Nine-year-old Jack Davis sent a letter to NASA, asking to fill the role of "planetary protection officer," after NASA posted the job opening on their website.
In his handwritten letter, Davis wrote, "I may be nine, but I think I would be fit for the job. One of the reasons is that 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 I 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."
Davis signed his letter, "Jack Davis, Guardian of the Galaxy, Fourth Grade."
NASA Planetary Science Director Jim Green responded with a letter every educator would approve of.
"I hear you are a 'Guardian of the Galaxy' and that you're interested in being a NASA Planetary Protection Officer. That's great!" Green wrote. "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."
In an official statement, 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."