China is establishing a planetary defense force to combat the threat of asteroids colliding with Earth. The recruitment process involved posting job descriptions for three positions related to near-Earth asteroid monitoring and early warning systems by the State Administration of Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND). Applicants must be under 35, have a firm political stance aligned with the Chinese Communist Party, and hold a master’s degree in relevant fields like astrophysics or aerospace science. The recent discovery of asteroid 2024 YR4, which could potentially collide with Earth in 2032, has highlighted the urgency of this initiative.
The planetary defense force is not meant to have military connotations but rather function as a team to detect and address planetary threats. China has demonstrated its commitment to asteroid defense through membership in the International Asteroid Warning Network, plans to build a near-Earth asteroid defense system, and upcoming asteroid-deflection tests. Chinese experts are working on engineering projects and telescope construction to enhance asteroid defense capabilities, with a focus on talent development in this area.
The initiative has sparked discussions on social media, with many recognizing the importance of this work. There are concerns about the pressure the recruits will face, but collaboration with international partners, including the US, is seen as crucial in preventing potential asteroid collisions. China’s space program, which includes space station missions and exploration of celestial bodies like the moon and Mars, reflects the country’s commitment to advancing space exploration and safeguarding Earth’s safety.
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