PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 7, Number 55 (November 17, 2013) 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. [NASA] Important Changes in the NASA Planetary Science Division's (PSD) Radioisotope Program 2. [NASA] Astrophysics Explorer AO Announcement 3. Postdoc Advertisement 4. Graduate and Postdoctoral Fellowships in Exploration 5. International Space Station (ISS) Research and Development Conference 6. Message Regarding ESA's ExoMars Landing Site Selection Working Group 7. Position at the University of Pittsburgh 8. Request for Instrument Posters, VEXAG Technology Forum 9. New Abstract Deadline - Workshop on the Habitability of Icy Worlds 10. 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 [NASA] IMPORTANT CHANGES IN THE NASA PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION’S (PSD) RADIOISOTOPE PROGRAM James Green, Director, Planetary Science Division NASA For the last several years PSD has been investing in Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) technology with the intent to fabricate flight units for deep space missions. The advanced Stirling technology was selected to take advantage of its increased efficiency over the Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermal Generator (MMRTG), since the supply of Plutonium-238 (Pu-238) was limited at the time. Now, with the restart of the Pu-238 production project this year, we expect to have a sufficient supply of Pu-238 for radioisotope power well into the future. With an adequate supply of Pu-238, and considering the current budget- constrained environment, NASA has decided to discontinue procurement of ASRG flight hardware. We have given direction to the Department of Energy, which manages the flight procurement, to end work on the flight units. The hardware procured under this activity will be transferred to the Glenn Research Center to continue development and testing of the Stirling technology. For future planetary missions that require radioisotope power systems the flight-proven MMRTG will be made available. It is important to note that the MMRTG and the ASRG were designed to provide approximately the same electrical power output. I am happy to discuss this decision at all the upcoming Assessment Group meetings and at the American Geophysical Union meeting next month where I will address any questions that you may have. [Length exemption] 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] ASTROPHYSICS EXPLORER AO ANNOUNCEMENT Community Announcement on Astrophysics Explorer AO – NNH14ZDA002J The NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is releasing this Community Announcement concerning its intention to solicit investigations for the Astrophysics Explorer Program. The Astrophysics Explorer Program conducts Principal Investigator (PI)-led space science investigations to advance NASA's strategic goals in astrophysics, which are to discover the origin, structure, evolution, and destiny of the Universe and search for Earth-like planets. Additional information concerning these areas of investigation is provided through appropriate links found on the SMD homepage at: http://science.nasa.gov/ Further information as it becomes available will be posted on the Explorer Program Acquisition website at: http://explorers.larc.nasa.gov/APSMEX Questions or comments about this intention to release an Astrophysics SMEX AO may be addressed in writing or by E-mail to the Astrophysics Explorer Program Scientist (NOTE: subject line to read "Astrophysics SMEX AO"): Dr. Wilton T. Sanders SMD, NASA wilton.t.sanders@nasa.gov Responses to all inquiries will be answered by E-mail and also posted weekly at the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) location of the Explorer Program Acquisition website; anonymity of persons/institutions who submit questions will be preserved. 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 POSTDOC ADVERTISEMENT The Caltech Postdoctoral Scholars Program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) invites applications for a postdoctoral research position in JPL's Planetary Science Section. The research will involve selection of landing sites for the 2016 InSight Discovery and 2020 Mars Rover Missions. Dr. Matt Golombek will serve as JPL postdoctoral advisor to the selected candidate who will carry out research in collaboration with the advisor, resulting in publications. Candidates should have a recent PhD in Planetary Geology or related field with a strong background using and analyzing Mars remote sensing data. Experience in ArcGIS is highly desirable as well as experience working with and/or generating digital elevation models. Candidates who received their PhD within the past five years prior to the date of their application are eligible. The annual starting salary for recent PhD is US$52,000 and can vary somewhat according to the applicant's qualifications. Postdoctoral Scholar positions are awarded for a minimum of one-year period and may be renewed to a maximum of three years. Please send a letter describing your research interests, a curriculum vitae, a list of three references (with telephone numbers, postal and email address) to: Matt Golombek, mgolombek@jpl.nasa.gov. Further information is available at: http://postdocs.jpl.nasa.gov/researchapplicants/jobpostings/index.cfm? FuseAction=ShowJobPosting&JobPostingID=474 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 GRADUATE AND POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS IN EXPLORATION Invitations are now being accepted for Undergraduate Student, Graduate Student (MSc and PhD) and Postdoctoral Fellowships in Exploration. These positions are funded through a 6-year NSERC CREATE project entitled "Technologies and Techniques for Earth and Space Exploration", led by the Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration at The University of Western Ontario, Canada. Collaborating institutions are the University of British Columbia, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Queen’s University, University of Toronto, and York University. Positions may be tenable at any of these 6 universities. This program provides interdisciplinary training and opportunities in 4 key areas of research: 1) Earth and Planetary Materials Research 2) Mechatronic Tools 3) Imaging and Analysis Instrumentation 4) Exploration Surface Systems Fellows will benefit from participation in cutting-edge short courses, research, and internships with industry and government. A full description of this program and details in the application process can be found at: http://create.uwo.ca Applications are due by January 17, 2012 via email to cpsx@uwo.ca. 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 INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS) RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE The 3rd Annual International Space Station (ISS) Research and Development Conference will be held June 17-19, 2014, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. A Call for Papers is available from AAS at: http://www.astronautical.org Abstract categories are Discoveries in Microgravity Science; Discoveries in Space Science, Earth Science, Engineering and Education; Applications Benefiting Earth; Applications Enabling Exploration; Applications in Technology; Commercial Applications; and Opportunities. Topics should relate to science, exploration and technology activities (past, present, planned or under development) on the International Space Station. The deadline for submitting abstracts is February 14, 2014. The conference will focus on ISS discoveries, applications and opportunities in physical sciences, life sciences, Earth and space sciences, STEM education and spacecraft technology and exploration development. Plenary sessions will highlight major results and pathways to future opportunities. Parallel technical sessions will provide tracks for scientists to be updated on significant accomplishments to date within their disciplines. Organizations managing and funding research on ISS will provide overviews of upcoming opportunities. Please join us for this conference offering perspectives on the full breadth of research and technology development on ISS. Details and registration information will be posted at: http://astronautical.org/node/251 [Edited for length] 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 MESSAGE REGARDING ESA'S EXOMARS LANDING SITE SELECTION WORKING GROUP To Members of the Mars Exploration Community: On Nov. 4, an announcement was circulated to the MEPAG mailing list regarding the call for letters of application for membership in ESA’s ExoMars Landing Site Selection Working Group (LSSWG). NASA has received a number of questions from members of the U.S. community regarding whether they could expect support if they were to apply and be selected. Dr. Michael Meyer, NASA’s Mars Lead Scientist, has indicated that NASA intends to support the ExoMars landing site process, including by means of travel support for a few selected U.S. members of the steering committee. As a reminder, the deadline for these application letters is Monday, 25 November 2013 (12:00 CET). 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 POSITION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH I would like to call everyone's attention to a new T/TS position in "Geoscience Sustainability" in the Department of Geology and Planetary Science at the University of Pittsburgh. More information can be found at the Department's website: http://www.geology.pitt.edu/about/news/Sustainability_Position.html We are interested in a wide range of skills, but of particular interest would be researchers involved large-scale global geospatial analysis of data focused on natural disasters (particularly volcano and volcano- climate studies), climate change and/or glacial processes, all of which could also include planetary analog studies/research. Review of applicants will begin on January 1, 2014 and proceed until theposition is filled. A Ph.D. is required at the time of appointment, and the position begins in the fall term of 2014, subject to budgetary approval. Michael Ramsey (Professor & Associate Department Chair) University of Pittsburgh 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 REQUEST FOR INSTRUMENT POSTERS, VEXAG TECHNOLOGY FORUM November 19, 2013 If you are planning on exhibiting an instrument poster in the evening session, please send the title to Renee Atkins (ratkins@nasaprs.com). We are trying to estimate the number of posters and how to arrange them. 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 NEW ABSTRACT DEADLINE - WORKSHOP ON THE HABITABILITY OF ICY WORLDS Abstract Deadline extended to 26 November 2013 February 5–7, 2014, Pasadena, Calif. http://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/icyworlds2014 The primary objective of this workshop will be to focus on the astrobiological potential of icy worlds in the outer solar system– including Europa, Ganymede, Enceladus, Titan and beyond–with discussion on future research directions and spacecraft missions that can best assess that potential. The agenda for the workshop will be organized around thematic sessions that address the potential habitability of the unique planetary environments of the outer solar system. Presentations on research involving terrestrial analogs for icy world environments are also encouraged. The workshop will be divided into thematic sessions on: water and exotic solvents; chemical energy for life; organics and their detection; ocean physics and chemistry; icy world activity and habitability over time; continuing and future outer solar system exploration. 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 MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS June 8-13, 2014 Goldschmidt 2014 http://goldschmidt.info/2014/index Sacramento, CA September 18-21, 2014 International Meteor Conference 2014 http://www.imo.net/ Giron, France [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.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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