NASA never fails to surprise us with their gestures, now and then. A 9-year-old kid sent a job application for the post of Planetary Protection Officer, after the space agency announced the opening for the position recently. The way NASA handled the child’s job application is breaking the internet now.
9-year-old Jack Davis from New Jersey is a self-proclaimed Guardian of the Galaxy and he contacted NASA in a letter expressing his interest in the post of Planetary Protection Officer. Here’s what the adorable kid wrote in the letter.
"My name is Jack Davis and I would like to apply for the planetary protection officer job. I may be nine but I think I would be fit for the job. One of the reasons is my sister says I am an alien also I have seen all the space and alien movies I can see...," Davis signed the letter as ‘Guardian of the Galaxy, Fourth Grade.
NASA didn’t toss away the letter just like that. Instead, NASA’s Planetary Science Director Jim Green wrote back to him.
"I hear that you are a "Guardian of the Galaxy" and that you're interested in being a NASA Planetary Protection Officer. That's great!, Green wrote.
The title Planetary Protection Officer isn’t what it sounds like. In real life, it conjures a totally different meaning from the name. It plays an important role in promoting the responsible exploration of our solar system by preventing microbial contamination of other planets and ours as well.
"Our Planetary Protection Officer position is really cool and is very important work. It's about protecting Earth from tine microbes when we bring back samples from the Moon, asteroids and Mars. It's also about protecting other planets and moons from our germs as we responsible explore the Solar System. We are always looking for bright future scientists and engineers to help us, so I hope you will study hard and do well in school. We hope to see you here at NASA one of these days!"
NASA’s Planetary Research Director, Jonathan Rall at NASA Headquarters in Washington also called up Davis to congratulate him on his interest in working with the space agency.
John Davis’ job application as well as NASA’s prudent response is adorable and is worth all the hype. Instead of disregarding the kid’s interest in the job, the Officers of NASA chose to inspire the child with their words of appreciation.
