Planetary Exploration Newsletter

Editor: Mark V. Sykes
Co-Editors: Matthew R Perry, Alex Morgan
Email: pen_editor@psi.edu
X: @pen2tweets
Bluesky: @planetarynews.bsky.social

o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o

1. Call to Action: Open Letter to MEPAG Community
2. Planetary Research Jobs: A New Job Announcements Platform for
   Planetary Science
3. PhD Position: Lunar Geophysics & Geodynamics at the German Aerospace
   Center (DLR)
4. Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month
5. NEO Surveyor Assistant Survey Scientist
6. Asteroids2029 U.S. Node Launched
7. [NASA] FY26 Minority University Research and Education Project
   (MUREP) Space Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR)
8. Call for Applications for 18 Doctoral and 6 Postdoctoral Positions
   in Germany
9. Science Communications Manager and Public Information Officer
   Position Available at Planetary Science Institute
10. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions
11. Planetary Science Journal - New Papers
12. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets - New Papers

Commercial/Fundraising Announcements:

C1. Letters of Support Request


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

CALL TO ACTION: OPEN LETTER TO MEPAG COMMUNITY

The Mars Exploration Program has been directed to absorb and manage the
Skyfall payload on the Space Reactor-1 (SR-1) demonstration mission
within its budget. This will effectively eliminate any new developments
or missions until after SR-1/Skyfall launches (nominally 2028 but with
the potential to slip to 2031). It is also anticipated that the costs
for Skyfall will exceed the available funding in the Mars Future
Missions line, which means that without a budget augmentation in FY27,
the chances are quite high that more than one currently operating
mission at Mars will be terminated and their funds redirected to
supporting Skyfall.

Without an augmentation to cover the costs of Skyfall, the Mars Future
Plan is unlikely to see substantial progress. We have a short window of
time to show the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee our support for a
budget that enables the MEP program of record to continue alongside
Skyfall.

Additionally, OMB has announced its intent to formalize substantive,
universal (not by agency/department) changes to the management of
federal assistance that undermine scientific research; the public
comment period closes 13 July. For the full text of this message and
pointers to resources, see:

https://planetarynews.org/editorials/MEPAG_MEP-OMB.pdf


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PLANETARY RESEARCH JOBS: A NEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS PLATFORM FOR PLANETARY
SCIENCE

Planetary Research Jobs is a new jobs platform for the planetary
science community that is free to use. If you would like to post a new
announcement, it is only necessary to sign in using your account with
ORCID. All announcements are published on Mastodon and Bluesky, you can
subscribe to RSS/Atom feeds, and you can also subscribe to a weekly
email digest. Anyone can publish an announcement, so just add it if its
not already there! Go to:

https://jobs.planetary-research.org

To learn more about our platform, check out our blog post:

https://tinyurl.com/u2hfkkba


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 POSITION: LUNAR GEOPHYSICS & GEODYNAMICS AT THE GERMAN AEROSPACE
CENTER (DLR)

The Department of Planetary Physics of the German Aerospace Center
(DLR) in Berlin, Germany, is recruiting a PhD student to study the
volcano-tectonic history of the Moon.

Constraints on the flooding history of the lunar maria will be given
based on joint analyses of gravity and topography data as well as on a
flood volcanism model. The deformation history of the lunar surface
will be modelled to then determine the tectonic consequences of mare
emplacement. Comparisons with available observations will allow
providing fundamental constraints on the geodynamic history of the
Moon at the dawn of its evolution.

The position is part of the Junior Group Leader Emmy Noether grant
awarded to Dr. Adrien Broquet (DLR, Berlin).

Expected Start: September 1, 2026
Deadline: June 30, 2026

More information:

https://tinyurl.com/46k3djkb


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

PLANETARY GEOMORPHOLOGY IMAGE OF THE MONTH

The June image of the month is now available at the IAG's Planetary
Geomorphology web page:

https://planetarygeomorphology.wordpress.com

This month's topic is 'Geomorphological Evidence of Fluid Seepage in
Pit Complex Formation, Pioneer Terra, Pluto', contributed by Dr. Roodra
Manogaran, from Louisiana State University.

You can follow IAG Planetary Geomorphology Image of the Month on
BlueSky: @planetarygeomorph.bsky.social

https://bsky.app/profile/planetarygeomorph.bsky.social

or Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/PlanetaryGeomorphology


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

NEO SURVEYOR ASSISTANT SURVEY SCIENTIST

NASA's Near-Earth Object (NEO) Surveyor is a planned mission (launch:
September 2027) with a goal of finding, identifying, and characterizing
potentially hazardous asteroids in our Solar System. The NEO Surveyor
Assistant Survey Scientist will work with the Principal Investigator
and Science Team in developing the NEO Surveyor survey plan, which
determines where the Observatory points as a function of time; will
participate in testing and verifying that the survey plan obeys survey
rules defined by the Science Team; will participate actively in
studying the ability to link detections of small body candidates
observed by NEO Surveyor to ensure that they result in the
determination of high-quality orbits. Qualifications for the position
include: 1+ years research experience in planetary astrophysics, Solar
System bodies, exoplanets or related subarea(s); strong programming
skills with 2+ years Python or equivalent language programming
experience; ability to interpret copious amounts of complex technical
information and data. More information on the position, including
qualifications, compensation range, benefits and how to apply are
provided at:

https://jobs.ucla.edu/careers-home/jobs/10520


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

ASTEROIDS2029 U.S. NODE LAUNCHED

The Asteroids2029 U.S. Node has been established to amplify U.S.
participation in the International Year of Asteroid Awareness and
Planetary Defense (Asteroids2029), proclaimed by the United Nations for
2029.

Coordinated by Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), the U.S.
Node is a collaborative network of organizations from across the
science, education, museum, industry, government, and public outreach
communities. The Node aims to facilitate coordination, share resources,
develop common engagement materials, and identify opportunities for
collaboration leading up to 2029.

Organizations interested in asteroid science, planetary defense, public
engagement, education, workforce development, or related activities are
invited to participate.

To learn more or express interest in joining the U.S. Node, please
contact: asteroids2029@jhuapl.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] FY26 MINORITY UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROJECT (MUREP)
SPACE TECHNOLOGY ARTEMIS RESEARCH (M-STAR)

Cooperative Agreement Notice (CAN)
Announcement Number: NNH26ZHA002C

The Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Space
Technology Artemis Research (M-STAR) opportunity is a National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) initiative through its
Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM). Its primary purpose is to enhance
the research capabilities and infrastructure of Minority Serving
Institutions (MSIs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCUs), and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) enabling them to
participate in NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
research to support the Agency's advancement of technologies needed for
exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

For more information, visit:

https://tinyurl.com/bcbex4hd

[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

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR 18 DOCTORAL AND 6 POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS IN
GERMANY

A new Collaborative Research Center SFB 1759 on "Habitability as a
fundamental planetary process: Towards a paradigm shift away from our
perception of the uniqueness of Earth" funded by the German Research
Foundation (DFG) is being established at the Freie Universitat Berlin,
Germany, starting October 1, 2026.

Within the SFB 1759, 18 Doctoral (75% E13 TV-L) and 6 Postdoctoral
positions (100% E13 TV-L) are now open for application. Review of all
applications will begin July 22, 2026 and will continue until all
positions have been filled.

More information can be found on:

https://sfb1759-planetary-habitability.de/


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

SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AND PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER POSITION
AT PLANETARY SCIENCE INSTITUTE

PSI is seeking a Science Communications Manager/PIO (PIO) who has a
passion for science communication and is proficient in converting
complex scientific topics into engaging and relatable content for the
general public. The PIO is the contact and liaison between PSI
scientists and members of the media and the public. The PIO manages the
PSI Public Information Department and works with the CEO to develop and
implement evolving external and internal communication strategies and
capabilities at PSI. Major responsibilities include generating press
releases, management of PSI's social media presence, and development of
the annual report.

Details and application instructions can be found at:

https://www.psi.edu/about/jobs/


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

Note: Many face-to-face meetings going forward will have online
components. Check their websites for details.

Posted at https://planetarynews.org/meetings.html

November 16-18, 2026
Rocky Worlds DDT Workshop Data Challenge Results & Rocky Worlds DDT
Science
https://tinyurl.com/73dz8s5n
Baltimore, MD


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 SCIENCE JOURNAL - NEW PAPERS

Direct Links to Open Access Papers

Editor, Brian Jackson
https://psj.aas.org

Empirical Evaluation of S-band Radar Polarimetric Response to Surface
Rock Abundance across the Lunar Highlands and Maria
Edgard G. Rivera-Valentin et al. 2026 PSJ 7:144
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae6fa4

Mars as an Exoplanet: Lessons from a Planet at the Edge of
Habitability
Stephen R. Kane et al. 2026 PSJ 7:145
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae6f00

Degradation Mechanisms and Efficiency of Heavily Cratered Regions on
Ceres
Reem Vitale and Masatoshi Hirabayashi 2026 PSJ 7:146
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae6241

Creation of Lunar-like Rims in Ilmenite Using Synthetic Solar Wind
Roshan S. Trivedi et al. 2026 PSJ 7:147
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae6074

Discovery of Hundreds of Main-belt Asteroids with Synthetic Tracking
of WISE Data
Emerson A. Whittaker and Jean-Luc Margot 2026 PSJ 7:148
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae6fa1

Influence of Penetration Depth on Jets on Giant Planets: Equatorial
Jet Direction, Jet Numbers, and Jet Energy Fraction
Yaoxuan Zeng et al. 2026 PSJ 7:149
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae6da7

Coupled Photochemical-Climate Modeling of Plausible Tenuous Outgassed
Atmospheres on the TRAPPIST-1 Planets
Megan T. Gialluca et al. 2026 PSJ 7:150
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae6cef

Grain Size Effects on UV-MIR Spectra of Aubrites: Clues for
Interpreting E-type Near-Earth Asteroids
David C. Cantillo et al. 2026 PSJ 7:151
https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae6db2


12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12

JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH: PLANETS - NEW PAPERS

Direct Links to Open Access (OA) Papers

Editors-in-Chief, Amanda Hendrix & Debra Buczkowski
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/21699100

Geologically Recent Formation of Some Tesserae on Venus by Plains
Deformation
Paul K. Byrne et al.
https://doi.org/10.1029/2026JE009692

Characterization of Dust in Saturn's Rings Using Cassini Spacecraft
Data
L. Nouzak et al.
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009583

Spectral Characterization of CO2-H2O Ice Layering Under Controlled
Mars Polar Conditions as Laboratory Analogs for Seasonal Cap Activity
Jamie A. Isen, Andrej Stojanovic, Wendy M. Calvin, Isaac B. Smith
https://doi.org/10.1029/2026JE009752

Lunar Crustal Formation by Melt Migration and Differentiation Within
a Stagnant Lid
K. H. Dodds, C. Michaut, J. A. Neufeld
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009372

Effects of Comet Encke's Meteoroid Stream on the Seasonal Variation
of Mercury's Ca Exosphere
M. Moroni et al.
https://doi.org/10.1029/2026JE009714

Mastcam-Z Spectrophotometric Properties of Materials at the Van Zyl
Overlook, Jezero Crater
B. Margara et al.
https://doi.org/10.1029/2026JE009675

Predicting Nitrogen Isotope Fractionation in Nitrate Deposition on
Early Mars
J. Shawcross et al.
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009146

C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1-C1

COMMERCIAL: LETTERS OF SUPPORT REQUEST

Potomac Database Systems ("Potomac" potomacdb.com) is innovating a new
commercial paradigm for lunar surface data collection and access.
"Pathfinders," instrumented lunar surface impact penetrators, will
provide geophysical data across the Moon from seismometry to regolith
and volatile composition. These unique data will be available on the
web app, Nexus, hosted by Potomac.

Potomac is seeking non-binding letters of support from scientists who
believe commercial lunar data should be more accessible, affordable,
and useful to the global Moon community. To learn more and indicate
potential, no-obligation interest in signing, click here:

https://forms.gle/WPVE173XZUSJCRE98

For other questions, contact info@potomacdb.com.


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