China is recruiting individuals for a planetary defense force to prevent asteroids from colliding with Earth. The job description posted by the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense requires candidates to be under 35, have a firm political stance aligned with the Communist Party, and hold a master’s degree in relevant fields such as astrophysics. The recruitment follows the discovery of an asteroid in December 2024 YR4 that may collide with Earth in 2032. Despite a small chance of impact, the potential consequences could be significant. China’s space program, including the creation of a planetary defense force, aims to work in collaboration with other countries to prevent such incidents.
The recruitment ads have sparked online discussions in China, where young people are facing high unemployment. While the recruits may face pressure to save the world, they may be joined by additional team members in the future as the program expands. The planetary defense force is part of China’s broader space program, which includes missions beyond Earth such as a space station and Mars exploration. China has been a member of the International Asteroid Warning Network since 2018 and plans to conduct an asteroid-deflection test in 2027. The country has made progress in asteroid defense, with ongoing projects to strengthen equipment and cultivate talent in this area. The ultimate goal is to contribute China’s expertise to safeguard Earth’s safety.
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