China is recruiting candidates for a planetary defense force to address the threat of asteroids colliding with Earth. The State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND) posted 16 positions last week, specifying that successful candidates must be under 35 years old and have expertise in astrophysics, technology related to Earth and space exploration, astronomy, optical engineering, or aerospace science and technology. They must also align with the Chinese Communist Party’s political stance.
This recruitment comes after the discovery of a potentially dangerous asteroid, 2024 YR4, which NASA indicates has a small chance of colliding with Earth in 2032. The planetary defense force will focus on monitoring near-Earth asteroids and developing early warning systems to prevent such collisions.
Chinese experts highlight the potential for international cooperation in asteroid defense efforts, as evidenced by China’s membership in the International Asteroid Warning Network and plans to build a defense system against near-Earth asteroids. China is also planning an asteroid-deflection test in 2027, following in the footsteps of NASA’s successful test in 2020.
The formation of this planetary defense force is part of China’s broader space program, which includes missions to the moon, Mars, and the construction of a space station. Chinese experts emphasize the importance of developing specialized talent in asteroid defense to contribute to safeguarding Earth’s safety.
Overall, the recruitment for this planetary defense force has sparked online discussions in China, with many acknowledging the importance of addressing potential asteroid threats and the need for specialized expertise in this field.
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