China is looking to recruit individuals for a planetary defense force to address the threat of asteroids colliding with Earth. The job postings, posted by the State Administration of Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense, require candidates to have a background in relevant fields such as astrophysics, astronomy, or aerospace science, and maintain a firm political stance aligned with the Chinese Communist Party. The positions aim to research tasks related to near-Earth asteroid monitoring and early warning systems.
The need for an asteroid defense force became particularly urgent after the discovery of asteroid 2024 YR4, with NASA raising the probability of a collision with Earth in 2032. The recruitment effort in China, along with similar initiatives in other countries, aims to prevent such catastrophic events. While the term “force” may evoke military implications, the focus is on collaboration and international cooperation to detect and address planetary threats.
China’s space program, which includes a space station, missions to the moon, and a Mars rover, is expanding to include an asteroid defense system. The country has also made progress in engineering projects and telescope construction related to asteroid defense. The goal is to develop strategies to change the orbits of threatening asteroids to safeguard Earth’s safety.
The recruitment announcement has sparked discussion on social media in China, with jokes about the new job opportunities presented by the asteroid threat. Despite the pressure that may come with these roles, the potential for a larger team to work on planetary defense in the future is significant, given China’s commitment to this endeavor.
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