China is recruiting candidates for a planetary defense force to address the threat of asteroids colliding with Earth. The job description includes tasks related to asteroid monitoring and early warning systems, requiring applicants to have a background in astrophysics or related fields with a master’s degree or higher. The recruits must also be younger than 35 and align with the ruling Chinese Communist Party.
The recruitment follows the discovery of asteroid 2024 YR4, which NASA estimates has a 3.1% chance of colliding with Earth in 2032. This has prompted countries like China to enhance their capabilities in detecting planetary threats and collaboration on international efforts.
The planetary defense force is seen as a team focused on protecting Earth from potential asteroid impacts, rather than a military force. China’s space program already includes missions to the moon and Mars, and it aims to build a near-Earth asteroid defense system in the coming years. The country is also planning an asteroid-deflection test in 2027, similar to one successfully carried out by NASA in 2020.
Experts in China have emphasized the importance of investing in asteroid defense technology and talent to safeguard the planet. The recruitment ads have sparked discussion online, with some joking about the newfound job opportunities. Despite the pressure on the three recruits, there may be opportunities for expansion of the team in the future as China devotes more resources to this mission.
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