PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 7, Number 24 (May 26, 2013) 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. Happy Birthday PEN! 2. Target NEO 2 Workshop 3. Changed Location & Dates - 9th Meeting of the NASA Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG 9) 4. Sample Letters on NASA Operating Plan Posted 5. AAS Issues Statement on Proposed Elimination of NASA Science Education & Public Outreach Programs 6. NASA Advisory Council and NASA Planetary Science Subcommittee 7. Postdoctoral Researcher in Planetary Mapping and Impact Studies: Lunar and Planetary Institute 8. 11th Meeting of the NASA Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG 11) 9. [NASA] GSFC Permanent Position, Research Scientist 10. Update - LunGradCon 2013 - Virtual Workshop 11. Availability of Cosmic Dust Particles Collected "Dry" 12. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 13. Inaugural COSPAR Symposium - Planetary Systems of our Sun and other Stars, and the Future of Space Astronomy 14. Assistant Research Physicist Position in Planetary Space Physics at UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory 15. Postdoctoral Position in Planetary Space Physics at UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory 16. 10th Low Cost Planetary Missions Program Finalized, Early Registration Deadline June 3 17. Postdoctoral Researcher, Planetary Science 18. [NASA] Three New Volunteer Review Opportunities 19. [NASA] PDS - Mars Exploration Rovers Data Release 36 20. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions Commercial Announcements C1. "Earth: Evolution of a Habitable World" by Jonathan I. Lunine 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 HAPPY BIRTHDAY PEN! Friday, May 24, was the 6th anniversary of the Planetary Exploration Newsletter! This is our 356th issue. Subscriptions have steadily grown over the years and is currently near 2500. 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 TARGET NEO 2 WORKSHOP July 9, 2013 National Academy of Sciences Bldg. 2101 Constitution Ave, NW Washington, DC Registration and information: http://targetneo.jhuapl.edu Key Focus: Explore and address the technical issues regarding the identification and characterization of a target required to support the Asteroid Retrieval Mission (ARM). These technical issues include questions articulated by the NASA Small Bodies Assessment Group with community input, which will be posted at: http://targetneo.jhuapl.edu/questions.php Purpose: Ensure the collective technical opinions of experts in fields pertinent to both robotic and human exploration of NEOs are heard and documented. Outcome: Public Report Session Descriptions: NASA's New Asteroid Initiative Overview - Context, Target Costraints and Tolerances Characterizing the Small (< 10 m) NEA Population - Orbits, Physical Properties, Compositions, Uncertainties Finding ARM Targets - Current Capabilities (Ground-based, Space-based) and Gaps ARM Design Challenges - Proximity Operations, Post-mission Safety, Alternatives Investigation of Return-on-Investment - Science Augmentation, Follow-on Missions Summary - Techical Issues Resolved, Activity Required to Address Unresolved TIs 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 CHANGED LOCATION & DATES - 9TH MEETING OF THE NASA SMALL BODIES ASSESSMENT GROUP (SBAG 9) As a consequence of new rules for NASA meeting support, the SBAG9 meeting will be held in Washington, DC, at a location TBD, on July 10-11, immediately following the Target NEO 2 Workshop. Meeting information will be posted at: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag/ Agenda items will include - Impact of the Asteroid Initiative to be released at the end of June - Target NEO 2 Workshop results - ISIS asteroid impact mission status - BRRRISON status - NEOWISE restart status - B612 Sentry and Space Act Agreement status - Report from the International Primitive Bodies Exploration Working Group meeting - Mission updates - Chelyabinsk - Planetary defense issues and current strategies - FY13 Operating Plan and FY14 budget proposal impacts (e.g., Discovery and New Frontier call issues) - SBAG committee transitions To get on the SBAG listserv, go to: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag/iOfi/index.cfm 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 SAMPLE LETTERS ON NASA FY13 OPERATING PLAN POSTED Following on to the March 15 Special Report and Analysis on the draft NASA Operating Plan for FY13, Mark Sykes has posted some of his letters to Congress at: http://planetarypolicy.org 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 AAS ISSUES STATEMENT ON PROPOSED ELIMINATION OF NASA SCIENCE EDUCATION & PUBLIC OUTREACH PROGRAMS http://aas.org/media/press-releases/aas-issues-statement-proposed -elimination-nasa-science-education-public 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 ADVISORY COUNCIL AND NASA PLANETARY SCIENCE SUBCOMMITTEE The NASA Advisory Council met at NASA Headquarters in Washington DC on April 24-25, 2013. Their recommendations and findings may be found at: http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/747948main_13-04_Recommendations.pdf Recommendations regarding NASA EPO are found on pages 9 and 10. The NASA Planetary Science Subcommittee held a telecon on April 4-5, 2013 and its findings are posted at: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/pss/april2013/MeetingReport.pdf 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 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH IN PLANETARY MAPPING AND IMPACT STUDIES: LUNAR AND PLANETARY INSTITUTE Universities Space Research Association (USRA) invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship in planetary science in Houston, Texas. The candidate will work with Dr. Paul Schenk, investigating the impact crater shapes and distributions on icy satellites, including Enceladus, using the entire Cassini image library, and supplementary stereo and shape-from-shading techniques (although experience in these tools is not required). The candidate will also be expected to develop their own research projects using this data. Candidate must have a recent Ph.D. in geology or geophysics and have a strong background in remote sensing/image processing of spacecraft data, and preferably experience in geophysical or mapping investigations. The position is generally for two years, with a possible extension to three years. Apply to the posting at: https://usracareers.silkroad.com/ include a letter of interest, a curriculum vita with a list of publications, a brief statement of research interests, and a list of three references. Review of candidates begins August 1, 2013, with a hiring decision, as soon as possible thereafter. Information on current research and facilities at the LPI is found on our website: http://www.lpi.usra.edu The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 11TH MEETING OF THE NASA VENUS EXPLORATION ANALYSIS GROUP (VEXAG 11) The Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG) Meeting #11 will be held November 19-21, 2013, in the Washington, DC, area. 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 [NASA] GSFC PERMANENT POSITION, RESEARCH SCIENTIST The Astrochemistry Laboratory, Greenbelt, Maryland, is seeking a research scientist to provide expertise in studies of trace materials in complex organic compounds of astrobiological and cosmochemical interest. This includes analyses of natural samples of amino acids and other organic materials extracted from meteorites, interplanetary dust particles, material returned via NASA missions, and analog samples utilizing chromatography and mass spectrometry; and development of advanced in situ methods and organic detection instrumentation for future planetary missions. A record of successful planetary proposals and peer-reviewed publications is required. PhD in a relevant field preferred. Experience in characterizing organic and biochemical materials to investigate questions of astrochemical and astrobiological interest related to the Origin of Life using chromatography and mass spectrometry, method development for the analysis of small organic compounds, and handling of precious, often irreplaceable samples is required. To view the full vacancy announcement which contains further information, including how to apply go to: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/343298800 Applications must be received by June 10, 2013. For information about the research program please contact: Jason Dworkin, Chief, Astrochemistry Lab 301-286-8631 Jason.P.Dworkin@nasa.gov NASA, GSFC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 UPDATE - LUNGRADCON 2013 - VIRTUAL WORKSHOP Registration is now open for the 4th Annual Lunar Graduate Conference (LunGradCon 2013) to be held on Wednesday, July 10th, prior to the NASA Lunar Science Forum. This year LunGradCon will be entirely virtual and held from 9:00AM-2:00PM PDT (tentative). Participants can choose to join in using Adobe Connect, Google+ HangOuts, or a call-in polycom system. LunGradCon is organized to provide an opportunity for graduate students and early-career postdocs to present their research in a low-stress, friendly environment, being critiqued only by their peers. In keeping with the future direction of the NLSI, we encourage participation from all students and postdocs investigating the Moon, Near Earth Asteroids, Phobos and Deimos, and the near space environments of these target bodies. For more details, please visit: http://lasp.colorado.edu/ccldas/lgc2013 or email any questions to: lungradcon@gmail.com The abstract submission and registration deadline is Saturday, June 15th, 2013. 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 AVAILABILITY OF COSMIC DUST PARTICLES COLLECTED "DRY" Since 1981, NASA has continuously collected interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) in the lower stratosphere by inertial impact onto silicone oil-coated flat plate collectors deployed underneath the wings of high-altitude aircraft. The highly viscous oil captures and holds particles, but also contaminates the grains with some organics. Based on a collection scheme utilizing polyurethane foam, and pioneered by Scott Messenger (NASA JSC) [Messenger et al. (2012) 43rd Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, abstract #2696], we now offer samples from two collectors that sampled the lower stratosphere from October 2012 to January 2013. Workers are invited to request samples of these polyurethane collectors, as they normally would for cosmic dust from NASA's Cosmic Dust Curator. There are no deadlines for sample requests, and all sample requests must first be approved by a peer review, as always. Please visit the Cosmic Dust Curation website for complete details: http://curator.jsc.nasa.gov/dust/index.cfm 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 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, exploration systems, lunar science, astrobiology, or astrophysics. 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 $53,500 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 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 INAUGURAL COSPAR SYMPOSIUM - PLANETARY SYSTEMS OF OUR SUN AND OTHER STARS, AND THE FUTURE OF SPACE ASTRONOMY Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) will hold its inaugural COSPAR Symposium in Bangkok, Thailand, from 11 to 15 November, 2013. The theme of the symposium will be "Planetary Systems of our Sun and other Stars, and the Future of Space Astronomy." We will have seven sessions: 1. Comparative Planetology 2. Future of Space Astronomy 3. Space Observations and Advanced Retrieval Techniques 4. Astrobiology: Origin and Evolution of Habitable Bodies and Life 5. Exoplanets and Solar Systems: the "Beginnings" 6. Ionosphere, Magnetosphere and Space Physics 7. Citizen Science, Outreach, Education, Amateur Astronomy, Scientific Ballooning Please find out more about the meeting here: http://cospar2013.gistda.or.th/ And submit abstracts: http://cospar2013.gistda.or.th/content2.php?slug=abstract The meeting's Local Organisers are Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) and the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT). 14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14 ASSISTANT RESEARCH PHYSICIST POSITION IN PLANETARY SPACE PHYSICS AT UC BERKELEY SPACE SCIENCES LABORATORY The Space Physics Research Group (SPRG) at the UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) is seeking to fill one or more positions at the level of Assistant Research Physicist, in the area of Mars aeronomy and/or space plasma physics, with an emphasis on science operations for, and analysis of data from, the Mars Atmosphere, Volatile and Evolution (MAVEN) Mars Scout mission. The goal of MAVEN is to determine the role that loss of atmospheric gas to space played in changing the Martian climate through time. Duties may include, but are not limited to: participation in twice-weekly science operations meetings, instrument calibration and cross-calibration, analysis of instrument data, modeling and disseminating results through publications, quarterly team-wide meetings and conferences. The ideal candidate should have a Ph.D. and at least two years of postdoctoral experience in aeronomy and/or space plasma physics. He/she should have strong analytical and programming skills. Familiarity with the physics of the Mars-solar wind interaction is desirable. In-house data analysis software is written in IDL, so IDL experience is preferable. Applications are due 2013/08/31. For more application information, please visit: http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~rlillis/MAVEN /MAVEN_Berkeley_Assistant_Research_Physicist_announcement.txt 15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15 POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN PLANETARY SPACE PHYSICS AT UC BERKELEY SPACE SCIENCES LABORATORY The Space Physics Research Group (SPRG) at the UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory (SSL) is seeking to fill one or more postdoctoral positions, specifically in the area of Mars aeronomy and/or space plasma physics, with an emphasis on science operations for, and analysis of data from, the Mars Atmosphere, Volatile and Evolution (MAVEN) Mars Scout mission. The goal of MAVEN is to determine the role that loss of atmospheric gas to space played in changing the Martian climate through time. Duties may include, but are not limited to: participation in twice-weekly science operations meetings, instrument calibration and cross-calibration, analysis of instrument data, modeling and disseminating results through publications, quarterly team-wide meetings and conferences. Successful candidates should have or soon expect to receive a Ph.D. in aeronomy and/or space plasma physics. Familiarity with the physics of the Mars-solar wind interaction is desirable. He/she should have strong analytical and programming skills. In-house data analysis software is written in IDL, so IDL experience is preferable. Applications are due 2013/08/31. For more application information, please visit: http://sprg.ssl.berkeley.edu/~rlillis/MAVEN /MAVEN_Berkeley_Postdoc_announcement.txt 16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16 10th LOW COST PLANETARY MISSIONS PROGRAM FINALIZED, EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE JUNE 3 The 10th Low Cost Planetary Missions organizing committee would like to announce that the program has been finalized and is available at the meeting website: http://lcpm10.caltech.edu LCPM-10 will take place on the campus of Caltech in Pasadena, CA, June 18-20 2013. We have over 80 oral and poster presentations by leading scientists, engineers, technologists, and international agency officials. Sessions will cover the most recent results from missions in operation, progress reports from missions and instruments under development, and forward-looking ideas for the next generation of low cost missions, including cubesats and smallsats. Additionally, there will be a panel discussion on the role of robotic exploration in the campaign for human exploration of the Solar System. LCPM-10 is the ideal forum for anyone with interest in the future of low cost planetary exploration. The early registration deadline of June 3 is rapidly approaching. Please note that LCPM-10 is a NASA-approved conference, so NASA personnel are approved to attend pending the final approval of their respective Center. We look forward to welcoming you to Pasadena next month. 17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER, PLANETARY SCIENCE The Earth and Planetary Sciences Department at the University of Tennessee invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in planetary remote sensing. Research will focus on thermal modeling of asteroid regoliths in support of the NASA-funded OSIRIS-REx sample return mission. Specific tasks will include assisting in the development and testing of an asteroid thermal emission model to be used by the mission as well as analysis of existing thermal data of analog asteroids. Experience with numerical modeling is required. Candidates must have a PhD in the physical sciences (planetary science, geology, astronomy, physics, or related fields). The initial appointment is for one year, but the appointment is renewable for an additional year. Review of applications will begin July 1, 2013, and the position will remain open until filled. The expected start date is October 1, 2013. Applicants should submit (electronic submission is preferred) resume, statement of research experience and interests, and letters of recommendation from three references to: Prof. Joshua Emery (jemery2@utk.edu) Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences University of Tennessee Knoxville, TN 37996 UTK is a EEO/AA/Title IX/Section 504/ADA employer. 18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18-18 [NASA] THREE NEW VOLUNTEER REVIEW OPPORTUNITIES NASA has three new volunteer reviewer web forms on the SARA web page. The Science Mission Directorate is currently seeking volunteer reviewers for the evaluation of proposals to: Origins of Solar Systems (ROSES Appendix E.3) Instrument Concepts for Europa Exploration (ROSES Appendix C.22) and STMD is seeking volunteers for the Space Technology Research Opportunities-Early Stage Innovations Program. All of these and others can be found at: http://science.nasa.gov/researchers/volunteer-review-panels/ 19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19-19 [NASA] PDS - MARS EXPLORATION ROVERS DATA RELEASE 36 The Planetary Data System (PDS) is pleased to announce Release 36 of Mars Exploration Rover data. This release includes primarily data from Sols 3061 through 3150 and includes data only from Opportunity, MER1/B. It includes data from the following instruments: APXS Atmospheric Opacity HAZCAM NAVCAM MI PANCAM RAT Rover Motion Counter SPICE There are no Mini-TES, Moessbauer, or Radio Science data in this release. To access the above data, please visit the following link: http://pds.nasa.gov/subscription_service/SS-20130524.html The following special services are provided for accessing MER data: MER Analyst's Notebook: http://an.rsl.wustl.edu/mer/ Planetary Image Atlas: http://pds-imaging.jpl.nasa.gov/search/mer/ 20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20-20 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html July 9, 2013 Target NEO 2 Workshop http://targetneo.jhuapl.edu Washington, DC CHANGED July 10-11, 2013 9th Meeting of the NASA Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG9) http://www.lpi.usra.edu/sbag/meetings/ Washington, DC November 19-21, 2013 11th Meeting of the Venus Exploration Analysis Group (VEXAG 11) http://www.lpi.usra.edu/vexag/ Washington, DC [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.] *********************************************************************** COMMERCIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS *********************************************************************** C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1 "EARTH: EVOLUTION OF A HABITABLE WORLD" BY JONATHAN I. LUNINE Cambridge University Press is pleased to announce the second edition of Jonathan Lunine's well-received textbook. Fully updated throughout, including revised illustrations and new images from space missions, this new edition provides an overview of Earth's history from a planetary science perspective for Earth and planetary science undergraduates. Earth's evolution is described in the context of what we know about other planets and the cosmos at large, from the origin of the cosmos to the processes that shape planetary environments and from the origins of life to the inner workings of cells. New end-of-chapter summaries and questions allow students to check their understanding and critical thinking is emphasized to encourage students to explore ideas scientifically for themselves. Professor Chris Impey, University Distinguished Professor, University of Arizona says: "The keenly awaited second edition of Lunine's book does not disappoint. The clarity of writing and level of scholarship remain high, and there is no other treatment of our planet with this interdisciplinary breadth." Further information may be found at: http://www.cambridge.org/us/knowledge/isbn/item6860652/ *********************************************************************** * 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. Title plus text is limited to 200 words. Go to * http://planetarynews.org/submission.html for complete submission * directions. * * PEN is a service provided by the Planetary Science Institute * (http://www.psi.edu). **********************************************************************