PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 11, Number 51 (December 10, 2017) PEN Website: http://planetarynews.org Editor: Mark V. Sykes Co-Editors: Elisabeth Adams, Karen Stockstill-Cahill Email: pen_editor@psi.edu o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. NASA Planetary Science Division Town Hall at the AGU 2. Meteorites - Understanding the Origin of Planetodiversity 3. PhD Opportunities in Planetary Science at Curtin University 4. NASA Postdoctoral Fellowships 5. ELS Call for Abstracts 6. UTIG Postdoctoral Fellows Program 7. [NASA] PDS - Mars Science Laboratiry Release 16 8. NASA GSFC Job Announcement 9. LPSC Special Session: Celebrating Cassini 10. [NASA] PDS - Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution Data Release 11 11. Geologic Mapping Postdoctoral Opportunity 12. Mars Exploration Science Monthly Newsletter for December 2017 13. Outreach Coordinator Positions Open 14. [NASA] New Policy for SMD Class-D Missions 15. Register today for the 2018 Humans to Mars Summit 16. [NASA] HQ Vacancy Announcement - Science Mission Directorate 17. 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 PLANETARY SCIENCE DIVISION TOWN HALL AT THE AGU Thursday, 14 December 2017 at 12:30 - 13:30 New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center - 203-205 Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen of NASA's Science Mission Directorate (SMD) will present introductory remarks. Dr. Jim Green, Director of NASA's Planetary Science Division (PSD) will present an update of activities within the division and take questions from the community, with significant time for 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 METEORITES - UNDERSTANDING THE ORIGIN OF PLANETODIVERSITY June 6-8, 2018 This is an international workshop held in the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris. The aim of the workshop is to bring together meteorites experts as well as astronomers working on star and planetary formation to unravel physical processes and timescales of planetary formation and evolution within our Solar System and beyond. The workshop will be the conclusion of the 2017-2018 Meteorite temporary exhibit at the MNHN, which will feature more than 300 specimens of meteorites. For additional information, go to: https://meteorites2018.sciencesconf.org/ Conveners Matthieu Gounelle & Mathieu Roskosz 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 PHD OPPORTUNITIES IN PLANETARY SCIENCE AT CURTIN UNIVERSITY The growing Planetary Sciences Group at Curtin University in Perth, Australia, invites applications for three PhD awards. Curtin University has the largest planetary science research program in Australia, inclusive of the Desert Fireball Network, and is looking to extend this vibrant and diverse team of over 20 staff, postdocs and students with new PhD opportunities. Projects include an active involvement with the InSight mission, the forthcoming mission to land on Mars in 2018, as well as current remote sensing missions operating at Mars. Projects are best-suited for students with a science degree (planetary sciences, physics, geology, geophysics, chemistry, or astronomy background) with some computational experience. Student scholarships and stipends provided by ARC and Curtin University. For more information, visit: http://fireballsinthesky.com.au/phd-projects/ 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 POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS Application deadline: March 1, 2018 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 NPP 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/ Questions: npphelp@usra.edu 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 ELS CALL FOR ABSTRACTS We are pleased to announce that the abstract submission is now open for the 6th European Lunar Symposium (ELS), which will be held in Toulouse, France May 13-16, 2018. The meeting website can be found at: https://els2018.arc.nasa.gov/ Once on the meeting website, please click on the Abstract Submission tab (https://els2018.arc.nasa.gov/abstract-submission.html) and follow the instructions to submit your abstract. Below are the deadlines and milestones for ELS 2018. Abstract Submission Deadline: 20 January 2018 Registration Opens: 30 January 2018 Registration Deadline: 30 March 2018 On behalf of the ELS Organizers, Patrick Pinet (patrick.pinet@irap.omp.eu) Mahesh Anand (mahesh.anand@open.ac.uk) 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 UTIG POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS PROGRAM The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG) invites applications for its postdoctoral fellows program for 2018-2019. UTIG, which is part of the Jackson School of Geosciences at UT Austin, is known for international field programs in geophysics (solid earth, marine, polar) as well as energy geoscience, planetary science, and climate science. This is a highly competitive institutional award open to recent doctorates (degree within the past 3 years) in earth, marine, and planetary science or allied fields. The appointment is for one year and may be extended for another year based upon performance. Recipients may pursue their own research interests in any scientific subfield that complements or expands ongoing UTIG programs, and are encouraged to identify a UTIG mentor. Successful applicants may take up residence at UTIG as early as September 1, 2018, but no later than December 31, 2018. Salary is $60,000 per year and appointees are eligible for group health and dental insurance. Limited support may be available for travel, equipment, and other research expenses. For more information and application details, visit: http://ig.utexas.edu/about/job-listings/ Applications must be received by January 12, 2018 for full consideration. 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] PDS - MARS SCIENCE LABORATORY RELEASE 16 The NASA Planetary Data System announces the sixteenth release of data from the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission, covering data acquired from Sol 1649 through Sol 1772 (March 26 to August 1, 2017). This release consists of raw and derived data sets from the following instruments: APXS ChemCam CheMin DAN Hazcam MAHLI MARDI Mastcam Navcam PLACES RAD REMS SAM SPICE The Mastcam and MARDI releases include newly published technical papers, which are included in the Documents directory. To access the above data for this release: https://pds.nasa.gov/tools/subscription_service/SS-20171205.shtml Links to all MSL data sets may be found on the PDS Geosciences Node web site: http://pds-geosciences.wustl.edu/missions/msl/ The data may also be reached from the main PDS home page: https://pds.nasa.gov/ MSL data are archived at the PDS Atmospheres, Planetary Plasma Interactions, Geosciences, Imaging, and NAIF Nodes. PDS offers two services for searching the MSL archives. The Planetary Image Atlas at the Imaging Node allows selection of MSL image data by specific search criteria: http://pds-imaging.jpl.nasa.gov/search/ The MSL Analyst's Notebook at the Geosciences Node allows searching and downloading of all MSL data in the context of mission events: http://an.rsl.wustl.edu/msl 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 NASA GSFC JOB ANNOUNCEMENT A NASA civil-servant position is currently open for the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Planetary Environments Laboratory (PEL) in Greenbelt, Maryland. The PEL is seeking a scientist that will conduct planetary and astrobiology research related to planetary science and instrument development for planetary space flight missions. Interested persons should proceed to USAJOBS to apply: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/485337600 Application deadline is 12/18/2017. US citizenship at the time of the application is a requirement for this position. For more information about this opportunity, please contact William Brinckerhoff (william.b.brinckerhoff@nasa.gov) or Melissa Trainer (melissa.trainer@nasa.gov). See the Planetary Environments Laboratory's website for information about the group: https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/sed/index.cfm?fuseAction=home.main &navOrgCode=699&navTab=nav_about_us 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 LPSC SPECIAL SESSION: CELEBRATING CASSINI We are pleased to announce a special session at the 2018 LPSC meeting, Celebrating Cassini! The Cassini spacecraft's thirteen-year mission in the Saturn system, covering nearly half of a Saturn year, has come to an end. LPSC is at a perfect time and is a wonderful venue to celebrate the remarkable legacy of Cassini with invited and contributed talks and posters covering science from the many disciplines of this mission. This session will highlight the rings, Titan and the icy moons. The session will focus on new results covering the final year of the mission, as well as seasonal changes, and inter-instrument and inter-body comparisons. And, as we now look to the future, papers utilizing Cassini discoveries to contemplate the next steps in the Saturn system will be welcome. Abstracts are due Jan 9. Linda Spilker Amanda Hendrix Scott Edgington 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 - MARS ATMOSPHERE AND VOLATILE EVOLUTION DATA RELEASE 11 The Planetary Data System (PDS) is pleased to announce the release of the following data from MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) Release 11: ACCEL (accelerometer) ANC (ancillary) EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet Monitor) IUVS (Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph) LPW (Langmuir Probe and Waves) MAG (Magnetometer) NGIMS (Neutral Gas and Ion Mass Spectrometer) SEP (Solar Energetic Particle) SPICE STATIC (Supra-Thermal and Thermal Ion Composition Instrument) SWEA (Solar Wind Electron Analyzer) SWIA (Solar Wind Ion Analyzer) To access the above data, please visit the following link: https://pds.nasa.gov/tools/subscription_service/SS-20171115.shtml To access the latest PDS Data Releases, please visit the following link: https://pds.nasa.gov/tools/subscription_service/SS-Release.shtml All available PDS data may be found at: https://pds.nasa.gov/tools/data-search/ 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 GEOLOGIC MAPPING POSTDOCTORAL OPPORTUNITY The Department of Mineral Sciences at the Smithsonian Institution seeks a Postdoctoral researcher (Research Geologist, IS-11) to support activities of the Regolith Development Working Group of the OSIRIS-REx mission prior to and during spacecraft operations at the asteroid (101955) Bennu. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated ability to carry out independent research in the area(s) of geologic mapping using imaging for morphologic features and collaborating with experts in spectroscopy to delineate lithologies, and is expected to publish scientific papers on a regular basis. This position entails weekly engagement with colleagues at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, MD, regular travel to collaborate with colleagues at the Southwest Research Institute in Boulder, CO, travel to science team meetings (two/year, usually in Tucson, AZ), and travel to Tucson, AZ, for mission-critical events in 2019. The desired start date is on or about July 1, 2018; the position renewable for up to 3 years dependent on satisfactory performance and progress. Applications will be accepted immediately, with reviews starting on or about January, 15, 2018, and continuing until filled. Additional information, including specific information on the application process, is available at: http://mineralsciences.si.edu/positions/jobs.htm#orex Contact: Tim McCoy (mccoyt@si.edu) 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 EXPLORATION SCIENCE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR DECEMBER 2017 On behalf of Jeff Johnson (MEPAG Chair), Dave Beaty, Rich Zurek, and James Ashley of the Mars Program Science Office, the December 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 Barbara at: Barbara.A.Saltzberg@jpl.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 OUTREACH COORDINATOR POSITIONS OPEN The Solar System Exploration Division (SSED) at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) located in Greenbelt, Maryland has positions open for Outreach Coordinator. The Solar System Exploration Division conducts theoretical and experimental research to explore the solar system and understand the formation and evolution of planetary systems. Laboratories within the Division investigate areas as diverse as astrochemistry, planetary atmospheres, extrasolar planetary systems, planetary geodynamics, space geodesy, and comparative planetary studies. For more information about the duties of this position and minimum requirements or to apply please see: https://sesda.com/careers/ss089-science-writer-and-outreach -coordinator/ More Information about the SSED can be found at: http://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/solarsystem Specific questions about the SSED and its outreach program can be directed to Lora.V.Bleacher@nasa.gov or to Paul.R.Mahaffy@nasa.gov 14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14 [NASA] NEW POLICY FOR SMD CLASS-D MISSIONS SMD is issuing a new policy documenting the principles and approach that will guide the implementation of Class-D missions under $150M lifecycle cost, not including launch vehicles, going forward. This new approach is a tailoring/streamlining of how SMD executes space flight projects per NPR 8705.4, Risk Classification for NASA Payloads (Updated w/change 3); NPR 7120.5, NASA Space Flight Program and Project Management Requirements w/Changes 1-15; and the SMD Management Handbook. This policy is effective January 1, 2018 for all applicable projects that have not reached Key Decision Point-C (KDP-C) as of that date. The full text of the new policy is available: https://soma.larc.nasa.gov/standardao/ClassD.html SMD will be hosting a discussion of the new policy during a town hall meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 14 at 6:15pm CST at the 2017 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting in New Orleans, LA. SMD will also host a discussion for interested industry representatives at 1:00pm EST on January 3, 2018 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, DC. Further information about this meeting will appear on the SOMA web page. A web feature on this topic has also been released at: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-policy-provides-new-approach-to -space-science-and-technology-missions [Edited for length] 15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15 REGISTER TODAY FOR THE 2018 HUMANS TO MARS SUMMIT Join us at the Humans to Mars Summit (H2M) that will be held from May 8-10, 2018 at The George Washington University in Washington, DC. Register at: http://H2M.ExploreMars.org H2M is an annual Mars exploration conference that addresses the major technical, scientific, and policy challenges that need to be overcome in order to send humans to Mars by the 2030s. It is the most comprehensive conference in the world focused on landing humans on Mars, and the 2017 H2M is shaping up to be the biggest H2M yet. Confirmed and tentative speakers already include Vint Cerf (Google), Pascale Ehrenfreund (DLR). Ellen Stofan (former NASA Chief Scientist), Jim Green (NASA), Janet Ivey (Janet's Planet), Ian Steff (U.S. Dept. of Commerce), Kathleen Boggs (NASA), Mat Kaplan (Planetary Radio), Sam Scimemi (NASA), John Connolly (NASA), and many others. Register today at: http://h2m.exploremars.org Early registration available until mid-January. 16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16-16 [NASA] HQ VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT - SCIENCE MISSION DIRECTORATE Program Scientists will be hired in the Astrophysics, Planetary Science, and Earth Science Divisions. The posting will be Open January 2, 2018, to January 31, 2018. These positions are being filled at the GS/14-15 level (salary range $112,021 - $161,900). Within your resume, please state which science division you have an interest in. The program scientist is expected to perform a range of scientific program planning duties in Mission and Research and Analysis (R&A) Programs. Duties may include: Developing, reviewing, and providing recommendations for proposed program requirements, expected results, and budgetary estimates; Initiating and monitoring research contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements; Providing expert advice to management on strategic planning and program development. A program scientist represents scientific disciplines to NASA senior management and serves as an advocate for the communities; scientific interest. In addition to the basic education requirements, applicant must also have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade, which has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies needed to successfully perform the duties of the position described above. Appropriate details will be listed in the announcement. To apply, go to: http://USAJobs.gov Announcement Number: HQ18C0015. [Edited for length] 17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17-17 PLANETARY MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS Posted at http://planetarynews.org/meetings.html February 17-18, 2017 Women in Planetary Science and Exploration http://wpse2018.ca Toronto, Canada February 27-28, 2018 Human Missions & Planetary Protection https://planetaryprotection.nasa.gov/COSPARHumans2018 Houston, TX April 3-5, 2018 MEPAG Face-To-Face Meeting https://mepag.jpl.nasa.gov Washington, DC April 8-13, 2018 European Geosciences Union General Assembly 2018 https://egu2018.eu/home.html Vienna, Austria April 9-12, 2018 16th Biennial ASCE International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction and Operations in Challenging Environments http://earthspaceconf.mst.edu/ Cleveland, OH April 25-27, 2018 2nd International Mars Sample Return Conference https://atpi.eventsair.com/QuickEventWebsitePortal/2nd -international-conference-on-mars-sample-return/home Berlin, Germany May 21-24, 2018 Ocean Worlds 3: Water-Silicate Interactions https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/oceanworlds2018/ Houston, TX May 29-30, 2018 iCubeSat 2018 - The 7th Interplanetary CubeSat Workshop https://icubesat.org/ Paris, France June 3-8, 2018 Asia Oceania Geosciences Society http://www.asiaoceania.org/aogs2018/public.asp?page=home.htm Honolulu, HI June 6-8, 2018 Meteorites – Understanding the Origin of Planetodiversity https://meteorites2018.sciencesconf.org Paris, France June 11-15, 2018 15th International Planetary Probe Workshop (IPPW-15) https://www.colorado.edu/event/ippw2018/ Boulder, CO June 12-14, 2018 Planetary Geologic Mappers Annual Meeting https://www.hou.usra.edu/meetings/pgm2018/ Knoxville, TN June 12-15, 2018 Space Resources Rountable http://www.isruinfo.com Golden, CO June 12-15, 2018 Planetary & Terrestrial Mapping Science Symposium https://www.deltion.ca/ptmss Golden, CO September 12-13, 2018 Bombardment: Shaping Planetary Surfaces and Their Environments http://www.lpi.usra.edu/first-billion-years/ Flagstaff, AZ [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@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.html, or * send a request to pen_editor@psi.edu * * To unsubscribe, send an email to pen_editor@psi.edu * * Please send all replies and submissions to pen_editor@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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