China is recruiting for a planetary defense force to address the threat of asteroids hitting Earth. Candidates must be under 35 years old, have a master’s degree in relevant fields, and align with the Chinese Communist Party. The job postings followed the discovery of an asteroid with a slight chance of colliding with Earth in 2032. The force will focus on asteroid monitoring and early warning systems. While the concept of a “force” may imply military implications, the goal is to detect threats and collaborate internationally to prevent disasters. Chinese efforts in planetary defense are part of a larger space program that includes a space station and missions to the moon and Mars.
China has been a member of the International Asteroid Warning Network since 2018 and plans to build a near-Earth asteroid defense system. They aim to detect asteroids, develop defense strategies, and potentially alter their orbits to prevent harm. China is planning an asteroid-deflection test in 2027 similar to one previously conducted by NASA. The country has made significant progress in asteroid defense, with plans to strengthen equipment, train specialized talent, and contribute to safeguarding Earth’s safety.
The job postings have sparked discussions online in China, with some individuals joking about the new opportunities created by the asteroid threat. While candidates may face significant pressure, they could eventually work in a team with substantial resources dedicated to planetary defense efforts.
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