Characterization and Measurement of Potential Space Hazards
All applications must be submitted in Zintellect
Please visit the NASA Postdoctoral Program website for application instructions and requirements: How to Apply | NASA Postdoctoral Program (orau.org)
A complete application to the NASA Postdoctoral Program includes:
- Research proposal
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official doctoral transcript documents
About the NASA Postdoctoral Program
The NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP) offers unique research opportunities to highly-talented scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters, or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, Earth science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems, and astrobiology.
Description:
Characterization of the near Earth space environment, extending to Lunar, cis-lunar and near-Mars environments, is critical for the health and operation of both crewed and robotic missions as well as their science return and discovery potential. By investigating specific science areas, we can greatly enhance our understanding of the dynamic space environment, ultimately enabling mitigation of potential space hazards. Some specific examples include, but are not limited to:
- Precipitating electron and ion fluxes within the auroral regions that can cause x-ray exposure upon impacting astronauts or hardware.
- Magnetospheric energy input leading to increased satellite drag.
- High energy particles within the Earth’s radiation belts.
- High energy radiation and energetic particles from the sun when in the solar wind.
- Spacecraft charging and surface charging when on the lunar surface as well as the effects of lunar dust, both neutral and charged when lofted or adhered to things.
All these phenomena can have varied impacts on the safety of our people and missions in space. Such investigations, and related relevant topics, are the main targets of this opportunity and can span analytical investigations to data analysis to space instrumentation development.
Field of Science: Heliophysics Science
Advisors:
Marilia Samara
marilia.samara@nasa.gov
(301) 286-2813
Robert Michell
robert.g.michell@nasa.gov
301-955-6650
Applications with citizens from Designated Countries will not be accepted at this time, unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the United States. A complete list of Designated Countries can be found at: https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/export-control.
Eligibility is currently open to:
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U.S. Citizens;
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U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR);
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Foreign Nationals eligible for an Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status; and,
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Applicants for LPR, asylees, or refugees in the U.S. at the time of application with 1) a valid EAD card and 2) I-485 or I-589 forms in pending status
Questions about this opportunity? Please email npp@orau.org
Analytical and innovative thinking. Simulation and coding skills as they relate to instrument and mission concept development. The ability to work both in an office setting and a laboratory environment when testing is needed. The ability to work with large datasets and in teams with other scientists and engineers at all levels of career development.
- Degree: Doctoral Degree.
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