PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 6, Number 8 (February 19, 2012) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Mark V. Sykes Co-Editors: Melissa Lane, Susan Benecchi Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. Susan Niebur, 1978-2012 2. Lunar Swirls Lunchtime Meeting at LPSC 3. CRISM Data User Workshop 4. 1st Interplanetary CubeSat Workshop 5. [NASA] Supplemental Education and Public Outreach Programs Cancelled 6. Radar in Planetary Exploration - Final Reminder 7. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 8. 9th International Planetary Probe Workshop 9. ISS and Mars Conference 10. Planetary Geophysics Postdoctoral Fellowship 11. MEPAG Agenda for Upcoming Meeting Posted 12. 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 SUSAN NIEBUR, 1978-2012 Susan Niebur, former NASA Program Scientist and founder of the Women in Planetary Science project, passed away on February 6, 2012. For five years she battled with inflammatory breast cancer while engaging relentlessly in space science policy, the history and future of space science missions and how they are managed, and encouraging and putting a spotlight on the role of women in planetary exploration. Throughout, her greatest passion was for her family. Susan's blog may be read at: http://toddlerplanet.wordpress.com/ Susan's death has sparked numerous online memorials and commentary. A memorial describing more of Susan's career and impact may be found at: http://dps.aas.org/news/susan-niebur-1978-2012 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 LUNAR SWIRLS LUNCHTIME MEETING AT LPSC We will be having a meeting during the Tuesday lunch hour at LPSC. Currently, the only agenda item is discussion of the time, venue, and goals of the next lunar swirls workshop. If anyone has something they would like added to this meeting's agenda, please contact the organizer below. Please note that lunch will not be provided. Attendees can bring their individually procured lunch to enjoy during the meeting. The meeting start time will be held off until 12:15 PM to allow some time to obtain a lunch. Date: Tue 03/20/2012 Start Time: Noon End Time: 1:15 PM Room: Panther Creek For more information contact: Georgiana Kramer kramer@lpi.usra.edu 281-486-2141 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 CRISM DATA USER WORKSHOP The 2012 MRO/CRISM Data Users' Workshop will be held in association with the 43rd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, The Woodlands, Texas. The workshop will be held in the Shenandoah Room, at 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, on Sunday March 18, 2012 (the Sunday afternoon of LPSC week). The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) has been in operation since late 2006 and has acquired over 20,000 high spatial and spectral resolution targeted observations of the Martian surface. The 2009 CRISM Data Users' Workshop described data products in detail, and trained attendees on using CRISM-specific software to analyze the data. At this second workshop, CRISM team members will review significant updates to PDS-delivered CRISM data products including updated radiometric calibrations, and implementation of a data filtering procedure that addresses systematic and stochastic instrument noise. In addition, new highly derived CRISM data products will be described in detail. All attendees are requested to register for this event, and due to available space, attendance will be limited to the first 50 registrants. To register, please visit the workshop registration site at: https://secwww.jhuapl.edu/CRISM_Workshop/registration.aspx [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 1ST INTERPLANETARY CUBESAT WORKSHOP 29-30 May 2012 Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA http://www.iCubeSat.org iCubeSat, the Interplanetary CubeSat Workshop, will address the technical challenges, opportunities, and practicalities of space exploration with CubeSats. The workshop will provide a unique environment for open practical collaboration between academic researchers, industry professionals, policy makers, and students developing this new and rapidly growing field. Talks and round tables will focus on three themes: technology, science, and open collaboration. Technology: Mason Peck, NASA, Chief Technologist Science: Sara Seager, MIT, Professor of Physics and Planetary Science Talks on astrodynamics, attitude control and determination systems, citizen science, communications, landers, launch opportunities, open source approaches, outreach, payloads, policy, power systems, propulsion, reentry systems, ride-shares, science missions, software, standardization, structures, systems engineering, and other related topics are all welcome. 1st April 2012 Abstract submission deadline 15th April 2012 Notification of abstract acceptance 28th May 2012 Presentation (and optional paper) upload deadline Please indicate your interest in presenting or attending as soon as possible by completing the registration form at: http://www.iCubeSat.org or emailing the organizing committee at committee@icubesat.org for more information as places are strictly limited. See you in Boston! 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] SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATION AND PUBLIC OUTREACH PROGRAMS CANCELLED The Supplemental Education and Public Outreach (EPO) Programs were designed to allow SMD-funded researchers to design efforts that capitalize upon their own talents, interests, and scientific expertise. By adding an Education or Outreach component to their research investigation, they could engage the public in the excitement of NASA's scientific exploration of our home planet, the solar system, and the rest of the universe through stimulating and informative activities that reach a broad and varied audience. The proposed budget for the SMD Education and Public Outreach program is fully subscribed with selected activities; additional EPO supplement selections cannot be accommodated within the proposed budget. This amendment cancels the second (i.e., March 2012) due date for proposals. [Edited for length.] [Editor Note: These programs do not appear in the recently released 2012 ROSES and the larger Opportunities in Education and Public Outreach for Earth and Space Sciences program is "Not solicited this year."] 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 RADAR IN PLANETARY EXPLORATION - FINAL REMINDER This is a final reminder for your contribution to Symposium 20.3 "Radar in Planetary Exploration" in Theme 20 "Planetary Sciences" at the upcoming IGC (International Geological Congress) in Brisbane, Australia, August 5-10, 2012. See: http://www.34igc.org/ GPR and SAR radars contribute to our knowledge of the distribution of ice on Earth and Mars, and of the geology of outer solar system planetary bodies, such as Titan. This Symposium welcomes contributions in all areas of radar technology applied to the remote observation of solar system objects. Keynote Speakers: Stephen WALL (USA) and Roberto SEU (Italy) The abstract deadline is Friday 17 February 2012. See: http://www.34igc.org/submit-abstracts.php Other planetary sessions include: 20.1 Surface processes on Mars, 20.2 Bio-geomarkers and models in astrobiology, 20.4 Lunar research and exploration in the 21st century, 20.5 Planets and satellites of the solar system We look forward to seeing you in Brisbane in August! Roberto Orosei (roberto.orosei@ifsi-roma.inaf.it) and Jani Radebaugh [Edited for form.] 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 NASA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers scientists and engineers unique opportunities to conduct research at NASA Centers. Each NPP fellowship opportunity is designed to advance NASA research in a specific project related to space science, earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, lunar science, or 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, Lawful Permanent Residents, and foreign nationals eligible for J-1 status as a Research Scholar may apply. Stipends start at $50,000 per year, with supplements for high cost-of-living areas and for certain academic specialties. Financial assistance is available for relocation and health insurance, and $8,000 per year is provided for professional travel. Applications are accepted three times each year: March 1, July 1, and November 1. For further information and to apply, visit: http://nasa.orau.org/postdoc/description/index.htm Questions may be submitted by e-mail to nasapostdoc@orau.org 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 9TH INTERNATIONAL PLANETARY PROBE WORKSHOP The 9th International Planetary Probe Workshop (IPPW-9) will be held at the Institut Superieur de l'Aeronautique et de l'Espace (ISAE) in Toulouse, France on June 18-22, 2012. The workshop will be preceded by a separate two-day short course on "Probe Science Instrumentation Technologies", June 16-17, 2012. The goal of the International Planetary Probe Workshops is to bring together scientists, technologists, engineers, mission designers, and policy makers interested in the technological challenges and scientific opportunities in the exploration of Solar System atmospheres and surfaces using atmospheric entry, descent probes, and aerial vehicles. Topics discussed at the workshop include the political, scientific, and economic outlook for entry probe missions, the science and technology of probes, landers, and penetrators, extreme environment technologies, science instrumentation, entry, descent and landing technologies, site selection, entry and descent trajectory reconstructions, sample return capsules, aerial mobility, and drag, aerobraking and aerocapture techniques. A limited number of student travel grants are available. The deadline for abstract submission is Thursday, March 1, 2012. IPPW-9 is sponsored by NASA, CNES, and ISAE in Toulouse. For more information about the IPPW-9 conference, the short course, abstract submission, and application for student travel grants, please visit: http://www.planetaryprobe.eu/IPPW9/ 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 ISS AND MARS CONFERENCE Explore Mars and International Space University are presenting the International Space Station and Mars Conference in Strasbourg, France on April 12-13, 2012. Explore Mars is happy to offer members of the PEN list a special discount on registration by visiting the registration page at: http://www.issmars-europe.eventbrite.com To get the special discount, enter the discount code: issmarspen The ISS and Mars Conference will advance the the discussion started in 2011 of how ISS can help advance the goal sending humans beyond LEO and on to Mars. The conference will feature some of the top names of space exploration in Europe and around the world. Confirmed and tentative speakers include, Reinhold Ewald (ESA; astronaut) James Garvin (NASA) Diego Urbina (Mars500) Ulrich Kuebler (Astrium) Franklin Chang Diaz (Ad Astra Rocket; former NASA astronaut) Michael Raftery (Boeing) Sam Scimemi (NASA) and many others. Attendees to the conference will also be able to attend the ISU 25th Anniversary/Yuri's Night Reception on April 12th at ISU. This will be an exciting and inspiring party on the anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's flight and ESA Director General, Jean-Jacques Dordain has tentatively agreed to speak at this reception. Chris Carberry Executive Director Explore Mars, Inc 617-909-4425 carberry@exploremars.org 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 PLANETARY GEOPHYSICS POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP The Universities Space Research Association's Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI), in Houston Texas, invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in planetary geophysics. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Walter Kiefer on a NASA-funded project studying the nature of mantle convection on Mars and its effects on the thermal evolution and volcanic history of the planet. The candidate will also have the opportunity to conduct research in planetary geophysics of his or her own choosing. The position requires a Ph.D. in Planetary Science or Geophysics with experience in computer programming and numerical modeling methods, particularly finite elements. Experience with parallel computing in a Linux environment will be an asset. The position will be offered for an initial period of two years with a possible extension to a maximum of three years. Applicants should send a letter of interest, a curriculum vita listing relevant publications, a brief (maximum three pages) statement of research interests, and a list of three references to resume@lpi.usra.edu. Review of candidates will begin on March 15, 2012, with a hiring decision as soon as possible thereafter. Further information about LPI can be found at: http://www.lpi.usra.edu USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 MEPAG AGENDA FOR UPCOMING MEETING POSTED http://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov/meeting/feb-12/index.html The updated agenda for the MEPAG meeting in Washington, DC, on February 27-28, 2012 reflects activities set in motion by the President's budget release on February 13. We will hear from key Headquarters personnel; we are pleased that Associate Administrator John Grunsfeld is presently planning to attend. Please join us for the meeting or watch via WebEx. Joyce N. Pulliam [Edited for content.] 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html April 12-13, 2012 ISS and Mars Conference http://www.issmars-europe.eventbrite.com Strasbourg, France May 29-30, 2012 1st Interplantary CubSat Workshop http://www.iCubeSat.org Cambridge, MA May 29 - June 2, 2012 The Warm Universe: Astrochemistry at Intermediate and Elevated Temperatures http://www.physto.se/~wgeppert/Tallinn2012/ Tallinn, Estonia August 6-10, 2012 Cosmic Dust https://www.cps-jp.org/~dust/Welcome.html Kobe, Japan September 20-23, 2012 International Meteor Conference 2012 http://www.imo.net/imc2012/ La Palma Island, Spain [Editor Note: If there is a planetary-related meeting, conference or workshop of which 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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