When young Jack Davis, nine, saw a job opening for a Planetary Protection Officer on NASA’s website, he knew he had all the credentials required for the job.
Jack, from New Jersey, submitted a handwritten note outlining his interest in NASA and space and his reasons for applying.
“I may be nine but think I would be fit for the job,” his earnest application read.
“One of the reasons is my sister says I am an alien also I have seen almost all the space and alien movies I can see. I have also seen the show Marvel Agents of Shield and hope to see the movie Men in Black.
“I am great at video games and I am young, so I can learn to think like an alien”, he added.
When 4th grader and self-proclaimed “Guardian of the Galaxy”, Jack, wrote to us about applying for a job, we replied https://t.co/932pj3Q50B pic.twitter.com/RhcGdnzGAw
— NASA (@NASA) August 4, 2017
He signed off his letter with “Sincerely, Jack Davis, Guardian of the Galaxy, Fourth Grade”.
When his letter reached NASA, they were highly impressed by his interest in space and Dr James L Green, Director of the Planetary Science Division decided to respond.
Addressing the application, Dr Green replied: “I hear you are a ‘Guardian of the Galaxy’ and that you’re interested in being a NASA Planetary Protection Officer. That’s great!
“Our Planetary Protection Officer position is really cool and is very important work. It’s about protecting Earth from tiny 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 responsibly explore the solar system.
This is how you inspire dreams in children and what a beautiful way to go about doing so. Well done NASA!
— Marco A. Islas (@TheMarcoIslas) August 4, 2017
“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”.
Dr Green said: “At NASA, we love to teach kids about space and inspire them to be the next generation of explorers. Think of it as a gravity assist - a boost that may positively and forever change a person's course in life, and our footprint in the universe”.
A delighted Jack also received a phone call from NASA’S planetary research director Jonathan Rall to congratulate him on applying for the job.
He thanked Jack for his thoughtful letter and expressing his interest in NASA.
It is a very thoughtful gesture by NASA and no doubt, the letter and call made the aspiring Planetary Protection Officer’s day!
