PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 7, Number 26 (June 9, 2013) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Susan Benecchi Co-Editors: Mark V. Sykes, Melissa Lane Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. Update - Target NEO 2 Workshop 2. Job Announcement: NASA Goddard 3. Job Announcement: JAXA 4. Postdoctoral Researcher in Planetary Mapping and Impact Studies: Lunar and Planetary Institute 5. Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter - June 2013 6. Announcement of Opportunity to Submit Input to Study on Human Spaceflight 7. [NASA] Draft Earth Venture Instrument 8. Comparative Climatology Symposium (May 7) and Venus Game-Changing Technology Forum (May 8) Presentations Posted 9. ICAR 10. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 11. Lungradcon 2013 Virtual Workshop - Registration Deadline Approaching 12. Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Data Release 25 13. Mars Express Mission Special Products Release 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 UPDATE - TARGET NEO 2 WORKSHOP July 9, 2013 National Academy of Sciences Bldg. 2101 Constitution Ave, NW Washington, DC 8 AM - 6 PM Registration (free) and information: http://targetneo.jhuapl.edu This follow-up to the highly successful Target NEO Workshop, held in February 2011, supports the development of a robust human exploration program by ensuring that the technical viewpoints of experts pertinent to robotic and human NEO exploration are provided and documented. Key Questions: What are the technical challenges involved and what new capabilities are needed for the newly proposed Asteroid Retrieval Mission (ARM)? Are there any alternative approaches? What technical information is still needed to support and sustain a robust human explortion program to a NEO? Outcome: Public Report Session Descriptions: Update to Flexble Path Architecture (Asteroid First) The Small (< 10 m) NEA Population Finding Small NEAs: Current Capabilities and Gaps Small NEA Mission Design Challenges Techical Value of ARM - Panel Discussion 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 JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: NASA GODDARD NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland. Permanent position. The Science and Exploration Directorate, Solar System Exploration Division (SSED), Planetary Systems Laboratory, is seeking a research scientist to provide expertise in spectroscopic study of small solar system bodies and planetary atmospheres. Studies include: 1) High resolution infrared spectroscopic characterization of comets, asteroids, and planetary atmospheres. 2) Development of LTE/non-LTE radiative transfer models capable of interpreting high resolution infrared spectra of small bodies, planets and exoplanets 3) Development of quantum-mechanical models of polyatomic molecules of astrobiological interest. 4) utilization of 3-D general circulation models of planetary atmospheres to understand transport of trace species detectable with high resolution infrared spectroscopy. Candidates must have research experience in planetary atmospheric science and surface composition; infrared spectroscopic observation, analysis, and data reduction; and radiative transfer and atmospheric modeling. U.S. citizenship required. To view the full vacancy announcement go to: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/344238800 Applications must be received by June 28, 2013. For information about the research program and the Planetary Systems Lab, contact Keith Noll, Chief, Lab Chief, at 301-614-5968, or by e-mail at keith.s.noll@nasa.gov. NASA, GSFC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. [Edited for length.] 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 JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: JAXA The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) International Top Young Fellowship (ITYF) was established as a prestigious new fellowship program in 2009. The ITYF is designed to attract outstanding, highly motivated, early-career researchers in any of the space science fields covered by the Institute of Space and Astronautical Sciences (ISAS) to work in Japan for 3 (extendable to 5) years. An excellent remuneration package is offered, including research budget (including travel expense) so that the fellow can extend their international profile, as well as developing collaborations within Japan. The most recent call for JAXA International Top Young Fellowship applications, for FY2013, has been issued. The application deadline is 31 August 2013. Please see the below the link for further details. http://www.jaxa.jp/employ/index_e.html Please feel free to forward this information to those who might be interested in it. Masaki Fujimoto ISAS, JAXA 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 POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER 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: www.lpi.usra.edu The Universities Space Research Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 MARS EXPLORATION SCIENCE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2013 Dear Members of the Mars Community, On behalf of Lisa Pratt (MEPAG Chair), Dave Beaty, Rich Zurek, and Charles Budney of the Mars Program Science Office, attached is the June 2013 edition of the Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter. The latest newsletter can be found on the web at: http://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov 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 ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPPORTUNITY TO SUBMIT INPUT TO STUDY ON HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT The U.S. National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies is currently conducting a congressionally-requested study to examine the goals, core capabilities, and direction of human space flight. The Committee on Human Spaceflight invites interested individuals and groups to submit input papers describing their own ideas on the role of human spaceflight and their vision for a suggested future. In developing their papers, respondents are asked to carefully consider the following broad questions. 1. What are the important benefits provided to the United States and other countries by human spaceflight endeavors? 2. What are the greatest challenges to sustaining a U.S. government program in human spaceflight? 3. What are the ramifications and what would the nation and world lose if the United States terminated NASA's human spaceflight program? Respondents are asked to describe the reasoning that supports their arguments and, to the extent possible, include or cite any evidence that supports their views. In considering #1 above, submitters may consider private as well as government space programs. For more information on the committee and the goals of the study, please see the statement of task at: http://www.nationalacademies.org/humanspaceflight 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] DRAFT EARTH VENTURE INSTRUMENT Release Date: June 4, 2013 Draft AO Prospective Bidders Telecon/WebEx: June 14, 2013 Comments Due: June 28, 2013 Identification Number: NNH13ZDA009J Notice Type: Presolicitation The Earth Venture element of the ESSP Program conducts PI-led science investigations relevant to SMD's Earth Science research program. Earth Venture investigations must address NASA's goals to acquire deeper scientific understanding of the components of the Earth system, their interactions, and the consequences to life of changes in the Earth system. This solicitation calls for proposals for complete PI-led spaceflight instrument development. When deployed on a satellite selected by NASA, these spaceflight instruments will be used to conduct innovative, integrated, hypothesis or scientific question-driven investigations addressing pressing Earth system science issues. NASA will hold an Draft AO Prospective Bidders Telecon/WebEx on Friday, June 14, 2013, to provide an overview of the draft EVI-2 Program Element Appendix (emphasizing the differences between EVI-2 and the prior EVI-1 solicitation) and to address any questions. Information about the Workshop will be made available at: http://essp.larc.nasa.gov/EVI-2/ Comments may be addressed to: Dr. Kenneth Jucks kenneth.w.jucks@nasa.gov (subject line to read "EVI-2 Instruments Draft PEA") [Edited for length.] 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 COMPARATIVE CLIMATOLOGY SYMPOSIUM (MAY 7) AND VENUS GAME-CHANGING TECHNOLOGY FORUM (MAY 8) PRESENTATIONS POSTED Comparative Climatology Symposium presentations The May 7th, 2013 Comparative Climatology Symposium aim to maintain the multidisciplinary dialogue started at the highly informative conference on Comparative Climatology of the Terrestrial Planets held in June 2012. This symposium highlighted the similarities and differences between the environments of the terrestrial planets: Venus, Earth, Mars, and Titan. Speakers presented results from the 2012 CCTP Conference, current Earth climate models, Earth observation, past and current Venus missions, observational studies of the Terrestrial planets and exoplanets, and the influence of the Sun on climate. Presentations (video and PDF) from this Symposium are now posted on the VEXAG website: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/vexag/meetings/ComparativeClimatology /presentations/ Venus Game-Changing Technology Forum (May 8th) presentations Space technology is a vital tool for both scientists and engineers to reach some of the most extreme environments in our solar system. Exploring Venus with these technologies can answer key questions ranging from the history of Venus to the habitability of our universe. To help us understand these challenges, a Venus Game-Changing Technology Forum was held on May 8, 2013. Presentations from that Forum are now posted on the VEXAG website, Meetings Archives tab: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/vexag/meetings/archive/ 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 ICAR First announcement for the Eighth International Conference on Aeolian Research (ICAR VIII). 21st-25th July 2014, Lanzhou, China. Special session on extra-terrestrial aeolian research http://www.2014icar8.com/AboutUs/16.html 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 NASA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) provides opportunities to scientists and engineers to conduct research largely of their own choosing, yet compatible with the research opportunities posted on the NPP Web site. An example of one of the research opportunities in planetary science is: https://www3.orau.gov/NPDoc/Catalog/17721 Selected by a competitive peer-review process, NPP Fellows complete one- to three-year Fellowship appointments that advance NASA's missions in earth science, heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, space bioscience, aeronautics and engineering, human exploration and space operations, 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, 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 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 LUNGRADCON 2013 VIRTUAL WORKSHOP - REGISTRATION DEADLINE APPROACHING The abstract submission and registration deadline is approaching for LunGradCon! Participants must register by June 15th, 2013. The 4th Annual Lunar Graduate Conference (LunGradCon 2013) is to be held on Wednesday, July 10th, prior to the NASA Lunar Science Forum. This year LunGradCon will be an entirely virtual one day workshop. 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. 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 MARS RECONNAISSANCE ORBITER DATA RELEASE 25 The Planetary Data System (PDS) is pleased to announce a new delivery of Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) data for the following instruments: CRISM, CTX, HiRISE, MARCI, MCS, RSS, SPICE There will be no SHARAD data and no derived gravity data for this release. In general, MRO Release 25 includes data collected from August 9, 2012 through November 8, 2012. The release includes HiRISE data for February 4, 2013, to March 30, 2013. To access the above data, please visit the following link: http://pds.nasa.gov/subscription_service/SS-20130601.html To access the latest PDS Data Releases, please visit the following link: http://pds.nasa.gov/subscription_service/SS-Release.html All available PDS data may be found at: http://pds.nasa.gov/tools/data-search/ For further information, see the PDS Home Page: http://pds.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 MARS EXPRESS MISSION SPECIAL PRODUCTS RELEASE The European Space Agency just celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Mars Express mission, which was launched to the Red Planet on 2nd June 2003. Special products released on this occasion: Global mineralogical maps: http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Mars_Express/Ten_years _at_Mars_new_global_views_plot_the_Red_Planet_s_history North pole mosaic: http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Crowning_glory Kasei Valles: http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/Mars_Express/The_ floodwaters_of_Mars Mars Express top 10 highlights: http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=51820 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 December 8-12, 2013 Exoplanets and Disks: Their Formation and Diversity http://exoplanets.astron.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp/SubaruConf13/ Keauhou Kona, HI December 9-13, 2013 AGU Fall Meeting http://fallmeeting.agu.org/2013/ San Francisco, CA March 17-21, 2014 45th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/lpsc2014/ The Woodlands, TX July 21-25, 2014 Eighth International Conference on Aeolian Research (ICAR VIII) http://www.2014icar8.com/AboutUs/16.html Lanzhou, China [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.php, 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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