NASA listed the role of planetary protection officer, which aims to protect Earth, stopping contamination from “extraterrestrial targets of exploration”. And Jack applied with this letter:
“My name is Jack Davis and I would like to apply for the planetary protection officer job,” Jack said in a hand-written application. “I may be nine but think I would be fit for the job.
“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.
“I am young, so I can learn to think like an Alien.
“Sincerely,
“Jack Davis
“Guardian of the Galaxy
“Fourth Grade.”
He received a very encouraging letter from Dr James L Green, the director of NASA’s planetary science division, as well as a phone call from NASA’s planetary research director, Jonathan Rall, congratulating him on his interest in the role, Sky News reports.
The letter read: “Dear Jack,
“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.
“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!
“Sincerely,
“Dr. James L. Green
“Director, Planetary Science Division.”