PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 10, Number 19 (May 1, 2016) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Susan Benecchi Co-Editors: Mark V. Sykes, Karen R. Stockstill-Cahill Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. Planetary Scientist Civil Service Position 2. Mars Exploration Zone Map Design Competition 3. Lunar and Small Bodies Graduate Conference 2016 4. [NASA] Second Community Announcement - New Frontiers AO 5. [NASA] New Frontiers Program June Technology Workshop 6. [NASA] Advance Notice of New Program Element: Concepts for Ocean Worlds Life Detection Technology 7. USRA Postdoctoral Scientist Position at Arecibo Observatory 8. Restructured PSD R&A Programs, Mars: Feedback Requested by May 9 9. Asteroids, Comets, Meteors 2017 - 1st Circular 10. [NASA] PDS - New Rosetta Data Releases by the Small Bodies Node 11. Call for Participation - Training Opportunity 12. The DPS and EPSC are Headed to Pasadena in October 13. Planetary Geomorphology 'Image of the Month' 14. 7th Planetary Crater Consortium Meeting 15. 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 PLANETARY SCIENTIST CIVIL SERVICE POSITION The Heliophysics and Planetary Science Office at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center is filling a Planetary Scientist civil service position. The candidate will be the project scientist for the Space Launch System (SLS), providing relevant expertise on Solar System destinations for human and robotic exploration. The candidate will also become a part of the MSFC Planetary Science group http://planetary.msfc.nasa.gov We are especially interested in adding capability in remote sensing of solid surfaces to complement our existing expertise in geochronology and geophysics. The candidate is expected to bring or build a strong independent scientific research program through peer- reviewed proposals to NASA programs and/or through involvement in NASA planetary missions. All candidates must use the USAJobs.gov website to prepare and submit applications. The position is now open, and accessible at: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/436419800/ United States citizenship is required to be eligible for this civil service position. The listing will close on May 3, 2016. Questions: Dr. Barbara Cohen MSFC Planetary Sciences barbara.a.cohen@nasa.gov 256-961-7566 or Michael Goodman MSFC Science Research Office deputy manager michael.goodman@nasa.gov 256-961-7890 A how-to guide for preparing responsive applications using the USAJobs.gov site will be provided upon request. 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 MARS EXPLORATION ZONE MAP DESIGN COMPETITION What kind of map is needed to best aid human explorers of Mars? The ICA Commission on Planetary Cartography is organizing a competition for creating maps to find a suitable landing site. This is an international call for designing maps of any of the 47 candidate 2035 human landing sites on Mars. It is open to students, cartographers, and graphic artists from all countries. The winner will be invited to the 2017 International Cartographic Conference in Washington, D.C. Please read the details at: https://planetcarto.wordpress.com/2016/04/22/mars-exploration-zone- map-competition/ ICA Commission on Planetary Cartography 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 LUNAR AND SMALL BODIES GRADUATE CONFERENCE 2016 Abstract submission deadline: June 3 Registration is now open for the 7th Annual Lunar and Small Bodies Graduate Conference (LunGradCon 2016) to be held on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at the NASA Ames Research Center, preceding the NASA Exploration Science Forum (ESF). With the expanded interests of the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI), the scope of this year's LunGradCon includes both lunar and small bodies science. LunGradCon provides an opportunity for grad students and early-career postdocs to present their research on lunar and small body science in a low-stress, friendly environment, being critiqued only by their peers. In addition to oral presentations, the conference presents opportunities for professional development and networking with fellow grad students and postdocs, as well as senior members of SSERVI. A limited amount of funding will be provided for travel and lodging costs. The deadline for registration and abstract submission is June 3rd 2016, 11:59 PM PDT. For more details, please visit: http://impact.colorado.edu/lungradcon/2016/ or email any questions to: lungradcon@gmail.com 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] SECOND COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT - NEW FRONTIERS AO A Second community announcement has been posted regarding the New Frontiers Program Announcement of Opportunity giving more details about the six mission themes, including their science objectives. The full text of both the first and second community announcement may be viewed at: http://newfrontiers.larc.nasa.gov/ 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] NEW FRONTIERS PROGRAM JUNE TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOP PSD plans to host a one-day technology workshop divided into two sections: briefings on each technology offering in the morning and the opportunity for small-group meetings in the afternoon. The workshop is tentatively scheduled for June first or second and will be Webcast. The full text of the New Frontiers Program June Technology Workshop announcement has been posted at: http://newfrontiers.larc.nasa.gov/technology_workshop.html and more information will be posted in the future at: http://newfrontiers.larc.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 [NASA] ADVANCE NOTICE OF NEW PROGRAM ELEMENT: CONCEPTS FOR OCEAN WORLDS LIFE DETECTION TECHNOLOGY PSD expects to release a new program element entitled Concepts for Ocean worlds Life Detection Technology (COLDTech) which will support the development of technology beneficial for surface and subsurface missions to explore ocean worlds such as Europa and Enceladus. Specifically, COLDTech will seek to advance the maturity of science instruments and sample acquisition and delivery systems for such missions. While instruments focused on the detection of extant life in the ocean worlds of the outer Solar System are especially of interest, COLDTech will not be limited to such instruments. Placeholder text has been posted for this as program element C.20 of ROSES-2016 and the due dates are listed as TBD. When the final text is released it will be via amendment to ROSES-2016. Proposals will be due no less than 90 days after release. Questions: Dr. Curt Niebur (202) 358-0390 curt.niebur@nasa.gov 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 USRA POSTDOCTORAL SCIENTIST POSITION AT ARICEBO OBSERVATORY The Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is seeking applicants for a Postdoctoral Scientist position in the Planetary Radar group at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. This position would involve observations, data processing, archiving, and modeling of near-Earth asteroids and other Solar System bodies with the Arecibo Planetary Radar system. Experience in astronomical observations of Solar System objects, small-bodies geophysics, astronomical instrumentation, and/or numerical inverse modeling is desirable. Experience with radar observations and techniques, programming languages, and Linux systems is preferred but not required. The incumbent would be expected to participate in radar observations and also carry out an independent research program. The Observatory has significant computing facilities. Conference travel and equipment support are available. This position shall be for a two year appointment with the likely renewal of one year. The successful applicant will be a resident in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and will be an employee of USRA. For a full description and to apply directly at: https://usra-openhire.silkroad.com/epostings/index.cfm?fuseaction =app.jobinfo&jobid=405 USRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity 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 RESTRUCTURED PSD R&A PROGRAMS, MARS: FEEDBACK REQUESTED BY MAY 9 Mars community, Your feedback is requested! Jeff Johnson, MEPAG Chair, has been asked by the Space Studies Board (SSB) for the Mars community's perspective on the efficacy of NASA's Planetary Science Division (PSD) Research and Analysis (R&A) programs. The Mars community feedback will comprise a portion of Jeff's presentation to an SSB R&A Review Committee. The committee will hold its first meeting at the National Academy of Sciences on May 12-13, and has invited representatives from all of the PSD analysis groups. In particular, the committee has been tasked to address the following questions: 1. Are the PSD R&A program elements appropriately linked to, and do they encompass the range and scope of activities needed to support the NASA Strategic Objective for Planetary Science and the Planetary Science Division Science Goals, as articulated in the 2014 NASA Science Plan? 2. Are the PSD R&A program elements appropriately structured to develop the broad base of knowledge and broad range of activities needed both to enable new spaceflight missions and to interpret and maximize the scientific return from existing missions? Please answer the survey questions by May 9 at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1jlek-3IeOfBXe6juOx-hqT3iLhiG Esm1bjS7Y3A2PgM/viewform [Edited for length.] 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 ASTEROIDS, COMETS, METEORS 2017 - 1ST CIRCULAR 10-14 April 2017 Montevideo, Uruguay www.acm2017.uy The series of conferences "Asteroids, Comets, Meteors" focuses on the research of small Solar System bodies. The series constitutes the leading international meeting in this field. The first three conferences took place in Uppsala, Sweden in the 1980's, and afterwards they were organized every ~3 years all over the world. Next year's meeting will be held in the Edificio Polifuncional Jose Luis Massera that belongs to the Universidad de la Republica and is located beside the Faculty of Engineering. The building is located near the sea coast in a beautiful green area called Parque Rodo. There are several hotels and restaurants in the surroundings within walking distances. Furthermore, Montevideo downtown is only a ten minute drive away. There are several bus lines connecting downtown with Parque Rodo. For those interested in attending, please, fill the form with your personal data. Provide us a tentative title of your contribution and/or the subject you are working on: http://acm2017.uy/x/pre-registration/ Funds are very limited, so we expect to cover some accommodation expenses for graduate students and recent PhDs; and it will be possible to waive the registration fee for some people needing some assistance. [Edited for length.] 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] PDS - NEW ROSETTA DATA RELEASES BY THE SMALL BODIES NODE Small Bodies Node of the NASA Planetary Data System is pleased to announce that the following datasets have been released: * Shape models of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko * Rosetta-Orbiter MIDAS Escort 2 67P Calibrated Data * Rosetta-Orbiter GIADA Escort 2 67P Raw and Calibrated Data * Rosetta-Orbiter RPCIES Escort 2 67P Raw and Calibrated Data * Rosetta-Orbiter NavCam Extension 1 MTP026 67P Raw Data The datasets are ESA PSA certified. To see and download the data as well as mission and instrument information, go to: http://pdssbn.astro.umd.edu/ The data can be also accessed through the ESA PSA website: http://www.sciops.esa.int/index.php?project=PSA&page=rosetta 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 CALL FOR PARTICIPATION - TRAINING OPPORTUNITY Photogrammetric Processing of Planetary Stereo Imagery using USGS Integrated Software for Imagers and Spectrometers and SOCET SET The Planetary Photogrammetry Guest Facility at the Astrogeology Science Center of the U.S. Geological Survey would like to announce its Call for Participation for a training opportunity on July 25-27, 2016. This training will cover photogrammetric processing of planetary stereo imagery using USGS Integrated Software for Imagers and Spectrometers and SOCET SET software developed by BAE Systems. The training is FREE to participants, and will cover end-to-end, hands-on photogrammetric procedures for surface extraction (i.e., digital elevation model generation) from Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter HiRISE image pairs. For additional information and sign-up instructions, please see: http://astrogeology.usgs.gov/facilities/photogrammetry-guest-facility For information about a USGS Integrated Software for Imagers and Spectrometers Hands-on Workshop being held July 28-29, 2016 - also hosted by the Astrogeology Science Center, please see: https://isis.astrogeology.usgs.gov/fixit/projects/isis/news Interested individuals can attended both the SOCET SET and the USGS Integrated Software for Imagers and Spectrometers workshops. 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 THE DPS AND EPSC ARE HEADED TO PASADENA IN OCTOBER Pasadena, California 16-21 October 2016 Please join us for the joint 48th Division of Planetary Sciences (DPS) and 11th European Planetary Science Congress (EPSC) meeting in Pasadena, California, 16-21 October 2016 at the Pasadena Convention Center, 300 East Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101. We anticipate an exciting program that captures the breadth of international planetary science by combining the scientific results of the participants in the DPS and EPSC research communities at one single joint meeting. Registration will open soon. Visit the meeting website for more information. We hope to see you in Pasadena! https://aas.org/meetings/dps48 KEY DATES 3 May Abstract Submission Opens 23 May Workshop Proposal Deadline (to be included in the meeting registration form) 23 June Abstract Deadline 5 July Exhibit Deadline 2 August Late Abstract Deadline (poster submissions only) 14 September Hotel Reservation Deadline 16 September Dependent Care Grant Application Deadline 13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13-13 PLANETARY GEOMORPHOLOGY 'IMAGE OF THE MONTH' The May image of the month is now available at the IAG's Planetary Geomorphology web page: http://planetarygeomorphology.wordpress.com/ This month's topic is "Martian Maars: Valuable Sites in the Search for Traces of Past Martian Life". Contributed by Dr. Sandro Rossato, Department of Geosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. You can follow IAG Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/PlanetaryGeomorphology) or Twitter @PlanetGeomorpho. Susan Conway (Chair, IAG Planetary Geomorphology working group) 14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14 7TH PLANETARY CRATER CONSORTIUM MEETING The 7th Planetary Crater Consortium meeting will be held August 17-19, 2016, at Brown University in Providence, RI. The Planetary Crater Consortium is open to planetary scientists interested in any aspect of impact cratering on solar system bodies, including observational, theoretical, experimental, and numerical studies. The meeting is a combination of invited talks, contributed talks, and open discussion. Abstract deadline is Friday, August 5, 2016. For more information, see: http://www.planetarycraterconsortium.nau.edu or contact Nadine Barlow (Nadine.Barlow@nau.edu). 15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html July 19, 2016 Lunar and Small Bodies Graduate Conference (LunGradCon 2016) http://impact.colorado.edu/lungradcon/2016/ Moffett Field, CA August 17-19, 2016 7th Planetary Crater Consortium Meeting http://www.planetarycraterconsortium.nau.edu Providence, RI April 10-14, 2017 Asteroids, Comets, Meteors 2017 (ACM 2017) http://acm2017.uy Montevideo, Uruguay [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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