China to assemble 'Planetary Defence Force' to tackle asteroid 2024 YR4

China has initiated the formation of a planetary defense team in response to the potential threat posed by asteroid 2024 YR4. This asteroid, estimated to be between 40 and 90 meters in diameter, was discovered on December 27, 2024, by the University of Hawaii's Institute of Astronomy. Recent assessments by the European Space Agency (ESA) have increased the probability of a collision with Earth in 2032 to 2.2%, placing it at the top of their risk list. 

Double Asteroid Redirection Test

In reaction to this threat, China's State Administration of Science, Technology, and Industry for National Defense (SASTIND) has posted job advertisements seeking young graduates specializing in aerospace engineering, international cooperation, and asteroid detection. The recruitment aims to bolster China's capabilities in monitoring and developing early warning systems for near-Earth objects. The primary objective of this planetary defense team is to collaborate internationally and develop technologies for monitoring and early warning systems. China plans to conduct its own asteroid-redirection test in 2027, inspired by NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART). Experts emphasize that while asteroid 2024 YR4 is a concern, international cooperation and technological advancements can effectively mitigate potential threats. 

 China's State administration of scienceb

The potential impact of asteroid 2024 YR4 has been described as a "city-killer," with the possibility of causing massive destruction akin to a city collapse and thousands of deaths. The risk corridor includes areas across South America, the Pacific Ocean, southern Asia, the Arabian Sea, and Africa, potentially affecting countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Sudan, Nigeria, Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. While the likelihood of a collision remains low, the global community, including China, is actively engaged in monitoring and developing strategies to address the potential threat posed by asteroid 2024 YR4.

Who all are 'eligible'?

Chinese instant messaging app, WeChat, showed ads that these 16 vacancies at SASTIND include three for the new planetary defence force. The job requires recent graduates (masters or higher), with majors in astrophysics, earth and space exploration technology, and aerospace science and technology. There is an age limit as well and candidates should be below 35 years of age and should have a 'firm political stance' supporting the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and candidates' ideology should be aligned with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who leads the CCP.