Nasa is looking for a planetary protection officer to defend Earth from alien contaminants
And the job comes with a six-figure salary.
Looking for a job that allows you to defend Earth from extraterrestrial organisms? Well, Nasa may have something for you.
The US space agency is looking for a planetary protection officer (PPO) and it comes with a six-figure salary.
But don’t expect to draw out your weapons and go on an alien hunt, because the job is more about making sure that contaminants, ie, organic constituents from outer space, don’t hitch a ride back to Earth on spacecraft.
The policy is based on the US ratification of the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which says that “states shall avoid harmful contamination of space and celestial bodies”.
The position is currently being held by Catharine Conley.
The PPO’s main responsibility will be to examine instruments, spacecraft and gear ahead of launches and after their return.
The position is initially appointed for three years with the possibility to extend for another two years.
