferred. Modeling of Impact Cratering Processes - Using hydrocodes and relevant analytical techniques to evaluate different cratering processes on the Moon, to model specific crater or basin-forming events, and potentially guide future exploration scenarios. The successful candidate will be a member of the new LPI-JSC Center for Lunar Science and Exploration (http://www.lpi.usra.edu/nlsi/), one of the core teams within the NASA Lunar Science Institute. Further information, including submission requirements are found at: http://www.lpi.usra.edu Questions regarding science involved in the position, contact Dr. David Kring (kring@lpi.usra.edu). The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 ANNOUNCEMENT: EUROPA LANDER OPEN FORUM The Europa Science Definition Team (SDT) has been tasked by NASA Headquarters to consider a lander option for Europa. As part of the information gathering effort, the Europa SDT will solicit input from the scientific community at large. A Town Hall meeting consisting of presentations and discussion is scheduled for the afternoon immediately following the upcoming OPAG meeting in Pasadena, on Thursday October 20, from 1:30 to 5:00 pm. Please see: http://icpi.nasaprs.com/opag Details from recent lander design studies will be presented, followed by community presentations and open discussion. Brief presentations are solicited relating to topics such as: potential science objectives and priorities, instrument techniques, landing environment and sites, sample handling, and astrobiological context. Requests for brief (~5-minute) presentations on relevant topics will be accepted until the week of the event. Interested parties unable to attend in person are encouraged to join electronically. Video conferencing details may be found at the OPAG web site: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/opag/ Note that registration for OPAG does not confirm participation in the Forum. Please forward questions or RSVP to Steve Vance (svance@jpl.nasa.gov). 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 THE NASA POSTDOCTORAL PROGRAM The next deadline to apply for a NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) fellowship is November 1, 2011. These competitive 1-3 year appointments advance NASA's missions in space science, earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, lunar science, and astrobiology. Applicants must have a Ph.D. or equivalent degree in hand before beginning the fellowship, but may apply while completing the degree requirements. U. S. citizens and foreign nationals who hold Lawful Permanent Resident status or who are eligible for J-1 status as a Research Scholar may apply. An H-1B Visa status is not acceptable because the NPP is not an employment program. Stipend rates for Postdoctoral Fellows start at $50,000 per year, with moderate supplements for high cost-of-living areas and for certain academic specialties. Funds are available for relocation expenses, up to a specified limit, and health insurance is available through the program. Fellows also receive $8,000 per appointment year to support travel to conferences, meetings, and other activities that directly support their research. Applications for the NASA Postdoctoral Program are accepted three times each year: March 1, July 1, and November 1. For further information about this opportunity and to apply online, visit: http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/index.htm Questions: nasapostdoc@orau.org 14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html October 25-26, 2011 Hands-On ISIS Workshop Contact: ssides@usgs.gov Laurel, MD February 27-28, 2012 NASA Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) Meeting #25 http://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov/ Washington, DC March 3-10, 2011 2012 IEEE Aerospace Conference http://www.aeroconf.org Big Sky, MT [Editor Note: If there is a planetary-related meeting, conference or workshop of which you think your colleagues should be aware, please send the date, title, URL and location to pen_editor at psi.edu.] *********************************************************************** * The Planetary Exploration Newsletter is issued approximately weekly. * Current and back issues are available at http://planetarynews.org * * To subscribe, go to http://planetarynews.org/pen_subscribe.html, or * send a request to pen_editor at psi.edu * * To unsubscribe, send an email to pen_editor at psi.edu * * Please send all replies and submissions to pen_editor at psi.edu. * Announcements and other messages should be brief with links to URLs * for extended information, including detailed descriptions for job * announcements. 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