Fears of Asteroid Hitting Earth, China Begins Hiring for ‘Planetary Defence Force’
The threat of an asteroid impacting Earth is a daunting one, and it seems that China is taking the necessary steps to prepare for such an event. According to a recent report, China has begun hiring for a “planetary defence force” to address the growing concern of asteroids posing a threat to our planet.
The report highlights that China is recruiting “young loyal graduates” with a focus on aerospace engineering, international cooperation, and asteroid detection for the new force. This move comes after risk assessments determined that an asteroid could conceivably hit Earth in 2032. The 2024 YR4 asteroid is currently at the top of the European and US space agencies’ risk lists, and its chances of hitting Earth have significantly increased.
The 2024 YR4 asteroid is a near-Earth asteroid that is approximately 100-200 meters in diameter. While this may seem small compared to other asteroids, it is still large enough to cause significant damage if it were to impact Earth. In fact, an asteroid of this size could potentially release energy equivalent to tens of thousands of tons of TNT explosive, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.
China’s decision to establish a planetary defence force is a step in the right direction towards mitigating the risks posed by asteroids. The force will be responsible for detecting and tracking near-Earth asteroids, as well as developing strategies for deflecting or destroying asteroids that are on a collision course with Earth.
The recruitment process for the planetary defence force is already underway, with China seeking out young and talented graduates with expertise in aerospace engineering, international cooperation, and asteroid detection. The country is looking for individuals who are willing to dedicate themselves to the mission of protecting the planet from asteroid impacts.
China’s move to establish a planetary defence force is not unique. In 2019, NASA launched a mission to deflect an asteroid using a spacecraft called the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART). The mission was designed to test the effectiveness of using a spacecraft to deflect an asteroid’s path and prevent a potential impact.
Other countries, including the United States, Europe, and Japan, are also investing in asteroid detection and deflection technologies. In 2020, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched a mission to detect and track near-Earth asteroids, known as the “Asteroid Impact and Deflection Assessment Mission” (AIDA).
The establishment of a planetary defence force by China is a significant step towards addressing the growing threat of asteroid impacts. With the increasing risk of asteroid impacts, it is crucial that countries work together to develop strategies for detecting and deflecting asteroids.
China’s decision to establish a planetary defence force is also a reflection of the country’s growing interest in space exploration and development. China has made significant strides in space technology in recent years, including the launch of a lunar rover and a space station.
In conclusion, China’s decision to establish a planetary defence force is a welcome step towards addressing the growing threat of asteroid impacts. The force will play a crucial role in detecting and deflecting near-Earth asteroids, and its establishment is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and security of our planet.
