Wanted: 3 asteroid watchers for China's 'planetary defense force'

China is recruiting for a planetary defense force amid growing global focus on the risk of asteroids colliding with Earth.

HONG KONG — China is recruiting for a planetary defense force to combat the threat of asteroids colliding with Earth.

The successful candidates will be required to research tasks related to near-Earth asteroid monitoring and early warning systems, according to the job description for the three positions, among 16 posted last week by the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND), which oversees the country’s space activities.

Applicants must be younger than 35 and “maintain a firm political stance” in line with the ruling Chinese Communist Party and its leader, Xi Jinping, it said.

They are also required to have a background in astrophysics, Earth and space exploration technology, astronomy, optical engineering, or aerospace science and technology, with a master’s degree or higher. 

SASTIND did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment Tuesday.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/china-planetary-defense-force-asteroid-collision-earth-rcna192543

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