NASA has sent an inspiring letter to a nine-year-old who expressed interest in being a Planetary Protection Officer after the U.S. space agency recently announced opening for the position.
Nine-year-old Jack Davis from New Jersey is a self-proclaimed “Guardian of the Galaxy” and he reached out to NASA in a letter to express his interest in serving as the agency’s Planetary Protection Officer.
“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 wrote in his letter signing it off as Jack Davis, Guardian of the Galaxy, Fourth Grade”.
Guardian of the Galaxy
In response, 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!” Mr. Green said.
Although the position may not be in real-life what the title conjures up, it does play an important role in promoting the responsible exploration of our solar system.
“Our Planetary Protection Officer position 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 from our germs as we explore the Solar System.
“I hope you will study hard and do well in school. We hope to see you here at NASA one of these days!” Mr. Green said in his letter to Davis.
The boy also received a phone call from NASA’s Planetary Research Director Jonathan Rall.
