PLANETARY EXPLORATION NEWSLETTER Volume 20, Number 5 (February 1, 2026) PEN Website: https://planetarynews.org Editor: Alex Morgan Co-Editors: Mark V. Sykes, Matthew R Perry Email: pen_editor@psi.edu X: @pen2tweets Bluesky: @planetarynews.bsky.social o-------------------------TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------o 1. Open Letter from Planetary Science AG chairs 2. OPAG Email List Signup 3. Draft of SBAG34 Findings Available for Community Comment 4. Postdoc Opportunities In Exoplanet Atmospheres (Taiwan) 5. Submit a Planetary Session to the 2026 GSA Connects Annual Meeting 6. [COSPAR] Session B4.4: Mars Science Results 7. [COSPAR] Session B4.5: Exploration of Mars 8. Rescheduled: Open Meeting for Europa Spatial Data Infrastructure 9. Next SHIELD Webinar: Alan Stern - "My Career in Planetary Science and Exploration" 10. [NASA] ROSES-25 Amendment 42: Several Changes to F.10 PRISM 11. [NASA] ROSES-25 Amendment 43: New Opportunity - Science Transport and Robotic Innovation for Deployment and Exploration 12. Final Call for Applications: 2026 Schweickart Prize 13. Planetary Meeting Calendar Additions 14. Planetary Science Journal - New Papers 15. Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets - New Papers Commercial/Fundraising Announcements: C1. Commercial: Sponsor Teachers for Continuing Education C2. Commercial: Planetary and Spaceflight Analog Training 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 OPEN LETTER FROM PLANETARY SCIENCE AG CHAIRS The recent decision by NASA's Planetary Science Division to cease financial support for planetary science Analysis/Assessment Groups (AGs) effective the end of April 2026 is deeply disappointing. That support enabled, among other things, day-to-day leadership of the AGs, in-person meetings of the science community (including NASA officials), and websites for the dissemination of information and reports to the science community and the public. Read the full letter here: https://planetarynews.org/Documents/260201_AG_open_letter.txt The AG Chairs: Yang Liu, ExMAG Ben Greenhagen, LEAG Julie Stopar, MAPSIT Vicky Hamilton, MEPAG Stephen Parman, MExAG Morgan Cable and Carol Paty, OPAG Terik Daly, SBAG Debra Buczkowski, VEXAG [Edited for length] 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 OPAG EMAIL LIST SIGNUP The Outer Planets Assessment Group (OPAG) is working to establish a new community email list to ensure a smooth transition as some of the existing infrastructure is sunset in April. We ask that you take a moment to sign up for continued communication through the OPAG email list here: https://forms.gle/BvATP8kreXsyFNGG7 OPAG will continue to hold meetings and issue reports and findings so that the outer planets community consensus position on relevant issues are available to anyone who wants them, including NASA. We strongly believe that a community forum for discussion and feedback continues to be crucial, and we look forward to your continued involvement as we move forward. Thank you, Morgan and Carol, OPAG Co-Chairs 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 DRAFT OF SBAG34 FINDINGS AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY COMMENT The draft findings from this month's 34th Meeting of the Small Bodies Assessment Group are now available for community comment at the link below: https://tinyurl.com/43f4j6ru Community feedback on the draft findings will be taken until Sunday, February 8. After that date, the findings will be finalized. Please send feedback on the draft findings to the SBAG Chair at terik.daly@jhuapl.edu. 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 POSTDOC OPPORTUNITIES IN EXOPLANET ATMOSPHERES (TAIWAN) The Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics (ASIAA) invites applications to two postdoctoral research positions in cosmology and exoplanet science, working with Dr. Tomomi Sunayama and Dr. Shang-Min Tsai, respectively. The initial appointment for both positions is for two years, with flexible start date in 2026 and possible extension for two more years depending on performance. Candidates are expected to have completed their PhD by the start of the appointment. https://aas.org/jobregister/ad/94ba31a8 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 SUBMIT A PLANETARY SESSION TO THE 2026 GSA CONNECTS ANNUAL MEETING The 2026 Geological Society of America Connects Annual Meeting will be 11-14 October 2026 in Denver, Colorado. https://gsameetings.secure-platform.com/connects26/ Meeting Themes: - Celebrating a Century of Continental Drift: Understanding Earth in Motion - Honoring a century of discovery that reshaped Earth science - Riverscapes in Transition: Dynamics, Hazards, and Human Futures: Science at the intersection of water, climate, landscape, and society - Innovations in Exploration from Deep Earth to Deep Space: From AI to Yttrium - Developing Technologies to Transform Earth Science GSA also welcomes proposals for field trips and short courses. Unlike some planetary meetings, GSA does not censor abstracts! 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 [COSPAR] SESSION B4.4: MARS SCIENCE RESULTS Mars Science Results session at COSPAR Scientific Assembly 2026, Florence, Italy, August 1-9 We invite colleagues who are planning to attend the 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly to consider submitting abstracts to Event B4.4, 'Mars Science Results'. The abstract submission deadline is 13 February 23:59 CET. Conference information is available and abstract submission is possible via the meeting website: https://cospar2026.org/ Session information: https://www.cospar-assembly.org/admin/session_cospar.php?session=1418 Our collective knowledge of Mars' evolution, and the present state and dynamics, of its atmosphere, surface and interior, is based principally on the wealth of observations made by science instruments aboard orbiters, landers and rovers. This session will address new science resulting from data returned from completed and current missions, including studies that are reliant on theory, modelling, laboratory analyses, and terrestrial analogue work. This session will include a combination of solicited and contributed presentations, with a focus on international diversity. Kind regards, Elliot Sefton-Nash and Varun Sheel (Session Organisers) 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 [COSPAR] SESSION B4.5: EXPLORATION OF MARS February 13 abstract deadline, COSPAR session B4.5: Exploration of Mars COSPAR is in Florence, Italy, 1-9 August 2026. Submit by February 13 to session B.5 Exploration of Mars: Mars continues to be a compelling planetary exploration target. This session focuses on forward planning for the exploration of Mars including: (1) future hypothesis-driven or discovery-driven science instruments or missions, (2) Mars Sample Return, (3) precursors to prepare future human missions, (4) Science that can be carried out by human explorers on Mars. Topics of interest include the primary scientific drivers that require future missions to Mars (either robotic or human), recent developments in our engineering and technological capabilities related to missions to Mars, an updated understanding of current mission concepts, planning related to Mars Sample Return science, and candidate instrumentation for future missions. The session will consist of a mixture of solicited and contributed presentations. The program will be developed with a special regard to achieving international representation. For full description and to submit: https://www.cospar-assembly.org/assembly.php 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 RESCHEDULED: OPEN MEETING FOR EUROPA SPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURE Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) is the set of standards, formats, policies, data and people that enables the efficient use of spatial datasets. A community-based Europa SDI was initiated by the USGS to make recommendations that improve the interoperability of existing datasets, and the rapid integration of data returned by future missions: https://planetary-sdi.astrogeology.usgs.gov/ To broaden participation, we are now holding a series of biannual community meetings to discuss the ESDI. Topics can include new spatial data products, challenges to using existing products, appropriate datums and other standards and formats, improving adherence to FAIR data principles, and potential new collaborations. The first meeting has now been rescheduled to Wednesday February 25, from 9-11 am PST. We encourage those who use or produce spatial data for Europa to attend. Agenda items will include an introduction to the SDI concept, an overview of the current ESDI effort, an update on current work in the community, and known data issues. Join at the link below. Join: https://tinyurl.com/5n6d53p2 Meeting ID: 245 640 538 936 59 Passcode: Fu7bq65d Please direct questions or comments to: Michael Bland (mbland@usgs.gov) Cynthia Phillips (cynthia.b.phillips@jpl.nasa.gov) Paul Schenk (schenk@lpi.usra.edu) Ross Beyer (rbeyer@seti.org) 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 NEXT SHIELD WEBINAR: ALAN STERN - "MY CAREER IN PLANETARY SCIENCE AND EXPLORATION" Friday February 13 at noon ET Register here: https://tinyurl.com/5n6nkeen Dr. Alan Stern is an aerospace executive, a suborbital astronaut, and planetary scientist with experience on 30 space mission teams. Among those are the New Horizons mission which has explored Pluto and the Kuiper Belt-the farthest exploration of worlds in History. In 2007 and 2008 Dr. Stern directed NASA's entire science program. He currently serves as an executive in the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and serves on the board of several space science organizations and companies. 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] ROSES-25 AMENDMENT 42: SEVERAL CHANGES TO F.10 PRISM F.10 Payloads and Research Investigations on the Surface of the Moon (PRISM) solicits development and flight of a science-driven suite of instruments and supporting technology demonstration payloads tailored to complete scientific investigations at a lunar landing destination, that address the science goals of 1) any SMD division, e.g., Planetary Science, Earth Science, Heliophysics, Astrophysics, and Biological and Physical Sciences, 2) objectives of the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD), and 3) any technology demonstration goals of the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) that advance capabilities for science, exploration, or commercial development of the Moon. Payloads will be delivered on a Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) lander to a location the lunar surface that is identified and justified in the proposal, including the South Pole region but excluding the North Pole region. ROSES-2025 Amendment 42 makes several changes to F.10 PRISM. Also, we expect the FAQ posted under "Other documents" on the NSPIRES page for F.10 PRISM to be updated soon. Questions may be directed to HQ-PRISM@mail.nasa.gov. [Edited for length] 11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11-11 [NASA] ROSES-25 AMENDMENT 43: NEW OPPORTUNITY - SCIENCE TRANSPORT AND ROBOTIC INNOVATION FOR DEPLOYMENT AND EXPLORATION C.13 Science Transport and Robotic Innovation for Deployment and Exploration (STRIDE) solicits proposals from U.S. industry to conduct design studies of advanced robotic surface and aerial mobility systems with payload transportation and deployment capability for Mars surface operations, and, where applicable, early-stage prototyping of hardware for the same purpose. To be eligible, the primary proposing organization must be a "for-profit U.S. organization" of any size that may result in the award of firm-fixed-price contracts, subject to the availability of funds, programmatic priorities, and the merit of submitted proposals. Proposals in response to this program element are limited to those submitted by for-profit U.S. organizations, although partnership with and/or subcontracts to other types of organizations (e.g., academia, non-profits, or University Affiliated Research Center) are permitted. NASA anticipates selecting multiple awards but reserves the right to make no awards. The primary points of contact may be reached via HQ-STRIDE@mail.nasa.gov. The secondary POC may be reached at shana.n.faris@nasa.gov. [Edited for length] 12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12 FINAL CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: 2026 SCHWEICKART PRIZE The deadline to apply for the 2026 Schweickart Prize is fast approaching. Graduate students and recent postgraduate fellows are invited to submit innovative proposals that advance planetary defense and deepen our understanding of near-Earth objects. Projects may explore asteroid detection and mitigation, space policy and governance, impact risk analysis, or public engagement around planetary hazards. Applications are due February 4, 2026. The selected winner will receive a $10,000 USD award, a museum-quality prize, public recognition through a dedicated press campaign, and mentorship from members of the Schweickart Prize Selection Committee, including Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart. Learn more: https://www.schweickartprize.org/ Sign up for updates: https://bit.ly/3PKJvqJ 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 MEETING CALENDAR ADDITIONS February 25, 2026 Open Meeting for Europa Spatial Data Infrastructure https://planetary-sdi.astrogeology.usgs.gov/ Online October 19-22, 2026 GSA Connects Annual Meeting https://connects.geosociety.org/ Denver, CO 14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14-14 PLANETARY SCIENCE JOURNAL - NEW PAPERS Direct Links to Open Access Papers Editor, Brian Jackson https://psj.aas.org The Effect of Colored Noise on Doppler Measurements for Planetary Geodesy: Application to the VERITAS Gravity Science Experiment Flavia Giuliani et al. 2026 PSJ 7:22 https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae1fda Nucleus Ice Associations in Comets Derived from Spatially Resolved Properties of Volatile Gases in the Coma N. Dello Russo et al. 2026 PSJ 7:23 https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae2790 An Integrated Framework for Global Detection and Quantification of Lunar Pyroclastic Deposits Dibyendu Misra et al. 2026 PSJ 7:24 https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae317c Photochemistry in Jupiter's Ionosphere: Insights from Simultaneous H3+ and Electron Density Observations during Juno Perijove 54 Luke Moore et al. 2026 PSJ 7:25 https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae2f49 Col-OSSOS: Investigating the Origins of Different Surfaces in the Primordial Kuiper Belt Laura E. Buchanan et al. 2026 PSJ 7:26 https://doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ae2fc1 15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15-15 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 On the Possibility of Melting Water Ice During the Recent Past of Mars: Implications for the Formation of Gullies L. Lange & F. Forget https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009512 A Study on CO2 Supersaturation in the Martian Southern Polar Night Using Mars Global Surveyor Radio Occultation Profiles Rederived With Mars Climate Sounder Temperature Climatology Katsuyuki Noguchi, Armin Kleinbohl, Sylvain Piqueux https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009354 Origin of the Bulge Topography Within Caloris Basin, Mercury G. Schmidt, V. Galluzzi, A. Sepe, S. Buoninfante, B. De Toffoli, L. Ferranti, P. Palumbo https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JE009233 *********************************************************************** COMMERCIAL/FUNDRAISING 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 COMMERCIAL: SPONSOR TEACHERS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION Teachers teach best when they teach from experience. Many of our teachers who train in planetary and spaceflight analogs in New Mexico receive sponsorship. 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