As part of a Mars sample return mission, a rocket will carry a container of sample tubes with martian rock and soil samples into orbit around Mars and release it for pick up by another spacecraft. This illustration shows a concept for a Mars Ascent Vehicle (left) releasing a sample container (right) high above the Martian surface.NASA/JPL-Caltech
The Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG) has chartered the Mars Concurrent Exploration Science Analysis Group (MCE-SAG) to identify and prioritize scientific objectives and/or investigations that could be executed within the next ten years, in parallel with the Mars Sample Return effort, and in conjunction with Decadal Survey guidance for the Mars Exploration Program (MEP).
The MCE-SAG charter is attached to this call, and will shortly be found on the MEPAG website at www.lpi.usra.edu/mepag. Further details about the purpose, scope, approach and deliverables of the SAG may be found in the attached charter.
To maximize the value of the SAG’s final report, MEPAG is seeking representation across a broad range of scientific and technical fields, including, but not limited to:
AstrobiologyAtmospheric Science
Geology
Geophysics
Planetary Protection
Technology (including mobility systems, subsurface access, life detection, communications, mission operations)
Self-nominations for participation on MCE-SAG are being solicited through June 5, 2022, with selections occurring soon thereafter. The anticipated period of SAG activities will be late June-late September 2022. Because of the short timeline, applicants should anticipate a regular, weekly meeting cadence during this period, with meetings done chiefly by WebEx, and communications by email.
Applicants are asked to submit their CV of no more than two pages, and a cover letter of no more than two pages (as a single, combined document), indicating interest in MCE-SAG participation, and touching upon those evaluation elements listed in the MCE-SAG Charter under ‘Methods/SAG Member Selection’. As MEPAG is seeking a balance of experiences and expertise, selection to the SAG does not require knowledge of, or experience in, all evaluation elements. Applicants from all career levels are encouraged to apply.
Applications should be uploaded as a single, combined PDF or DOCX file by 5pm PDT on June 5.
For more information, visit https://www.lpi.usra.edu/mepag/sag/mce-sag/