China is recruiting individuals for a planetary defense force to address the threat of asteroids colliding with Earth. The job description, posted by the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, specifies that candidates must have a background in astrophysics or related fields, hold a master’s degree or higher , and be under the age of 35. These recruits will be tasked with near-Earth asteroid monitoring and early warning systems.
The recent discovery of the asteroid 2024 YR4, which has a small chance of colliding with Earth in 2032 according to NASA, has prompted this recruitment effort. The program is not militaristic in nature, but rather focuses on detecting planetary threats and coordinating with international partners to address them. The Chinese program is part of a larger space initiative that includes a space station, missions to the moon’s far side, and a Mars rover.
China has been a member of the International Asteroid Warning Network since 2018 and plans to begin building a near-Earth asteroid defense system, including conducting an asteroid-deflection test in 2027. The country has made progress in asteroid defense, with projects underway to strengthen equipment, improve operational models, and cultivate specialized talent in this area. The goal is to contribute China’s expertise and resources to safeguard Earth’s safety.
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