PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 11, Number 21 (May 21, 2017) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Mark V. Sykes Co-Editors: Karen Stockstill-Cahill, Elisabeth Adams Email: pen_editor at psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. Planetary Exploration Newsletter Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary 2. Call for Small Microgravity Experiments 3. ROSES-17 Amendment: K2 GO6 TBD Pending Revision 4. Community Announcement Regarding Europa Lander Instrument Investigation Program Element Appendix 5. Call for External Reviewers, NASA Postdoctoral Program 6. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 7. NASA Research Announcement: Early Stage Innovations Appendix 8. Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter for May 2017 9. Mapping and Planetary Spatial Infrastructure Team (MAPSIT) Community Meeting 10. Third Announcement: Astrobiology 2017 11. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions Commercial Announcements: C1. Cassini-Huygens Owner's Workshop Manual C2. The Ringed Planet - Cassini's Voyage of Discovery at Saturn 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 EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER CELEBRATES ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY The first Planetary Exploration Newsletter was released on May 24, 2007. This is the 581st newsletter. Today PEN has 3280 subscribers worldwide, and the number continues to grow. We would like to thank our colleagues in the international planetary community who have made this newsletter of value and the past editors whose weekly efforts over the years has made it possible: 2010-2017, Susan Benecchi 2009-2016, Melissa Lane 2007-2010, Nic Richmond 2007-2009, Matt Balme As we note at the end, PEN is a service provided by the Planetary Science Institute (http://www.psi.edu) using no NASA funds. All editorial work is volunteer. Mark V. Sykes (2007-Present) Karen Stockstill-Cahill (2016-Present) Elisabeth Adams (2017-Present) 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 CALL FOR SMALL MICROGRAVITY EXPERIMENTS The NASA Astromaterials group at JSC is looking for ideas for small microgravity experiments that can be sent to the International Space Station (ISS). Following on the success of our Strata-1 asteroid regolith investigation (see description below), we are developing a new ISS microgravity facility called Hermes. This facility is open to experiments of any kind, from small-body investigations to testing equipment to anything you can think of. It will house small experiments up to 12"x4"x4". The facility is reconfigurable and new experiments can be incorporated into Hermes over time. At a minimum, Hermes can provide cameras, lights, power, communication, and electrical connections for mechanical or actuation devices. Pending future funding, NASA may provide flight opportunities. If you have any ideas for experiments or studies that can be performed in such a facility, please respond to the following RFI. The response simply requires a maximum of 5 pages (shorter is fine) emailed to Kristen John (kristen.k.john@nasa.gov) with your idea. Link to RFI: https://www.fbo.gov/?s=opportunity&mode=form&id =6bbc452e4859174cfc5ecdbc18aa2203&tab=core&_cview=0 Link to Appendix: https://www.fbo.gov/utils/view?id=c34f6c59d647c508c04da95dcebf542b 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 ROSES-17 AMENDMENT: K2 GO6 TBD PENDING REVISION The K2 Guest Observer - Cycle 6 is on hold pending a major revision to the program. For now, the due dates will appear as TBD. Proposals will be due no less than 90 days after the release of the amendment that presents final text for this program element. Questions concerning this program element may be directed to: Mario R. Perez mario.perez@nasa.gov Technical and implementation questions could be directed to: Geert Barentsen geert.barentsen@nasa.gov [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 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING EUROPA LANDER INSTRUMENT INVESTIGATION PROGRAM ELEMENT APPENDIX This community announcement is an advance notice of NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) plan to release a Program Element Appendix (PEA) for the Third Stand Alone Missions of Opportunity Notice (SALMON-2) for instrument investigations for a Europa lander mission. This opportunity will solicit proposals describing the full lifecycle development and operation of instrument investigations. Proposed investigations will be evaluated and selected through a two-step competitive process, with approximately 10 proposals selected for Step 2. The Step 2 Phase A Concept Study will be capped at approximately twelve months and a $1.5M (FY2018) budget per investigation. At the conclusion of these studies, NASA may downselect some concept studies to complete Phase A and subsequent mission phases. Further information will be posted as it becomes available on the Europa Lander Acquisition Page at: http://europalander.larc.nasa.gov/ Questions may be addressed to: Dr. Curt Niebur Europa Program Scientist Planetary Science Division Science Mission Directorate, NASA Washington, DC 20546 202-358-0390 curt.niebur@nasa.gov [Edited for length] 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 CALL FOR EXTERNAL REVIEWERS, NASA POSTDOCTORAL PROGRAM The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP), managed by USRA, provides young and more senior scientists the opportunity to work on 1 to 3 year assignments with NASA scientists and engineers at NASA centers and institutes to advance NASA's missions in earth science, heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, space bioscience, aeronautics, engineering, human exploration and space operations, astrobiology, and science management. USRA is recruiting well-qualified reviewers for upcoming applications. Reviewers may be asked to review up to 5 applications (each application is 15 pages, including figures and citations; double-spaced). Proposal deadlines are March 1, July 1, and November 1. The reviewer evaluations are submitted online and those who are eligible will receive an honorarium of $50 for each review submitted. Reviewers should have the following minimum qualifications: three (3) years past PhD; 10 or more peer-reviewed publications; at least five (5) peer-reviewed publications as first author; work in a field relevant to NASA; and show national and international prominence through awards and invitations to speak at major scientific meetings. If you are interested in being a reviewer, and create an account, visit: https://npp.usra.edu/reviewer_connect/ For additional questions email nppreviews@usra.edu. Feel free to pass this information to colleagues. 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 POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS The NASA Postdoctoral Program offers US and international scientists the opportunity to advance their research while contributing to NASA's scientific goals. The NPP supports fundamental science; explores the undiscovered; promotes intellectual growth; and encourages scientific connections. 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. Current research opportunities in planetary science can be viewed here: https://npp.usra.edu/opportunities/?filter_keywords=&filter_fields=145 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: https://npp.usra.edu/ 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 RESEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT: EARLY STAGE INNOVATIONS APPENDIX NOI Due: June 2, 2017 at 5:00pm ET Proposal Due: June 30, 2017 at 5:00pm ET A solicitation, titled "Space Technology Research Grants Program, Early Stage Innovations Appendix" (NNH17ZOA001N-17ESI-B2), has been released as an appendix to the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) umbrella NASA Research Announcement (NRA) titled "Space Technology - Research, Development, Demonstration, and Infusion 2017" (SpaceTech-REDDI-2017). The solicitation is available by visiting: http://tinyurl.com/NASA-17ESI This solicitation seeks proposals to develop unique, disruptive, or transformational space technologies currently at low technology readiness levels that have the potential to lead to dramatic improvements at the system level. Specifically, the proposals must address one of the following seven topics: 1 - Advanced Coating Technology for Space Fission Power and Propulsion Systems 2 - Relative Navigation Algorithms and Sensors for Autonomous Maneuvering in Proximity to Small Celestial Bodies 3 - Cross-cutting Technologies for EHF Band Space Applications 4 - Extraction of Water from Hard Extraterrestrial Soils 5 - Predictive Modeling of Thermal Protection Material Thermostructural Behavior 6 - Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamic Modeling of Additive Manufacturing Alloy Processing 7 - Lightweight Multifunctional Lattice Materials for Space Structures [Edited for length] 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 MARS EXPLORATION SCIENCE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR MAY 2017 On behalf of Jeff Johnson (MEPAG Chair), Dave Beaty, Rich Zurek, and James Ashley of the Mars Program Science Office, the May 2017 edition of the Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter can be found on the web at: http://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov Please send your Mars community announcements and calendar items for inclusion in the newsletter to Meredith at Meredith.A.Cosby@jpl.nasa.gov. 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 MAPPING AND PLANETARY SPATIAL INFRASTRUCTURE TEAM (MAPSIT) COMMUNITY MEETING Thursday, June 15, Flagstaff The first MAPSIT community meeting will take place in Flagstaff at the end of the Data Users Workshop, on Thursday morning June 15 at the High Country Conference Center. We will discuss the importance of spatial data infrastructure in a planetary context, talk about how to make data accessible to all users, and discuss a roadmap that will enable NASA to help us move these ideas forward. Please plan to stay for the Thursday meeting and give your input. Data Users Workshop meeting website and agenda: https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/planetdata2017/ MAPSIT website for more information and to register interest: http://www.lpi.usra.edu/mapsit/ Thanks, Jani Radebaugh MAPSIT Chair and MAPSIT Steering Committee 10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10-10 THIRD ANNOUNCEMENT: ASTROBIOLOGY 2017 http://astrobiology2017.org/third-announcement/ It brings exciting news for this conference that will take place in the beautiful Chilean Patagonia in Coyhaique (November 26-December 1, 2017). Some of the highlights are: Grant opportunities (application deadline is June 5, 2017) will be available to partially support a number of graduate students to attend (lodging grants and registration waivers). To apply click: http://astrobiology2017.org/student-grants/ Early registration deadline has been extended to allow for students applying for grants to still make the early registration deadline, the deadline has been extended until June 19, 2017. Please note that other key dates have not changed. Oral contributions will be received until July 28, 2017. The SOC will select oral papers after their review. The notification of acceptance will be sent by August 25, 2017. A two day training school with lectures on basics of Astrobiology will take place in Santiago during the Friday-Saturday preceding the conference (November 24-25), and it is open to a maximum of 80 early-career participants. Interested participants of the TS should reserve a seat during registration. Reservations for the training school are on a first come-first served basis. http://www.astrobiology2017.org http://twitter.com/astrobio2017 http://facebook.com/astrobio2017 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html June 15, 2017 Mapping and Planetary Spatial Infrastructure Team (MAPSIT) Community Meeting http://www.lpi.usra.edu/mapsit/ Flagstaff, AZ May 14-June 8, 2018 MIAPP 2018 Workshop - Near-Earth Objects: Properties, Detection, Resources, Impacts and Defending Earth http://www.munich-iapp.de/programmes-topical-workshops/2018 /near-earth-objects-properties-detection-resources-impacts -and-defending-earth/ Munich, Germany [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 CASSINI-HUYGENS OWNER'S WORKSHOP MANUAL Ralph Lorenz's detailed but accessible compendium of the design, construction, testing and operation of the Cassini spacecraft, the Huygens probe and their instruments has just been released in the US by Haynes. The "Cassini-Huygens Owners' Workshop Manual" is a large-format 196-page book in full color, with 325 images and is available on amazon.com, presently at $32. C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2-C2 THE RINGED PLANET - CASSINI'S VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY AT SATURN Written for the general audience with an emphasis on the fundamental physics of planetary systems, The Ringed Planet is a fascinating exploration of the Saturn system that places Saturn in the context of the solar system as a whole. Cassini's instruments have revealed Enceladus and Titan to have subsurface oceans of liquid water. Its cameras have returned stunning images of rings in turmoil, a tumbling moon, the only extraterrestrial lakes known in the solar system, a hexagon of clouds, some of the highest mountains in the solar system and much more. Its final series of orbits before a planned crash into Saturn in September 2017 will reveal details of the interior structure of Saturn as well as provide unprecedented views of the rings. More than a journey of discovery at Saturn, The Ringed Planet is also an introduction to how planetary systems work. Available at: http://www.morganclaypoolpublishers.com/catalog_Orig /product_info.php?cPath=25&products_id=1055 with a 20% discount using discount code authorcoll *********************************************************************** * 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. 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