NASA

Planetary Orbits, Rotation and Gravity Fields

RO Number 18421
Location Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
Pasadena, CA 91109
Advisor Information
  • Folkner, William :: 818-354-0443 :: William.M.Folkner@jpl.nasa.gov
Keyword(s) Gravity Field; Orbit dynamics; Rotation dynamics
Citizenship Requirement U.S. Citizens Accepted; Lawful Permanent Residents Accepted; Foreign Nationals Accepted
Description This position is to conduct research in the area of solar system dynamics with an emphasis on using spacecraft radio range and Doppler measurements to determine planetary gravity fields and rotation dynamics to further understanding of planetary interior and crustal structure and formation processes. A broad range of space missions are available for investigation, including GRACE gravity mapping data analysis, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter gravity data analysis, Juno gravity science data planning and simulation analysis, BepiColombo mission to Mercury gravity science data planning and simulation analysis. Other areas of interest include using combined data sets for the estimation of the planetary ephemeris as well as the ephemeris development for the natural satellites and small bodies of the solar system. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field and have experience with dynamical modeling and/or radio measurement processing. The successful candidate will work with members of the active Solar System Dynamics Group at JPL.

Konopliv, A. et al. (2011). Mars high resolution gravity fields from MRO, Mars seasonal gravity, and other dynamical parameters. Icarus, v. 211, pp. 401-428.
Turyshev, S. et al. (2010). Advancing tests of relativistic gravity via laser ranging to Phobos, Experimental Astronomy, v.28, pp. 209–249.
Folkner, W. et al. (1997) Interior structure and seasonal mass redistribution of Mars from radio tracking of Mars Pathfinder, Science v. 278, pp. 1749-1752.