ROMPIN, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's first astronaut, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha who is scheduled to return to earth on Sunday will be commissioned as a cosmonaut along with Kapt Dr Faiz Khaleed, said Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis.
The commissioning ceremony would take place in Russia two weeks after Dr Sheikh Muszaphar's return as he has to be quarantined for one week after touchdown on Earth, he said.
Jamaludin hoped with the recognition, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar's credibility as an astronaut would no longer be questioned as certain quarters regarded him as merely a space flight tourist.
Speaking to reporters at an Aidilfitri open house hosted by him here last night, he said that his ministry would also collaborate with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) on astronaut and space science training to avoid such issues from arising (status of Malaysians going to space).
Jamaludin said that he would be holding discussions with Nasa next month for permission to have Dr Faiz join the agency's training programmes.
Nasa, which also assisted in the training for Dr Sheikh Muszaphar for the trip, is helping Malaysia obtain live television feeds of Dr Sheikh Muszaphar at the International Space Station (ISS).
Jamaludin said the national space programme had made a major impact in the country as it had generated a "space fever" among the people, especially the younger generation.
He said the programme could set a paradigm shift among them to love mathematics and science and that the ministry hoped to get Cabinet approval to create a Space Division to develop more space programmes for the country.
He had in mind Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, Dr Faiz as well as National Space Programme director Kol Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh to drive it.
"But we have to discuss with them and their employers first," he added.
-- BERNAMA
Friday, October 19, 2007
Interesting Experiment By Malaysian Astronaut
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's first astronaut, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha today conducted five experiments in microgravity condition at the International Space Station (ISS).
The first was the spinning of the Malaysian traditional game gasing (top), where he attached a string to a 95 gramme top made of aluminium and let it spin in mid air in horizontal and vertical position for less than a minute.
In the second experiment, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar pressed a ration bag which contained strawberry juice which within seconds came out in a jelly-like substance floating in mid air.
He later took a spoon to pick the floating jelly and put it into his mouth.
The third experiment involved the mixing of oil and water in a square shaped crystal box where in the microgravity condition the oil and water mixed well. In normal situation oil floats on top of water.
In his fourth experiment Dr Sheikh Muszaphar showed the audience on earth how a yoyo would swing in microgravity condition.
In a normal situation, a yoyo goes up and down when in play but in a microgravity condition, the yoyo goes up, down and to the front as well.
In his last experiment, he showed the difference in the speed of three balls of different sizes, travelling in microgravity condition.
The movement of the balls was like in a slow-motion movement.
The live video conference about microgravity with Malaysian astronaut was telecast live by Astro and also watched by students brought specially to the National Science Centre here which was also attended by Deputy Education Minister Datuk Noh Omar and Deputy Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha.
During the 10-minute experiment, Sheikh Muszaphar wore a short-sleeved batik shirt. The Jalur Gemilang was hanging on the background. Kong also asked Dr Sheikh Muszaphar what was his biggest challenge at the ISS.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar replied that his biggest challenge was to sleep in the same place like on earth.
He said he slept in one place and found himself on the next day waking up in a different place, adding that he had to strap himself to the bed in order not to float to another place.
Saying that he was doing well, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar also advised the students to study hard and show keen interest in science subjects.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Noh said the ministry would look into the possibility of introducing new subjects related to microgravity and space science.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar is scheduled to return to Earth on Oct 21 with two Russians astronauts, Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and Flight Engineer Oleg Kotov.
The Soyuz TMA-11, which brought Dr Sheikh Muszaphar to the ISS with two other crew members, blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on October 10.
--BERNAMA
The first was the spinning of the Malaysian traditional game gasing (top), where he attached a string to a 95 gramme top made of aluminium and let it spin in mid air in horizontal and vertical position for less than a minute.
In the second experiment, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar pressed a ration bag which contained strawberry juice which within seconds came out in a jelly-like substance floating in mid air.
He later took a spoon to pick the floating jelly and put it into his mouth.
The third experiment involved the mixing of oil and water in a square shaped crystal box where in the microgravity condition the oil and water mixed well. In normal situation oil floats on top of water.
In his fourth experiment Dr Sheikh Muszaphar showed the audience on earth how a yoyo would swing in microgravity condition.
In a normal situation, a yoyo goes up and down when in play but in a microgravity condition, the yoyo goes up, down and to the front as well.
In his last experiment, he showed the difference in the speed of three balls of different sizes, travelling in microgravity condition.
The movement of the balls was like in a slow-motion movement.
The live video conference about microgravity with Malaysian astronaut was telecast live by Astro and also watched by students brought specially to the National Science Centre here which was also attended by Deputy Education Minister Datuk Noh Omar and Deputy Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha.
During the 10-minute experiment, Sheikh Muszaphar wore a short-sleeved batik shirt. The Jalur Gemilang was hanging on the background. Kong also asked Dr Sheikh Muszaphar what was his biggest challenge at the ISS.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar replied that his biggest challenge was to sleep in the same place like on earth.
He said he slept in one place and found himself on the next day waking up in a different place, adding that he had to strap himself to the bed in order not to float to another place.
Saying that he was doing well, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar also advised the students to study hard and show keen interest in science subjects.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters, Noh said the ministry would look into the possibility of introducing new subjects related to microgravity and space science.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar is scheduled to return to Earth on Oct 21 with two Russians astronauts, Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and Flight Engineer Oleg Kotov.
The Soyuz TMA-11, which brought Dr Sheikh Muszaphar to the ISS with two other crew members, blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on October 10.
--BERNAMA
Thursday, October 18, 2007
REHMAN RASHID: Saving space for the right stuff
Image: Gagarin (left), the first ... and Muszaphar, the 458th
TOM Wolfe used the phrase “the right stuff” to describe what it took to be an astronaut.
The seven individuals selected for the United States’ Mercury programme in 1959 were all experienced aviators with exemplary backgrounds, academic records and service careers. All were paragons of physical fitness and moral rectitude. And all could transfer their cool heads and steely nerves to proper conduct before the world media.
Indeed, that was the point of their existence: not just to boldly go where no one had gone before, but for the world to watch them going. America’s Mercury, Gemini and Apollo were not so much about “landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth", as John F. Kennedy pledged in 1961, but to beat the Russians to it.
Not that the Russians had designs on the Moon. Their interests lay in Earth orbit. Sputnik’s pioneering flight 50 years ago this month had opened the heavens above America to Russian hardware. Just a dozen years after the end of World War Two, a basketball-sized satellite traversing the continental United States 223km overhead had boosted the Cold War to its final frontier.
When Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space in 1961, the die was cast. The US girded its collective loins for one mighty thrust. The first seven American astronauts were selected, based on whatever criteria combined to give each of them the Right Stuff.
They would become among the most famous individuals of their time; their subsequent successes (and failures) the stuff of modern legend.
In those turbulent times, America’s space programme provided spectacular diversions from its conflicts in East Asia and the tensions of the Cold War. The space race offered accomplishment and high drama, culminating in Neil Armstrong’s first words from the lunar surface on July 20, 1969: “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.” (Doomed by momentary transmission drop-out to forever contain those square brackets.)
No such glitch marred Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor’s paraphrasing of Armstrong’s words on behalf of Malaysians last week. In the circumstances, it was as good a line as any and better than most. Our Sheikh was probably right to stick to the tried-and-tested on this momentous occasion. The Right Stuff does not generally include a tongue for poetry. (Space Shuttle astronaut Bruce McCandless, who in 1984 became the first to fly untethered in space, uttered for posterity: “Hey, this is neat!")
By the time of McCandless’ neat feat, though, the deification of space travellers was past. Space travel was no longer for daring heroes but technocrats and professionals. The focus was on the much more utilitarian expansion of human industry to Earth orbit.
The richest irony of mankind’s history in space, however, is that the Mercury and Vostok spacemen were not the first to fly there. That distinction went to Robert White and Joe Walker. Never world-famous, they were among the test pilots of the US Air Force’s experimental X-15 rocket plane programme.
Both men flew the X-15 above the 100km “Karman Line", accepted as the boundary of space. They achieved this in total secrecy, as befit such endeavours at the height of the Cold War.
What truly set the X-15 pilots apart was that they actually piloted their aircraft to space and back.
While all the attention was on Mercury, Gemini and Apollo, test pilots at the edge of space above USAF bases in the remote deserts of Nevada and New Mexico were pointing their aircraft’s needle noses straight up and firing liquid-oxygen rocket engines to break free of gravity and punch out of Earth’s atmosphere into the black void beyond, then turn around for re-entry and the long glide home.
The X-15 — not the massive rockets of the American and Russian space efforts — was the true precursor to the Space Shuttle.
Once safely back on the ground, the X-15 pilots would go off to write up detailed flight reports and later share beers and cheers with peers out among the Joshua trees and tumbleweed in the middle of nowhere; unknown, unsung, uncelebrated — and completely uncaring of that. No ticker-tape parades. No live telecasts. No presidential handshakes. No problem.
Passed over for the honour of becoming the first astronauts in favour of those whose Right Stuff included being mediagenic, the X-15 pilots grumbled a little about how astronauts didn’t actually do anything: the rockets shot them up, telemetry controlled their capsules and parachutes brought them back.
There was nothing to it; the first higher life-form in space had been a Russian dog named Laika. A chimpanzee could have done it. Sending humans up had been a PR decision. This rankled with the Mercury Seven so badly, by the time of John Glenn’s first orbital flight in 1962, they’d insisted on having some pilot control designed into their capsules.
All the way to the lunar missions of Apollos 11 through 17, much was made of the astronauts actually flying their lunar modules in the final descent to the Moon’s surface. It was the pride of pilots; the egos had landed.
Such is the myth and mystique of space exploration. Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, the 458th human in space, is an orthopaedist, not a Sukhoi pilot. He inherits the legacy of the Mercury Seven, not the X-15. And as it was for the Mercury Seven, his real mission will begin upon his safe arrival back on terra firma.
The celebrity that awaits him will be overwhelming. The demands on his time and person will be relentless. His transition from male model to role model will be complete. He will be a one-man institution; perhaps even an industry.
He’d better have the right staff.
Malaysian Astronaut Prepares For Return To Earth
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha, the first Malaysian to go to space, is making preparations for his return to earth on Sunday from the orbiting International Space Station (ISS).
He will return with Fyodor Yurchikhin and Oleg Kotov in the Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft which the two Russian cosmonauts had used to go to the ISS in April on Expedition 15.
National Angkasawan Programme Director Col Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh said the spacecraft carrying the three astronauts was expected to land in the Arkylk region of Kazakhstan, some 1,500km from Moscow.
For the return journey, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor has to ensure that his weight is 82kg, just as it was when he left for the ISS on Oct 10 aboard the Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft which is now docked at the ISS.
"If his weight has exceeded the 82kg while in the ISS, he will be required to reduce his weight through exercise in a special cubicle in the ISS. This is to maintain equilibrium in the Soyuz spacecraft the three astronauts will be returning to earth in," he told Bernama when contacted in Moscow today.
Dr Zulkeffeli said he would leave for Qostanay in Kazakhstan, not far from where the Soyuz capsule was expected to land, to bring Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor to Moscow.
"I have to be there to give Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor a medical examination. He will be brought to a temporary medical centre before being taken to the nearest airport to be flown to the Star City astronaut training centre in Moscow," he said.
He said the Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft was expected to land at 2.37pm Moscow time (6.37pm in Malaysia), and that it would take eight hours after landing to reach the Russian capital.
Dr Zulkeffeli said the preparations Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor had to make included relocating his special seat to the Soyuz spacecraft and listing the paraphernalia he would bring back to earth with him.
The Malaysian astronaut is allowed to carry up to seven kilogrammes of paraphernalia, including the findings of his research projects and personal belongings.
"By right, he is only allowed to carry up to five kilogrammes but the European Space Agency (ESA) acceded to our request to allow the additional two kilogrammes," he said.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor had also conducted experiments for ESA on the effects of micro gravity on the back of the human body, motor perception, resilience before and after being in the ISS, and stability of sight and the body.
The two astronauts who went to the ISS along with Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor in the Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft, Commander Peggy Whitson and Flight Engineer Yuri Malenchenko, will take the place of Yurchinkhin and Kotov on the ISS. Another astronaut, Clay Anderson, is also on board the ISS.
Yurchinkhin will hand over command of the ISS to Whitson on Sunday.
-- BERNAMA
He will return with Fyodor Yurchikhin and Oleg Kotov in the Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft which the two Russian cosmonauts had used to go to the ISS in April on Expedition 15.
National Angkasawan Programme Director Col Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh said the spacecraft carrying the three astronauts was expected to land in the Arkylk region of Kazakhstan, some 1,500km from Moscow.
For the return journey, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor has to ensure that his weight is 82kg, just as it was when he left for the ISS on Oct 10 aboard the Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft which is now docked at the ISS.
"If his weight has exceeded the 82kg while in the ISS, he will be required to reduce his weight through exercise in a special cubicle in the ISS. This is to maintain equilibrium in the Soyuz spacecraft the three astronauts will be returning to earth in," he told Bernama when contacted in Moscow today.
Dr Zulkeffeli said he would leave for Qostanay in Kazakhstan, not far from where the Soyuz capsule was expected to land, to bring Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor to Moscow.
"I have to be there to give Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor a medical examination. He will be brought to a temporary medical centre before being taken to the nearest airport to be flown to the Star City astronaut training centre in Moscow," he said.
He said the Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft was expected to land at 2.37pm Moscow time (6.37pm in Malaysia), and that it would take eight hours after landing to reach the Russian capital.
Dr Zulkeffeli said the preparations Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor had to make included relocating his special seat to the Soyuz spacecraft and listing the paraphernalia he would bring back to earth with him.
The Malaysian astronaut is allowed to carry up to seven kilogrammes of paraphernalia, including the findings of his research projects and personal belongings.
"By right, he is only allowed to carry up to five kilogrammes but the European Space Agency (ESA) acceded to our request to allow the additional two kilogrammes," he said.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor had also conducted experiments for ESA on the effects of micro gravity on the back of the human body, motor perception, resilience before and after being in the ISS, and stability of sight and the body.
The two astronauts who went to the ISS along with Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor in the Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft, Commander Peggy Whitson and Flight Engineer Yuri Malenchenko, will take the place of Yurchinkhin and Kotov on the ISS. Another astronaut, Clay Anderson, is also on board the ISS.
Yurchinkhin will hand over command of the ISS to Whitson on Sunday.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Wah! We are now a space power
By Azmi Sharom
The Star
You might not know this, but there have been a lot of unhappy rumblings in Malaysian society regarding our space programme.
Actually, that is not accurate. We don’t really have a “space programme”, do we? After all, it’s not like we are pushing the technological frontiers and designing cutting-edge manned spacecraft.
No, to be more precise, we have an astronaut-training programme. Whoa, whoa, that is not true either. We didn’t train anyone; we paid the Russians to train our astronaut.
Oh, blow it all. That is still wrong. He is not an astronaut; he is a cosmonaut. The terms, according to Nasa, mean different things but, according to the Russians (and us), they mean the same thing.
Oh, this is all so confusing. All right, all right, let us start over again.
You might not know this, but there have been a lot of unhappy rumblings in Malaysian society regarding our paying the Russians buckets of money – the amount of which the Malaysian public is not 100% sure about – to train a bloke to be a spaceman (as accurate a definition I can think of, because he is a man and he is in space).
Yes, it is true. This wonderful achievement of the country – to find a handsome, clean-cut, healthy, intelligent fellow and pay someone else to get him into space – is being sneered at in some cynical quarters.
If you happen to be one of those people, I say to you: tsk, tsk, tsk. Where is your sense of patriotism? Where is your child-like optimism?
Going into space is a big deal. Just ask Dennis Tito and Mark Shuttleworth, two space tourists who did not have the luxury of buying Russian jet fighters to contra the costs of their cosmic flights. Coincidentally, one of the nasty things people are calling our Malaysian spaceman is “space tourist”.
For your information, unlike the two gentlemen mentioned above, our spaceman is not a tourist. No, no, no. He is going to do experiments, important experiments.
Apart from important experiments, he is going to be doing so much good in other ways. For example, he has opened the doors of opportunity for ordinary Malaysians. One of these days, I might go to space. To conduct experiments.
Don’t laugh because it is possible, for if the good doctor has proven anything, it is that if the Government is willing to spend a bit of money, anyone can go to space. Kind of like a galactic AirAsia.
Let us not forget all those little schoolchildren who are being inspired as you read this. They are going to know that Malaysia Boleh.
We can do all sorts of things. We are now a space power!
The next time their school computer lab collapses, or their teachers get demoralised due to poor pay, they can tell themselves that it all does not matter because we are a space power!
Last but not least, the spaceman is going to land on earth brimming with new scientific know-how. I am sure he will be able to use this newfound knowledge to help the country.
There is a great deal of high-tech equipment around that keeps malfunctioning. The traffic lights on Jalan Universiti, Kuala Lumpur, used to have a countdown, but it doesn’t work now.
And all that experience with space station to earth video conferencing will come in mighty useful in Dataran Merdeka, where the super high-tech giant TV screen broke down just when eager patriotic Malaysians gathered to watch the Soyuz rocket blast off.
So, all you naysayer types are very wrong and misguided. You should be like me and embrace our spaceman programme. Sit back and think of the glory that is “Malaysia the Space Power” while you unwrap a Raya ketupat.
Wait a minute; that is a great idea for a space experiment. How does unwrapping Raya ketupats fare in zero gravity ??
The Star
You might not know this, but there have been a lot of unhappy rumblings in Malaysian society regarding our space programme.
Actually, that is not accurate. We don’t really have a “space programme”, do we? After all, it’s not like we are pushing the technological frontiers and designing cutting-edge manned spacecraft.
No, to be more precise, we have an astronaut-training programme. Whoa, whoa, that is not true either. We didn’t train anyone; we paid the Russians to train our astronaut.
Oh, blow it all. That is still wrong. He is not an astronaut; he is a cosmonaut. The terms, according to Nasa, mean different things but, according to the Russians (and us), they mean the same thing.
Oh, this is all so confusing. All right, all right, let us start over again.
You might not know this, but there have been a lot of unhappy rumblings in Malaysian society regarding our paying the Russians buckets of money – the amount of which the Malaysian public is not 100% sure about – to train a bloke to be a spaceman (as accurate a definition I can think of, because he is a man and he is in space).
Yes, it is true. This wonderful achievement of the country – to find a handsome, clean-cut, healthy, intelligent fellow and pay someone else to get him into space – is being sneered at in some cynical quarters.
If you happen to be one of those people, I say to you: tsk, tsk, tsk. Where is your sense of patriotism? Where is your child-like optimism?
Going into space is a big deal. Just ask Dennis Tito and Mark Shuttleworth, two space tourists who did not have the luxury of buying Russian jet fighters to contra the costs of their cosmic flights. Coincidentally, one of the nasty things people are calling our Malaysian spaceman is “space tourist”.
For your information, unlike the two gentlemen mentioned above, our spaceman is not a tourist. No, no, no. He is going to do experiments, important experiments.
Apart from important experiments, he is going to be doing so much good in other ways. For example, he has opened the doors of opportunity for ordinary Malaysians. One of these days, I might go to space. To conduct experiments.
Don’t laugh because it is possible, for if the good doctor has proven anything, it is that if the Government is willing to spend a bit of money, anyone can go to space. Kind of like a galactic AirAsia.
Let us not forget all those little schoolchildren who are being inspired as you read this. They are going to know that Malaysia Boleh.
We can do all sorts of things. We are now a space power!
The next time their school computer lab collapses, or their teachers get demoralised due to poor pay, they can tell themselves that it all does not matter because we are a space power!
Last but not least, the spaceman is going to land on earth brimming with new scientific know-how. I am sure he will be able to use this newfound knowledge to help the country.
There is a great deal of high-tech equipment around that keeps malfunctioning. The traffic lights on Jalan Universiti, Kuala Lumpur, used to have a countdown, but it doesn’t work now.
And all that experience with space station to earth video conferencing will come in mighty useful in Dataran Merdeka, where the super high-tech giant TV screen broke down just when eager patriotic Malaysians gathered to watch the Soyuz rocket blast off.
So, all you naysayer types are very wrong and misguided. You should be like me and embrace our spaceman programme. Sit back and think of the glory that is “Malaysia the Space Power” while you unwrap a Raya ketupat.
Wait a minute; that is a great idea for a space experiment. How does unwrapping Raya ketupats fare in zero gravity ??
Sheikh Muszaphar Helps In Research For Other Countries
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysian astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha, who is currently at the International Space Station (ISS), is also assisting the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in their research.
National Angkasawan Programme Director Col Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh said the research involved the effects of microgravity and solar radiation on the astronaut's body system.
"The ESA research is on the effects of microgravity on the back portion of the body, movement perception, resilience before and after the ISS trip and the stability of visibility and the body," he told Bernama when contacted in Moscow today.
The JAXA study is on the level of exposure to radiation by the astronaut in space.
"JAXA introduced a gadget which is placed in the astronaut's shirt pocket to study the radiation level," he said.
All the studies conducted by Dr Sheikh Muszaphar will be brought back for analysis to their countries of origin be it Russia, Japan or Malaysia.
He said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar was in good health and could conduct all the experiments entrusted to him.
Dr Zulkeffeli said his sleeping hours had also stabilised at eight hours daily compared to six hours previously and that he also performed daily prayers.
He said plans to welcome back Malaysia's first astronaut would be made in stages starting tomorrow.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and two Russian astronauts are expected to land on Oct 21.
-- BERNAMA
National Angkasawan Programme Director Col Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh said the research involved the effects of microgravity and solar radiation on the astronaut's body system.
"The ESA research is on the effects of microgravity on the back portion of the body, movement perception, resilience before and after the ISS trip and the stability of visibility and the body," he told Bernama when contacted in Moscow today.
The JAXA study is on the level of exposure to radiation by the astronaut in space.
"JAXA introduced a gadget which is placed in the astronaut's shirt pocket to study the radiation level," he said.
All the studies conducted by Dr Sheikh Muszaphar will be brought back for analysis to their countries of origin be it Russia, Japan or Malaysia.
He said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar was in good health and could conduct all the experiments entrusted to him.
Dr Zulkeffeli said his sleeping hours had also stabilised at eight hours daily compared to six hours previously and that he also performed daily prayers.
He said plans to welcome back Malaysia's first astronaut would be made in stages starting tomorrow.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and two Russian astronauts are expected to land on Oct 21.
-- BERNAMA
PM Gets His Wish To Speak To Dr Sheikh Muszaphar
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi finally got his wish to speak to Malaysian angkasawan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha when connection was established with the International Space Station (ISS) via video-conferencing from Astro's Studio 7 at 9pm today.
"I still want to wish you Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri and also on behalf of my wife and the people of Malaysia as I couldn't do it the other day due to a transmission problem," said Abdullah who was clearly excited to see Dr Sheikh Muszaphar floating as he spoke to the Prime Minister from the ISS.
The 15-minute video conferencing saw Abdullah posing a number of questions to Dr Sheikh Muszaphar with regards to his health, conditions on space and his experiments.
"Now that you are in the space station, do you feel that the training given in Russia was adequate or you would have wished for additional training," asked Abdullah.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, who thanked the Prime Minister and Malaysians, replied that it was his seventh day in space and that the training in Russia was a big help in making his mission a success.
The Prime Minister, who was with his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, thanked Dr Sheikh Muszaphar for making Malaysia proud and displaying the true identity of a Malaysian in space.
"This means you will be able to undertake the responsibilities given to you to do some experiments as well and we look forward to you bringing back some of the specimens," said Abdullah.
The Prime Minister also asked Dr Sheikh Muszaphar whether he had any problems in performing his praying routines to which he replied that there was none and that the guidelines from the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) were useful.
Abdullah was also curious to know if Dr Sheikh Muszaphar's experiments were on schedule and if he had recorded all his day-to-day activities to be published in a book for future reference to which the angkasawan said he had recorded every detail in his laptop to be shared by everybody upon his return to earth on Oct 21.
A concerned Abdullah also wanted to know if he had any health problems since his blast off till now and congratulated Dr Sheikh Muszaphar for doing a good job.
The prime minister also extended his regards to the rest of the crew at the ISS for their help rendered.
Meanwhile, Jeanne asked Dr Sheikh Muszaphar whether he was eating well and enjoying the food he had taken with him and wished him a safe homecoming.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar together with Russian astronaut Yuri Malenchenko and Commander Peggy Whitson of the United States are crew members of the Soyuz TMA-11 which blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Oct 10.
The Soyuz docked with the ISS at 10.52pm Malaysian time on Oct 12 and the crew joined Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin, Flight Engineer Oleg Kotov and Clay Anderson, three crew of the previous mission to the ISS.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, an orthopaedic surgeon, will carry out four experiments drawn up by Malaysian scientists including a study of the effects of microgravity and space radiation on cells and microbes.
He is scheduled to return to Earth on Oct 21 with two Russian astronauts Yurchikhin and Kotov while Malenchenko and Whitson will stay on.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Malaysia to launch second space mission
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Malaysia, whose first astronaut is at the International Space Station, will send a second citizen into space in the next two years, the science minister said according to reports Saturday.
Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, a 35-year-old doctor and part-time model, blasted off Wednesday aboard a Russian Soyuz space craft with Russian cosmonaut Yury Malenchenko and NASA's Peggy Whitson.
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Jamaluddin Jarjis said from Moscow that Muszaphar's back-up candidate, Faiz Khaleed, would become Malaysia's next astronaut or "angkasawan" in the Malay language.
"Captain doctor Faiz Khaleed will be the primary angkasawan and the next mission, probably in 2008 or 2009, should have him doing more challenging tasks," Jamaluddin said according to the New Straits Times.
"This could involve him doing a space walk or conducting repairs to the spacecraft," he said.
"I hope to submit a proposal to NASA (the US space administration) by this year that in addition to his training with the Russian Space Agency, Dr. Faiz will also be able to undergo training with them," he said.
However, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak indicated said Saturday that a review of Muszaphar's mission would take place before any decision was made on Malaysia's next foray into space.
"We will have a post-mortem first and then examine the possibility," he said according to the official Bernama news agency.
The project to have a homegrown "angkasawan" was part of a billion-dollar purchase of 18 Sukhoi 30-MKM fighter jets from Russia.
Muszaphar was chosen from thousands of hopefuls in a nationwide competition that generated tremendous excitement in Malaysia, which is celebrating its half-century of independence from British colonial rule.
Jamaluddin said that another competition would be held to select a backup for Faiz -- an army dentist -- and that he hoped young people and women would apply.
Muszaphar, who blasted off from the Baikonur launch centre that Russia runs in Kazakhstan, is due to return to earth on October 21.
During his mission, Muszaphar will conduct experiments on behalf of Malaysia's Genome Institute, including tests on cancer cells.
Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, a 35-year-old doctor and part-time model, blasted off Wednesday aboard a Russian Soyuz space craft with Russian cosmonaut Yury Malenchenko and NASA's Peggy Whitson.
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Jamaluddin Jarjis said from Moscow that Muszaphar's back-up candidate, Faiz Khaleed, would become Malaysia's next astronaut or "angkasawan" in the Malay language.
"Captain doctor Faiz Khaleed will be the primary angkasawan and the next mission, probably in 2008 or 2009, should have him doing more challenging tasks," Jamaluddin said according to the New Straits Times.
"This could involve him doing a space walk or conducting repairs to the spacecraft," he said.
"I hope to submit a proposal to NASA (the US space administration) by this year that in addition to his training with the Russian Space Agency, Dr. Faiz will also be able to undergo training with them," he said.
However, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak indicated said Saturday that a review of Muszaphar's mission would take place before any decision was made on Malaysia's next foray into space.
"We will have a post-mortem first and then examine the possibility," he said according to the official Bernama news agency.
The project to have a homegrown "angkasawan" was part of a billion-dollar purchase of 18 Sukhoi 30-MKM fighter jets from Russia.
Muszaphar was chosen from thousands of hopefuls in a nationwide competition that generated tremendous excitement in Malaysia, which is celebrating its half-century of independence from British colonial rule.
Jamaluddin said that another competition would be held to select a backup for Faiz -- an army dentist -- and that he hoped young people and women would apply.
Muszaphar, who blasted off from the Baikonur launch centre that Russia runs in Kazakhstan, is due to return to earth on October 21.
During his mission, Muszaphar will conduct experiments on behalf of Malaysia's Genome Institute, including tests on cancer cells.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Government To Have Post-mortem Before Deciding On Second Astronaut
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- The government will carry out a post-mortem on the first astronaut programme before deciding on sending the second astronaut, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Saturday.
"We will have a post-mortem first and then examine the possibility," he said after attending the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers open house at the Putra World Trade Centre here.
The country's first astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha is expected to land on October 21 at a location in Siberia before flying to Moscow.
He is expected to touch down at around 6pm (Moscow time) and at a location about 1,500 kilometres from the Russian capital.
Najib said he would be leaving for Moscow on October 20 to greet Dr Sheikh Muszaphar following his landing.
He said the Russian authorities have advised the Malaysian delegation to wait for Dr Sheikh Muszaphar in Moscow rather than Siberia due to logistics reasons.
"The landing is in Siberia but conditions in Siberia do not permit us to be there," he added.
After sending Dr Sheikh Muszaphar to space, there has been a proposal for back-up candidate Kapt Dr Faiz Khaleed to be given an opportunity to join a coming space mission.
-- BERNAMA
Friday, October 12, 2007
New crew arrive at space station
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Reuters) - A Russian capsule carrying a new crew for the International Space Station and Malaysia's first astronaut slipped into a berthing port at the orbital outpost on Friday as the space ships sailed 220 miles (357 km) above Earth.
The Soyuz spacecraft, which blasted off Wednesday from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, reached the station at 10:50 a.m. EDT/1450 GMT.
About 90 minutes later, hatches between the two vessels opened and NASA's Peggy Whitson, cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko and Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, an orthopedic surgeon and part-time model from Malaysia, floated aboard.
"Well, hello," one of the two Russian cosmonauts currently stationed on the outpost said through a translator. "Welcome on board."
Whitson and Malenchenko, both of whom have lived on the station previously, were to become the outpost's 16th crew and Whitson its first female commander.
The first from his nation to fly in space, Shukor was scheduled to remain aboard the station for eight days conducting medical research while Whitson and Malenchenko learn about station operations from the current crew.
"I'm feeling very well," Shukor said in a televised briefing with officials and guests gathered at the Russian Mission Control Center outside Moscow. "I have lots of American and Russian friends on board."
He then heard a familiar voice.
"This is your father. How are you doing?" Shukor's dad asked.
"Very well," Shukor replied. "I love you very much."
Shukor's flight is part of a commercial deal Russia cut to sell aircraft to Malaysia. He will return to Earth on Oct. 21 with outgoing station commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and flight engineer Oleg Kotov.
The station, a $100 billion project of 16 nations, is a little more than 60 percent complete, with some of the most complex work still to come. Laboratory modules owned by the European and Japanese space agencies are scheduled to be installed in December and in 2008 respectively, as well as a Canadian-built robotic hand for the station's robot arm.
In addition, a European cargo ship called Jules Verne, a French author who pioneered the science fiction genre, is scheduled for a debut flight in February.
Three of the next visiting U.S. space shuttle crews will tackle initial tasks to install the new components, but it will be up to Whitson, Malenchenko and their third flight engineer to prepare for the additions and to complete the work.
"We're doing a lot more of the assembly operations," Whitson said in a preflight interview.
The new crew will not have much time to settle in before the first guests arrive.
Shuttle Discovery, set for launch on Oct. 23, is expected to deliver a critical connection hub called Harmony to serve as a docking port for the new laboratories.
Whitson and Malenchenko start off their six-month mission with NASA astronaut Clay Anderson, already aboard the station, as their third crewmember.
Discovery astronaut Dan Tani will take over Anderson's slot until his replacement, France's Leopold Eyharts, arrives on a shuttle flight in December.
Q & A with DATUK DR MAZLAN OTHMAN: 'We should take small steps'
FIVE years ago, Datuk Dr Mazlan Othman left her job in Vienna as United Nations director of outer space affairs to set up the National Space Agency here. On Wednesday, she watched with pride as the country’s first angkasawan lifted off. MINDERJEET KAUR finds out if the space programme under the agency and the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry is viable for the future
Q: Some politicians have asked if the next step should be to send a Malaysian to the moon? Is it possible for us to go to the moon?
A: We should take small steps. If you are talking about having our own technology to send someone to space and into orbit, that requires a lot of commitment such as financial input and human capital.
There are only three countries in the world -- the United States, Russia and China -- that have the capability to send humans into space. And the amount of money they have put in is a lot.
Each of these countries has thousands of people working on their space programme. The US spent about US$16 billion (RM56 billion) on its Nasa programme.
We cannot be comparing with them. So when we talk about building a rocket and sending a man into space it might eventually be a reality but not now. We haven't even built our own aeroplanes. Which is why we need to take small steps.
But it does not mean that just because we have not built rockets, we shouldn't send a man to space or launch a satellite. What we can do is to save money by using someone's rocket. There are different ways of doing things.
Q: What sort of steps should we take before building our own rockets and spacecraft?
A: We start small by having more engineers trained for rocket engineering, aeronautic engineering, space engineering and scientists to look at innovative fuels, among other things.
Q: Are we ready to send another astronaut to the International Space Station next year?
A: To be able to send somebody next year will be good. However, even if we do not send someone for the next few years, our experiments and research can still continue as we will be working with the US, European and Japanese Space Agency.
Q: How long will it take for our space programme to be successful?
A: It depends on how much money is put into it. If we spend money like China, then we can build rockets and go to space very fast. India will also be sending a man to space soon.
Q: How long will it take for Malaysia to develop the human capital?
A: When we talk about technology transfer, we should also talk about our readiness to receive the technology transfer.
Sometimes, we think we pay money to another company and we can do it. It doesn't mean we are ready. There are so many levels of readiness. It takes time.
Throwing in money to get something is one way. But by taking shortcuts, we lose out on certain levels because we do not go deep into it. The government should build a programme, then build the human capital around it.
Q: What should be done so that the younger generation would be able to build rockets and come up with world-class experiments?
A: We need a good education system. I have always advocated that it should start from the primary level. People should be able to see jobs in the space industry as a career. But if the country only needs five space engineers, then no one is going to see it as a career. It is up to the government.
Q: Other than going for road shows and giving talks, what other long-term plans are there for Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor when he returns?
A: The programme should have a long-term impact. That is the development that we want to see. This is why when we embarked on the programme, we were very clear that we were going to do this together with other scientists worldwide. For instance, a lot of equipment that Dr Muszaphar will be using in space was obtained from the United States. We will also carry our experiments for motion sickness and lower back pain for the European Space Agency. For the Japanese Space Agency, our study revolves around the development of a radiation patch. We chose those partners because they have strong space programmes. The Japanese are going to launch their own module for scientific experiments. They will be looking for international partners. By doing something for the Japanese now, they will include Malaysians in the future to do more research.
Q: How can those in remote or rural areas relate to the space programme?
A: Even those who do not care about space still care about the country. By putting a man in space, it puts the country in the league of nations of the highest ranking. People may say that we should not be proud as we have not built a rocket. But in order to have a man in space, it means that we have certain capabilities. For instance, the Russians look at us as a viable partner. It means that we have reached a certain level. We have received international recognition.
Q: How did the Angkasawan project start? When did it start and who got the ball rolling?
A: It was in 2002 when the then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad called me back from Vienna to set up the space agency and asked me what my plans were for Malaysia. At that time, I was curious to know whether we should have an astronaut programme. The reason was because whenever I spoke to the press, they would always ask me why we did not have an astronaut programme since we have a space agency. Most of them equate a space agency to Nasa. But I wasn't too keen on having an astronaut programme because it would cost money and it should not be a top priority as we had other programmes as well. I asked Tun why we needed to have a space programme and he told me that every now and then, a country needed to have a programme which would unite the people. And he thought the space programme would be able to do that. On top of that, it would inspire the young people and would drive the progress of science.
Q: What happened next?
A: We went to the next level on how we would fund the programme and if we could get the right candidate. We were not sure how many would apply. Tun had told me that he had thought of the programme in 1985 but he said we were not ready then but by 2002, we knew we were ready. We had a solid space programme already. We had launched two satellites, the Measat I and Measat II, and we had already launched our remote sensing satellite, Tiongsat, in 2000 and ended its life in 2004. We had aerospace engineering programmes. We had the Planetarium and Remote Sensing Centre receiving images. We had enough space-related activities as compared to 1985 when we had nothing. Tun also asked me how many would apply and I told him that maybe about a thousand people would apply. But then about 10,000 people applied. I was wrong, I didn't think it would inspire so many Malaysians.
Q: How did the offset agreement between Malaysia and Russia for the government's purchase of 18 Russian-produced Sukhoi-30MKM jetfighters come about?
A: There were a lot of things happening at the same time. I also got to know from the Defence Ministry that they were looking for an offset programme with Russia. We thought the programme which would cost US$20 million to send our man to space was very high. So we looked at ways on how we could cut cost. We were very careful not to spend too much because we were not sure of the public's support for the programme. I looked at the offset programme and I thought to myself, this is it. We could do the training programme without spending tax payers' money. I met Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who was also the Minister of Defence at the time, and asked him if he would support the Angkasawan programme as one of the offset programmes. He said yes almost immediately and said he would bring it up with the Russians. And that was how the programme started. And when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took over in 2004, he was very supportive of the programme. His support is obvious. He is always available when it comes to the Angkasawan programme or any announcement or when the candidates want to meet him or the Russians want to talk to him.
Q: Why was the National Space Agency set up?
A: It was initially set up to coordinate several ministries which were interested in space and communications. It was also set up to plan space regulations, space programmes and space policies.
Q: How many staff were employed at the agency?
A: There were 14 of us. In the first year, there was me, my secretary and driver. We were working with a skeleton staff. But I was fortunate that I had the support of the Planetarium staff. In the first year, I was struggling to come up with a programme to develop our own technology such as satellites, spacecraft and rockets. We needed human capital and facilities. In the last five years, we set up the National Space Centre in Banting to allow Malaysians to build their own satelites. We talked about Measat, Tiongsat and Razaks but these were built overseas. The government has to start a mechanism or create an environment where our engineers and scientists can build our own satellites.
Q: What was the screening process like?
A: With the 10,000 potential candidates, we got them to re-apply and when they did that, the number did not drop. So, the first thing we did was to eliminate those under the age of 21, maybe about 800 of them. We also wanted someone with a university degree, except if they were professional pilots. Because pilots are the best candidates for this. And I thought, if worst comes to worst, we will send a pilot. The number dropped drastically. This was the passive process.
The next step was to get them to run 3.5 km in 20 minutes. But only about 500 were brave enough to go through this. Out of that about half qualified. They also had to undergo a pilot's medical checkup to check their eyesight and hearing. At this point, only 100 qualified. The medical examination became harder from then on. They also had to undergo dental check-ups. Those who had too many fillings were disqualified because when there are too much fillings, it could jeopardise the training. Those who had major fractures were also dropped. From here on, we had other tests including oxygen testing and defying zero gravity.
Q: Are you happy with the candidate chosen to represent Malaysia?
A: We had 10,000 Malaysians who applied and went through nine screening tests
Q: Some politicians have asked if the next step should be to send a Malaysian to the moon? Is it possible for us to go to the moon?
A: We should take small steps. If you are talking about having our own technology to send someone to space and into orbit, that requires a lot of commitment such as financial input and human capital.
There are only three countries in the world -- the United States, Russia and China -- that have the capability to send humans into space. And the amount of money they have put in is a lot.
Each of these countries has thousands of people working on their space programme. The US spent about US$16 billion (RM56 billion) on its Nasa programme.
We cannot be comparing with them. So when we talk about building a rocket and sending a man into space it might eventually be a reality but not now. We haven't even built our own aeroplanes. Which is why we need to take small steps.
But it does not mean that just because we have not built rockets, we shouldn't send a man to space or launch a satellite. What we can do is to save money by using someone's rocket. There are different ways of doing things.
Q: What sort of steps should we take before building our own rockets and spacecraft?
A: We start small by having more engineers trained for rocket engineering, aeronautic engineering, space engineering and scientists to look at innovative fuels, among other things.
Q: Are we ready to send another astronaut to the International Space Station next year?
A: To be able to send somebody next year will be good. However, even if we do not send someone for the next few years, our experiments and research can still continue as we will be working with the US, European and Japanese Space Agency.
Q: How long will it take for our space programme to be successful?
A: It depends on how much money is put into it. If we spend money like China, then we can build rockets and go to space very fast. India will also be sending a man to space soon.
Q: How long will it take for Malaysia to develop the human capital?
A: When we talk about technology transfer, we should also talk about our readiness to receive the technology transfer.
Sometimes, we think we pay money to another company and we can do it. It doesn't mean we are ready. There are so many levels of readiness. It takes time.
Throwing in money to get something is one way. But by taking shortcuts, we lose out on certain levels because we do not go deep into it. The government should build a programme, then build the human capital around it.
Q: What should be done so that the younger generation would be able to build rockets and come up with world-class experiments?
A: We need a good education system. I have always advocated that it should start from the primary level. People should be able to see jobs in the space industry as a career. But if the country only needs five space engineers, then no one is going to see it as a career. It is up to the government.
Q: Other than going for road shows and giving talks, what other long-term plans are there for Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor when he returns?
A: The programme should have a long-term impact. That is the development that we want to see. This is why when we embarked on the programme, we were very clear that we were going to do this together with other scientists worldwide. For instance, a lot of equipment that Dr Muszaphar will be using in space was obtained from the United States. We will also carry our experiments for motion sickness and lower back pain for the European Space Agency. For the Japanese Space Agency, our study revolves around the development of a radiation patch. We chose those partners because they have strong space programmes. The Japanese are going to launch their own module for scientific experiments. They will be looking for international partners. By doing something for the Japanese now, they will include Malaysians in the future to do more research.
Q: How can those in remote or rural areas relate to the space programme?
A: Even those who do not care about space still care about the country. By putting a man in space, it puts the country in the league of nations of the highest ranking. People may say that we should not be proud as we have not built a rocket. But in order to have a man in space, it means that we have certain capabilities. For instance, the Russians look at us as a viable partner. It means that we have reached a certain level. We have received international recognition.
Q: How did the Angkasawan project start? When did it start and who got the ball rolling?
A: It was in 2002 when the then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad called me back from Vienna to set up the space agency and asked me what my plans were for Malaysia. At that time, I was curious to know whether we should have an astronaut programme. The reason was because whenever I spoke to the press, they would always ask me why we did not have an astronaut programme since we have a space agency. Most of them equate a space agency to Nasa. But I wasn't too keen on having an astronaut programme because it would cost money and it should not be a top priority as we had other programmes as well. I asked Tun why we needed to have a space programme and he told me that every now and then, a country needed to have a programme which would unite the people. And he thought the space programme would be able to do that. On top of that, it would inspire the young people and would drive the progress of science.
Q: What happened next?
A: We went to the next level on how we would fund the programme and if we could get the right candidate. We were not sure how many would apply. Tun had told me that he had thought of the programme in 1985 but he said we were not ready then but by 2002, we knew we were ready. We had a solid space programme already. We had launched two satellites, the Measat I and Measat II, and we had already launched our remote sensing satellite, Tiongsat, in 2000 and ended its life in 2004. We had aerospace engineering programmes. We had the Planetarium and Remote Sensing Centre receiving images. We had enough space-related activities as compared to 1985 when we had nothing. Tun also asked me how many would apply and I told him that maybe about a thousand people would apply. But then about 10,000 people applied. I was wrong, I didn't think it would inspire so many Malaysians.
Q: How did the offset agreement between Malaysia and Russia for the government's purchase of 18 Russian-produced Sukhoi-30MKM jetfighters come about?
A: There were a lot of things happening at the same time. I also got to know from the Defence Ministry that they were looking for an offset programme with Russia. We thought the programme which would cost US$20 million to send our man to space was very high. So we looked at ways on how we could cut cost. We were very careful not to spend too much because we were not sure of the public's support for the programme. I looked at the offset programme and I thought to myself, this is it. We could do the training programme without spending tax payers' money. I met Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who was also the Minister of Defence at the time, and asked him if he would support the Angkasawan programme as one of the offset programmes. He said yes almost immediately and said he would bring it up with the Russians. And that was how the programme started. And when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi took over in 2004, he was very supportive of the programme. His support is obvious. He is always available when it comes to the Angkasawan programme or any announcement or when the candidates want to meet him or the Russians want to talk to him.
Q: Why was the National Space Agency set up?
A: It was initially set up to coordinate several ministries which were interested in space and communications. It was also set up to plan space regulations, space programmes and space policies.
Q: How many staff were employed at the agency?
A: There were 14 of us. In the first year, there was me, my secretary and driver. We were working with a skeleton staff. But I was fortunate that I had the support of the Planetarium staff. In the first year, I was struggling to come up with a programme to develop our own technology such as satellites, spacecraft and rockets. We needed human capital and facilities. In the last five years, we set up the National Space Centre in Banting to allow Malaysians to build their own satelites. We talked about Measat, Tiongsat and Razaks but these were built overseas. The government has to start a mechanism or create an environment where our engineers and scientists can build our own satellites.
Q: What was the screening process like?
A: With the 10,000 potential candidates, we got them to re-apply and when they did that, the number did not drop. So, the first thing we did was to eliminate those under the age of 21, maybe about 800 of them. We also wanted someone with a university degree, except if they were professional pilots. Because pilots are the best candidates for this. And I thought, if worst comes to worst, we will send a pilot. The number dropped drastically. This was the passive process.
The next step was to get them to run 3.5 km in 20 minutes. But only about 500 were brave enough to go through this. Out of that about half qualified. They also had to undergo a pilot's medical checkup to check their eyesight and hearing. At this point, only 100 qualified. The medical examination became harder from then on. They also had to undergo dental check-ups. Those who had too many fillings were disqualified because when there are too much fillings, it could jeopardise the training. Those who had major fractures were also dropped. From here on, we had other tests including oxygen testing and defying zero gravity.
Q: Are you happy with the candidate chosen to represent Malaysia?
A: We had 10,000 Malaysians who applied and went through nine screening tests
Soyuz Spacecraft Docks at Space Station
A Soyuz craft carrying the international space station's first female commander and Malaysia's first space traveler docked Friday at the orbital outpost.
The Soyuz craft docked on schedule on automatic pilot, Russian Mission Control spokesman Valery Lyndin said. It carried the station's new American commander, astronaut Peggy Whitson, as well as veteran Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko and Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, a Malaysian physician.
"Everything is great," Malenchenko told Mission Control shortly after the docking, which took place about 220 miles above the Earth. A NASA commentator called it "flawless."
After checking the seals between the Soyuz and the station's Zarya module, a crew member on the station was to open a hatch about 60 to 90 minutes after the docking and the three were to board the station, Lyndin said.
Sheikh Muszaphar, 35, has said his roughly 10-day stay on the station should inspire his southeast Asian nation, and Muslims all over the world.
The $25 million agreement for a Malaysian astronaut to fly to space was negotiated in 2003 along with a $900 million deal for Malaysia to buy 18 Russian fighter jets.
Whitson, 47, of Beaconsfield, Iowa, is making her second trip to the station and will become its first female commander.
She and Malenchenko will replace two of the station's current crew, cosmonauts Fyodor Yurchikhin and Oleg Kotov, who are slated to return to Earth along with Sheikh Muszaphar on Oct. 21 in a Soyuz capsule.
Whitson and Malenchenko, 45, who is on his second voyage to the station and who commanded Russia's Mir space station more than a decade ago, are to be joined later this month by Daniel Tani, who is scheduled to arrive on the U.S. shuttle Discovery. Tani will replace fellow American Clayton Anderson, who has been at the station since June.
The U.S. space program has depended largely on Russia for cargo and astronaut delivery to the space station since the 2003 explosion of the shuttle Columbia.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Tour of the International Space Station
Think know the International Space Station? Take this NASA tour to learn more about one of the most challenging projects in the history of exploration! There's more information at www.nasa.gov/station
WELCOME TO NATIONAL ANGKASAWAN PROGRAMME
The Angkasawan Programme is the Malaysian national programme to send the first Malaysian to space. The Malaysian will join two other cosmonauts aboard a Soyuz space craft that will rendezvous with the International Space Station, which is in orbit around the Earth at an altitude of approximately 360 km. The Angkasawan will carry out scientific researches on board the space station.
For more infos on the programme, please click http://angkasa.emedia.com.my/
For more infos on the programme, please click http://angkasa.emedia.com.my/
Not selected but duo still brimming with hope
KUALA LUMPUR: Although Va-najah Siva was not chosen to be the first Malaysian in space, she still hopes that one day she will be the first Malaysian woman astronaut.
As one of the final four who were selected as potential astronaut candidates, Vanajah was devastated when she was told that she would not be in the final two.
"I knew that my gender was not a factor with regard to the results, but I was devastated, nevertheless," she said.
Asked if she would sign up for a second space trip in the future, Vanajah said she would jump at the opportunity anytime .
"Without a blink and no second thoughts about it. Just show me where to sign."
However, she makes it clear that being an astronaut for her is more than "girl power".
"A chance to travel to outer space as a contribution to the development of my country and the betterment of the human race is not just a competition, it's a dream."
Despite being the only woman, Vanajah said she bonded well with the other three male candidates.
She became good friends with one of them, Capt Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin, a pilot with Malaysia Airlines.
Like Vanajah, Faiz said that just because he was not chosen to be the final two astronaut candidates, it did not mean that his day would never come.
"If Malaysia decides to put a man on a second space mission, count me in. I'll sign up at the drop of a hat," said the 35-year-old.
Vanajah and Faiz both said they had full confidence in Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and his backup Capt Dr Faiz Khaleed.
"Looking back now, it was quite clear who would be chosen.
"The decision was written in the stars and Muszaphar was destined to be the first Malaysian astronaut," said Faiz
He was also present on site to watch the launch and lend his moral support to Muszaphar.
"Muszaphar is an excellent candidate and will make an excellent first astronaut for Malaysia.
"It was a good decision but I believe any one of the two boys would had been a good choice."
Faiz hopes that putting a Malaysian in space, besides proving the "Malaysia Boleh" spirit, would also help further the development of science and technology in the country.
"I hope it will inspire an interest in science among the youths and draw more of them to study aerospace engineering."
Although they did not make the final cut, both Faiz and Vanajah admit that the experience of being considered for the role of being Malaysia's first astronaut is something they would cherish for the rest of their lives.
"Since the selection, I've been receiving numerous invitations to speak at schools, clubs and various organisations.
"It has given me a wonderful chance to motivate girls in our country and boost the confidence of women in Malaysia as well," said Vanajah
She is pursuing a master's degree at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden.
As one of the final four who were selected as potential astronaut candidates, Vanajah was devastated when she was told that she would not be in the final two.
"I knew that my gender was not a factor with regard to the results, but I was devastated, nevertheless," she said.
Asked if she would sign up for a second space trip in the future, Vanajah said she would jump at the opportunity anytime .
"Without a blink and no second thoughts about it. Just show me where to sign."
However, she makes it clear that being an astronaut for her is more than "girl power".
"A chance to travel to outer space as a contribution to the development of my country and the betterment of the human race is not just a competition, it's a dream."
Despite being the only woman, Vanajah said she bonded well with the other three male candidates.
She became good friends with one of them, Capt Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin, a pilot with Malaysia Airlines.
Like Vanajah, Faiz said that just because he was not chosen to be the final two astronaut candidates, it did not mean that his day would never come.
"If Malaysia decides to put a man on a second space mission, count me in. I'll sign up at the drop of a hat," said the 35-year-old.
Vanajah and Faiz both said they had full confidence in Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and his backup Capt Dr Faiz Khaleed.
"Looking back now, it was quite clear who would be chosen.
"The decision was written in the stars and Muszaphar was destined to be the first Malaysian astronaut," said Faiz
He was also present on site to watch the launch and lend his moral support to Muszaphar.
"Muszaphar is an excellent candidate and will make an excellent first astronaut for Malaysia.
"It was a good decision but I believe any one of the two boys would had been a good choice."
Faiz hopes that putting a Malaysian in space, besides proving the "Malaysia Boleh" spirit, would also help further the development of science and technology in the country.
"I hope it will inspire an interest in science among the youths and draw more of them to study aerospace engineering."
Although they did not make the final cut, both Faiz and Vanajah admit that the experience of being considered for the role of being Malaysia's first astronaut is something they would cherish for the rest of their lives.
"Since the selection, I've been receiving numerous invitations to speak at schools, clubs and various organisations.
"It has given me a wonderful chance to motivate girls in our country and boost the confidence of women in Malaysia as well," said Vanajah
She is pursuing a master's degree at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Giant leap for Malaysia
As you read this, the nation’s first angkasawan is halfway to his destination – the International Space Station. Located 360km above the Earth, this will be Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor’s home for the next 10 days.
Contrary to nay-sayers, he is not a mere "space participant" as apart from creating another milestone in the nation’s history, the 35-year-old orthopaedic surgeon will be getting down to some serious work, conducting medical research focusing on cancer and HIV – a far cry from the teh tarik and batu seremban suggestions from some of our politicians and government servants.
While many may consider Sheikh Muszaphar lucky, the good doctor earned his place through hard work and determination.
He also has an unenviable responsibility to shoulder. Other than the pressure of making the most of his research in the short time he has in space, he also carries with him the hopes and aspirations of all Malaysians, who have rallied behind him with messages of encouragement and support.
Undoubtedly, science and history textbooks will have to be re-written when Sheikh Muszaphar returns. The realisation of this dream will be the catalyst for future space expeditions involving Malaysians (secondary candidate Capt. Dr Faiz Khaleed has been roped in for another exploration next year or 2009) and perhaps, on a more ambitious note, our own space programme.
But most importantly, the Malaysian Astronaut project has brought the country together in shared pride and glory, at a time when the nation needs something to strengthen our bonds, what with the emergence of racial politics in the wake of our 50th year of independence.
As our Angkasawan Negara rightly puts it, his small step is a giant leap for the nation. The challenge now is to see where we dare tread to next – not just in space exploration, but also as a nation. From here, the only way should be up.
Malaysians over the moon at their first astronaut
KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) - Malaysia celebrated Thursday as its first astronaut hurtled through space on board a Russian Soyuz rocket, in a landmark for the nation which is marking 50 years of independence.
"It's a small step for me, but a great leap for the Malaysian people," said Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, the 35-year-old doctor and part-time model who blasted off late Wednesday from Baikonur in Kazakhstan.
The historic journey dominated national newspapers which devoted dozens of pages to the launch, and photographs showing a smiling Muszaphar inside the craft with a Malaysian flag emblazoned on the sleeve of his spacesuit.
The outpouring of national pride also reached cyberspace, with Malaysia's lively blogosphere giving heavy coverage of the event.
Muszaphar, along with Russian cosmonaut Yury Malenchenko and American Peggy Whitson, will circle the earth for the next two days before docking at the International Space Station (ISS) where he will spend nine days.
"I am very proud that a Malaysian astronaut has gone into space and this is a very proud moment for the nation," a beaming Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said after the launch.
Abdullah watched the event on a satellite feed beamed onto enormous screens at the futuristic Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The crowd of more than 2,000 people, many in Malay national dress, cheered wildly at lift-off.
"I got really excited when I saw the launch, I am already interested in science, now I will do my best," said 16-year-old student Syaz Wani Abdul Razak who was one of hundreds of high schoolers packed into the hall.
The event was one of about a dozen public screenings held in Kuala Lumpur, and parties and activities were organised across the country.
At the capital's Independence Square, hundreds of space fans yelled out the national catchcry of "Malaysia Boleh" or "Malaysia Can" as the spacecraft roared away from earth.
Muszaphar underwent more than a year of training at Moscow's Star City after being chosen from thousands of hopefuls in a nationwide competition that generated tremendous excitement here.
Malaysian leaders see the space flight as a milestone for the country which is marking a half-century of independence from British colonial rule, and are already discussing sending another citizen into space.
"If there is another offer to fly on Soyuz or to fly to the ISS, we can consider," Abdullah said, adding that he hoped back-up astronaut Faiz Khaleed who trained alongside Muszaphar would be the next Malaysian in space.
Malaysians were slighted by a reference on the NASA website which listed Muszaphar as a "space flight participant" -- a term reserved for space tourists.
But NASA astronaut Robert Gibson helped restore national pride by insisting he was a fully fledged astronaut, or "angkasawan" in the Malay language.
"He's trained for a year with the Russians. The people in the past who have gone for a ride have not gone for a year but six weeks or seven weeks," Gibson said at the launch.
"Sheikh Muszaphar is eminently qualified to be an astronaut, cosmonaut and researcher aboard Soyuz and aboard the ISS."
Muszaphar arrives on the ISS near the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and has taken along some Malaysian delicacies to share with the crew during this weekend's Eid festival.
One of only a handful of Muslims to have travelled to space, he has said he will try to observe the fasting rules of Ramadan while on his journey.
Malaysian religious authorities have prepared guidelines on how to practise Islam in space, including how to perform the ritual ablutions and hold the prayer position in a weightless environment.
The astronaut project was conceived in 2003 when Russia agreed to send a Malaysian to the space station as part of a billion-dollar purchase of 18 Sukhoi 30-MKM fighter jets
"It's a small step for me, but a great leap for the Malaysian people," said Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, the 35-year-old doctor and part-time model who blasted off late Wednesday from Baikonur in Kazakhstan.
The historic journey dominated national newspapers which devoted dozens of pages to the launch, and photographs showing a smiling Muszaphar inside the craft with a Malaysian flag emblazoned on the sleeve of his spacesuit.
The outpouring of national pride also reached cyberspace, with Malaysia's lively blogosphere giving heavy coverage of the event.
Muszaphar, along with Russian cosmonaut Yury Malenchenko and American Peggy Whitson, will circle the earth for the next two days before docking at the International Space Station (ISS) where he will spend nine days.
"I am very proud that a Malaysian astronaut has gone into space and this is a very proud moment for the nation," a beaming Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said after the launch.
Abdullah watched the event on a satellite feed beamed onto enormous screens at the futuristic Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The crowd of more than 2,000 people, many in Malay national dress, cheered wildly at lift-off.
"I got really excited when I saw the launch, I am already interested in science, now I will do my best," said 16-year-old student Syaz Wani Abdul Razak who was one of hundreds of high schoolers packed into the hall.
The event was one of about a dozen public screenings held in Kuala Lumpur, and parties and activities were organised across the country.
At the capital's Independence Square, hundreds of space fans yelled out the national catchcry of "Malaysia Boleh" or "Malaysia Can" as the spacecraft roared away from earth.
Muszaphar underwent more than a year of training at Moscow's Star City after being chosen from thousands of hopefuls in a nationwide competition that generated tremendous excitement here.
Malaysian leaders see the space flight as a milestone for the country which is marking a half-century of independence from British colonial rule, and are already discussing sending another citizen into space.
"If there is another offer to fly on Soyuz or to fly to the ISS, we can consider," Abdullah said, adding that he hoped back-up astronaut Faiz Khaleed who trained alongside Muszaphar would be the next Malaysian in space.
Malaysians were slighted by a reference on the NASA website which listed Muszaphar as a "space flight participant" -- a term reserved for space tourists.
But NASA astronaut Robert Gibson helped restore national pride by insisting he was a fully fledged astronaut, or "angkasawan" in the Malay language.
"He's trained for a year with the Russians. The people in the past who have gone for a ride have not gone for a year but six weeks or seven weeks," Gibson said at the launch.
"Sheikh Muszaphar is eminently qualified to be an astronaut, cosmonaut and researcher aboard Soyuz and aboard the ISS."
Muszaphar arrives on the ISS near the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and has taken along some Malaysian delicacies to share with the crew during this weekend's Eid festival.
One of only a handful of Muslims to have travelled to space, he has said he will try to observe the fasting rules of Ramadan while on his journey.
Malaysian religious authorities have prepared guidelines on how to practise Islam in space, including how to perform the ritual ablutions and hold the prayer position in a weightless environment.
The astronaut project was conceived in 2003 when Russia agreed to send a Malaysian to the space station as part of a billion-dollar purchase of 18 Sukhoi 30-MKM fighter jets
Angkasawan to inspire schoolkids
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian angkasawan's journey will not end in space, instead it would continue on earth where he would visit schools to share his experience with the children.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi believed the outreach programme would stimulate interest in science and technology among schoolchildren.
"The programme will also emphasise the importance of science and technology to their (children's) future.
"Our angkasawan will go to schools and interact with students and answer their questions, all the while encouraging and motivating them to reach for much, much more.
"This is precisely what the government hopes to achieve by sending a Malaysian to space -- to inspire Malaysians and give them a new confidence and strong belief in their own capabilities."
Abdullah said this at the launch of the first national angkasawan to the International Space Station last night.
Present were his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan and Deputy Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha.
More than 1,800 people, including 500 schoolchildren, witnessed the first angkasawan's flight to space, which was shown live on Astro on nine big screens in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here.
Abdullah added the advanced experimentation carried out by the angkasawan was aimed at stimulating the nation's scientific community, pushing it to surpass existing boundaries and seek out new frontiers.
"This programme is a powerful symbol of the limitless possibilities of science and technology, building bridges that will bring these fields into imagination of young people here as it has done elsewhere.
"By venturing into space, we are, therefore, investing in our children's future. This great journey that we are all, in a way taking together with our angkasawan, will allow our children to think that dreams can be realised.
"In this regard, it is imperative that our younger generation is not only equipped with the requisite level of knowledge but also, importantly, with a boundless passion to innovate and explore."
The prime minister urged the people to realise the potential inherent in science as "a powerful tool" to improve people's lives in the broadest and most tangible sense.
Abdullah said a nation that advanced in science would also generate "robust economic value in the form of novel products as well as new innovative processes that effectively addressed 21st century challenges".
It was also significant that that the launching of the angkasawan fell during the month of Ramadan.
"It is befitting that our angkasawan transcends boundaries and discovers new frontiers during the month that the Quran was revealed to mankind."
Bernama reports that Abdullah also expressed his thanks to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for having initiated the angkasawan programme.
"Thank you, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad," he said.
Dr Mahathir had conceived the programme to send a Malaysian to the International Space Station in 2003 with Russian collaboration.
Later at a press conference, Abdullah said Malaysia's space programme would continue.
He said should an offer be extended to send the nation's second astronaut, Malaysia would grab it.
"If Capt Dr Faiz Khaleed is still qualified to become an astronaut and there is a future Soyuz flight to the International Space Station, I will accept the offer on his behalf."
The prime minister added the government had allocated funds for space exploration, space research and space science.
Najib said the country had gone into a new dimension as Malaysia showed progress to be on par with other developed nations.
"This is an area which is usually explored by developed countries. I see this as a big success for the nation as there are Malaysians who are qualified to be astronauts."
Asked whether Malaysia would send a man to the moon, he said: "We should take this step by step. You must remember we are a small country and at present, we do not have the capability to send a man to the moon. But we have big ambitions."
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi believed the outreach programme would stimulate interest in science and technology among schoolchildren.
"The programme will also emphasise the importance of science and technology to their (children's) future.
"Our angkasawan will go to schools and interact with students and answer their questions, all the while encouraging and motivating them to reach for much, much more.
"This is precisely what the government hopes to achieve by sending a Malaysian to space -- to inspire Malaysians and give them a new confidence and strong belief in their own capabilities."
Abdullah said this at the launch of the first national angkasawan to the International Space Station last night.
Present were his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan and Deputy Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha.
More than 1,800 people, including 500 schoolchildren, witnessed the first angkasawan's flight to space, which was shown live on Astro on nine big screens in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here.
Abdullah added the advanced experimentation carried out by the angkasawan was aimed at stimulating the nation's scientific community, pushing it to surpass existing boundaries and seek out new frontiers.
"This programme is a powerful symbol of the limitless possibilities of science and technology, building bridges that will bring these fields into imagination of young people here as it has done elsewhere.
"By venturing into space, we are, therefore, investing in our children's future. This great journey that we are all, in a way taking together with our angkasawan, will allow our children to think that dreams can be realised.
"In this regard, it is imperative that our younger generation is not only equipped with the requisite level of knowledge but also, importantly, with a boundless passion to innovate and explore."
The prime minister urged the people to realise the potential inherent in science as "a powerful tool" to improve people's lives in the broadest and most tangible sense.
Abdullah said a nation that advanced in science would also generate "robust economic value in the form of novel products as well as new innovative processes that effectively addressed 21st century challenges".
It was also significant that that the launching of the angkasawan fell during the month of Ramadan.
"It is befitting that our angkasawan transcends boundaries and discovers new frontiers during the month that the Quran was revealed to mankind."
Bernama reports that Abdullah also expressed his thanks to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for having initiated the angkasawan programme.
"Thank you, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad," he said.
Dr Mahathir had conceived the programme to send a Malaysian to the International Space Station in 2003 with Russian collaboration.
Later at a press conference, Abdullah said Malaysia's space programme would continue.
He said should an offer be extended to send the nation's second astronaut, Malaysia would grab it.
"If Capt Dr Faiz Khaleed is still qualified to become an astronaut and there is a future Soyuz flight to the International Space Station, I will accept the offer on his behalf."
The prime minister added the government had allocated funds for space exploration, space research and space science.
Najib said the country had gone into a new dimension as Malaysia showed progress to be on par with other developed nations.
"This is an area which is usually explored by developed countries. I see this as a big success for the nation as there are Malaysians who are qualified to be astronauts."
Asked whether Malaysia would send a man to the moon, he said: "We should take this step by step. You must remember we are a small country and at present, we do not have the capability to send a man to the moon. But we have big ambitions."
Malaysian Angkasawan And Crew Members Doing Fine In Space
BAIKONUR (KAZAKHSTAN), Oct 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysian angkasawan, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha and two other crew members on board the Russian Soyuz TMA-11 are doing fine and are in constant communication with the Russian Mission Control Centre, MCC in Moscow.
Managing Director and CEO of Aeronautic Technology (M) Sdn Bhd, Datuk Ahmad Sabirin Arshad said the spacecraft was circulating earth every 90 minutes and each time it passed over Moscow, they would provide an update of the exact position of the spacecraft.
This was important to enable the MCC to keep track with them, including the next trip they were flying over Moscow.
"When they pass Moscow, they have between 10 and 15 minutes to give the update to the MCC.
"This includes whatever they have seen, the stars, the moon and even the International Space Station (ISS) which is visible whenever the spacecraft is making its orbital rotation around the earth," he told Malaysian reporters here today on the update of the space expedition.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and flight commander Peggy Whitson and Russian flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko took off into space yesterday.
He said the ISS was also circulating around earth at a speed of 7 km per second and the Soyuz spacecraft would have to travel at that speed eventually to enable it to dock perfectly.
"The spacecraft is expected to dock at the ISS at 12 midnight tomorrow and they have between 10pm Oct 12 and 2am Oct 13 to do so," he said.
On the condition of Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, who will be returning to earth on Oct 21, Sabirin said the Malaysian angkasawan was experiencing a critical moment during the first 18 hours after taking off into space.
"Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor will be facing physiological changes as his blood circulation will not be the same because he is in microgravity condition, and he may even feel nausea."
But Sabirin said, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor was able to overcome such condition as he had been trained to do so, without having to take any medicine.
Sabirin said he was not worried about the Malaysian angkasawan as he was travelling with two experienced space personnel.
"In fact, Malenchenko had told me before that we don't have to worry about Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor because he is easy to work with and takes instruction," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Managing Director and CEO of Aeronautic Technology (M) Sdn Bhd, Datuk Ahmad Sabirin Arshad said the spacecraft was circulating earth every 90 minutes and each time it passed over Moscow, they would provide an update of the exact position of the spacecraft.
This was important to enable the MCC to keep track with them, including the next trip they were flying over Moscow.
"When they pass Moscow, they have between 10 and 15 minutes to give the update to the MCC.
"This includes whatever they have seen, the stars, the moon and even the International Space Station (ISS) which is visible whenever the spacecraft is making its orbital rotation around the earth," he told Malaysian reporters here today on the update of the space expedition.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and flight commander Peggy Whitson and Russian flight engineer Yuri Malenchenko took off into space yesterday.
He said the ISS was also circulating around earth at a speed of 7 km per second and the Soyuz spacecraft would have to travel at that speed eventually to enable it to dock perfectly.
"The spacecraft is expected to dock at the ISS at 12 midnight tomorrow and they have between 10pm Oct 12 and 2am Oct 13 to do so," he said.
On the condition of Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, who will be returning to earth on Oct 21, Sabirin said the Malaysian angkasawan was experiencing a critical moment during the first 18 hours after taking off into space.
"Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor will be facing physiological changes as his blood circulation will not be the same because he is in microgravity condition, and he may even feel nausea."
But Sabirin said, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor was able to overcome such condition as he had been trained to do so, without having to take any medicine.
Sabirin said he was not worried about the Malaysian angkasawan as he was travelling with two experienced space personnel.
"In fact, Malenchenko had told me before that we don't have to worry about Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor because he is easy to work with and takes instruction," he said.
-- BERNAMA
BBC Highlights Malaysian Astronaut On News Programme
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- The BBC has highlighted Malaysia's first astronaut, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha, as the first Muslim to go into space during the fasting month of Ramadan in its news programme.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, who will also be celebrating Aidilfitri in space, said in an interview with the BBC that he wanted to set a good example to Muslims the world over in that he would perform his religious obligations not only on earth but also in space.
Prior to Aidilfitri, he will observe the dawn-to-dusk fasting rules during Ramadan.
The 35 year-old astronaut is expected to reach the International Space Station (ISS) together with his crewmates on Friday after circling the earth for two days.
He will spend eight days on the ISS during which he will collaborate with other scientists on a number of space medicine experiments.
He lifted off on board a Russian Soyuz 15-S rocket with American astronaut Peggy Whitson, the ISS's new commander, and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 9.21pm Malaysian time on Wednesday.
Whitson and Malenchenko will remain on the station for six months, replacing two Russian cosmonauts, Fyodor Yurchikhin and Oleg Kotov, with whom Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor will return on Oct 21.
-- BERNAMA
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, who will also be celebrating Aidilfitri in space, said in an interview with the BBC that he wanted to set a good example to Muslims the world over in that he would perform his religious obligations not only on earth but also in space.
Prior to Aidilfitri, he will observe the dawn-to-dusk fasting rules during Ramadan.
The 35 year-old astronaut is expected to reach the International Space Station (ISS) together with his crewmates on Friday after circling the earth for two days.
He will spend eight days on the ISS during which he will collaborate with other scientists on a number of space medicine experiments.
He lifted off on board a Russian Soyuz 15-S rocket with American astronaut Peggy Whitson, the ISS's new commander, and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 9.21pm Malaysian time on Wednesday.
Whitson and Malenchenko will remain on the station for six months, replacing two Russian cosmonauts, Fyodor Yurchikhin and Oleg Kotov, with whom Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor will return on Oct 21.
-- BERNAMA
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Leaves Three Letters For Parents
BAIKONUR, (KAZAKHSTAN), Oct 10 (Bernama) -- Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha who made his maiden space journey tonight left three letters behind for his parents in case anything untoward were to happen during his 10-day mission.
His mother Datin Zuraidah Sheikh Ahmad said the letters were handed to her while they were on the bus ferrying Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor to the launch site.
"They were about his love for his family and seeking forgiveness should he not be able to get a chance to voice it again," she said tears streaming down her cheeks.
She said that he also asked them to pray for his safe return.
Recalling the launch moments, Zuraidah said she cried hysterically as she could not bear to see her son leave.
"The amount of flames that came out during the launch gave me such a fright," she said, adding that only when the rocket smoothly went on its way did she calm down.
Datuk Sheikh Mustafa Sheikh Shukor said he did feel a little fear during the launch moments but he had prepared himself for it and believed everything would go fine.
He was very glad his son got to realise his dream and planned to further his career in the field.
Meanwhile, Maznah Mohamed, the mother of Kapt Dr Faiz Khaleed, Malaysia's reserve candidate for the mission, said she was happy for Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and prayed for his safe return.
On her son's wish to continue to be involved space missions, Maznah said it was up to him and that as a mother, he would always get her blessings.
Roscosmos, the Russian Space Agency Tuesday said Dr Faiz could be considered for a mission next year or 2009.
-- BERNAMA
His mother Datin Zuraidah Sheikh Ahmad said the letters were handed to her while they were on the bus ferrying Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor to the launch site.
"They were about his love for his family and seeking forgiveness should he not be able to get a chance to voice it again," she said tears streaming down her cheeks.
She said that he also asked them to pray for his safe return.
Recalling the launch moments, Zuraidah said she cried hysterically as she could not bear to see her son leave.
"The amount of flames that came out during the launch gave me such a fright," she said, adding that only when the rocket smoothly went on its way did she calm down.
Datuk Sheikh Mustafa Sheikh Shukor said he did feel a little fear during the launch moments but he had prepared himself for it and believed everything would go fine.
He was very glad his son got to realise his dream and planned to further his career in the field.
Meanwhile, Maznah Mohamed, the mother of Kapt Dr Faiz Khaleed, Malaysia's reserve candidate for the mission, said she was happy for Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and prayed for his safe return.
On her son's wish to continue to be involved space missions, Maznah said it was up to him and that as a mother, he would always get her blessings.
Roscosmos, the Russian Space Agency Tuesday said Dr Faiz could be considered for a mission next year or 2009.
-- BERNAMA
Abdullah Thanks Dr M For Initiating Astronaut Programme
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi expressed his thanks to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for having initiated the "Angkasawan" Programme that culminated in success tonight.
"Thank you to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad," he said at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) where he had followed live the launch of a Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft carrying Malaysian astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha and two other astronauts from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Dr Mahathir had conceived the programme to send a Malaysian to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2003 with Russian collaboration after Malaysia purchased 18 Russian-made Sukhoi jet fighters for RM3.4 billion.
In a statement today, Dr Mahathir, who is undergoing treatment at the National Heart Institute (IJN) after a coronary bypass operation last month, extended congratulations to Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor.
Abdullah, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and more than 1,000 people, among them Cabinet ministers, gathered at the KLCC to watch the live telecast of the launch.
A thunderous clapping of hands echoed through halls 1 and 2 of the KLCC as the visual of the Soyuz rocket and spacecraft bearing the Malaysian flag appeared on the seven huge screens one minute before lift-off at 9.21 pm.
The audience erupted into shouts of "Malaysiaku Gemilang" (My Glorious Malaysia) upon seeing Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor in the spacecraft after the launch, sporting the Malaysian flag on his left arm of his space suit.
Nine minutes after blast-off, the spacecraft was in orbit. It is scheduled to dock with the ISS on Friday.
-- BERNAMA
"Thank you to Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad," he said at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) where he had followed live the launch of a Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft carrying Malaysian astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha and two other astronauts from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
Dr Mahathir had conceived the programme to send a Malaysian to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2003 with Russian collaboration after Malaysia purchased 18 Russian-made Sukhoi jet fighters for RM3.4 billion.
In a statement today, Dr Mahathir, who is undergoing treatment at the National Heart Institute (IJN) after a coronary bypass operation last month, extended congratulations to Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor.
Abdullah, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and more than 1,000 people, among them Cabinet ministers, gathered at the KLCC to watch the live telecast of the launch.
A thunderous clapping of hands echoed through halls 1 and 2 of the KLCC as the visual of the Soyuz rocket and spacecraft bearing the Malaysian flag appeared on the seven huge screens one minute before lift-off at 9.21 pm.
The audience erupted into shouts of "Malaysiaku Gemilang" (My Glorious Malaysia) upon seeing Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor in the spacecraft after the launch, sporting the Malaysian flag on his left arm of his space suit.
Nine minutes after blast-off, the spacecraft was in orbit. It is scheduled to dock with the ISS on Friday.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Russian rocket launches first Malaysian into space
BAIKONUR, Kazakhstan (Reuters) - A Russian Soyuz spacecraft carrying Malaysia's first astronaut, a U.S. astronaut and a Russian cosmonaut blasted off to rendezvous with the International Space Station on Wednesday.
Thousands of Malaysians watched the blast-off live on television as the TMA-11 rocket carrying Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, an orthopaedic surgeon and university lecturer from Kuala Lumpur, lifted off from Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Kazakh steppe.
Russian officials said the rocket lifted off on schedule, at 05:22 p.m. Moscow time (1322 GMT) and successfully went into orbit, circling the earth every 88.7 minutes.
"Each space launch is a pretty tense and maybe the most complicated stage of space flight," said Vladimir Solovoyov, who is in charge of Russia's segment of the ISS.
"This one went off successfully and without a hitch," he said, visibly relieved after the craft reached orbit.
Staff at mission control shook each others' hands. Live pictures from aboard the rocket, which was travelling at a speed of 8 km (4.97 miles) per second, showed the crew sitting calmly and reading their flight logs.
"Now we will have the most difficult stage, when the spaceship must adjust its route and get into orbit," said Solovoyov at mission control centre outside Moscow.
The crew is scheduled to dock to the $100-billion ISS on Friday. Shukor is flying with the ISS Expedition-16 commander, U.S. astronaut Peggy Whitson and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko, who will work in space for half a year.
He will return to earth on Oct. 21 together with the station's current commander, Russian Fyodor Yurchikhin and Russian Flight Engineer Oleg Kotov.
'MALAYSIAKU'
In Kuala Lumpur, crowds flocked to Freedom Square, the historic colonial centre of the capital, to watch the countdown on giant screens.
They broke into cheers and applause as the rocket lifted off, with people clapping their hands and crying out 'Malaysiaku', or 'Our Malaysia'.
"We feel very good, very excited and inspired by the first Malaysian in space," said Mohamad Faiz Farhan, a 17-year-old science student who made a two-hour journey to the capital to watch the event along with four friends.
The third member of the outgoing crew, U.S. Flight Engineer Clay Anderson, will remain onboard with Expedition-16 and return to Earth in November aboard the U.S. Space Shuttle Discovery.
Shukor is the first Muslim to fly into space during the holy month of Ramadan after being selected from 11,000 candidates in a deal Malaysia arranged with Russia as part of a $1 billion purchase of Russian jets.
He says his flight is "a giant leap" for Malaysia and he wants to inspire his Southeast Asian nation just like Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin did back in 1961 when he became the world's first man in space.
His country's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi watched the lift-off at a banquet in the capital's business centre, where seven giant TV screens dominated a room of about 3,000 people. Stalls outside sold astronaut T-shirts and space toys.
"I am happy and satisfied with this historical event," Abdullah told the gathering. "It is significant for the country and the citizens."
(Additional reporting by Hsu Chuang Khoo and Clarence Fernandez in Kuala Lumpur)
Thousands of Malaysians watched the blast-off live on television as the TMA-11 rocket carrying Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, an orthopaedic surgeon and university lecturer from Kuala Lumpur, lifted off from Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome in the Kazakh steppe.
Russian officials said the rocket lifted off on schedule, at 05:22 p.m. Moscow time (1322 GMT) and successfully went into orbit, circling the earth every 88.7 minutes.
"Each space launch is a pretty tense and maybe the most complicated stage of space flight," said Vladimir Solovoyov, who is in charge of Russia's segment of the ISS.
"This one went off successfully and without a hitch," he said, visibly relieved after the craft reached orbit.
Staff at mission control shook each others' hands. Live pictures from aboard the rocket, which was travelling at a speed of 8 km (4.97 miles) per second, showed the crew sitting calmly and reading their flight logs.
"Now we will have the most difficult stage, when the spaceship must adjust its route and get into orbit," said Solovoyov at mission control centre outside Moscow.
The crew is scheduled to dock to the $100-billion ISS on Friday. Shukor is flying with the ISS Expedition-16 commander, U.S. astronaut Peggy Whitson and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko, who will work in space for half a year.
He will return to earth on Oct. 21 together with the station's current commander, Russian Fyodor Yurchikhin and Russian Flight Engineer Oleg Kotov.
'MALAYSIAKU'
In Kuala Lumpur, crowds flocked to Freedom Square, the historic colonial centre of the capital, to watch the countdown on giant screens.
They broke into cheers and applause as the rocket lifted off, with people clapping their hands and crying out 'Malaysiaku', or 'Our Malaysia'.
"We feel very good, very excited and inspired by the first Malaysian in space," said Mohamad Faiz Farhan, a 17-year-old science student who made a two-hour journey to the capital to watch the event along with four friends.
The third member of the outgoing crew, U.S. Flight Engineer Clay Anderson, will remain onboard with Expedition-16 and return to Earth in November aboard the U.S. Space Shuttle Discovery.
Shukor is the first Muslim to fly into space during the holy month of Ramadan after being selected from 11,000 candidates in a deal Malaysia arranged with Russia as part of a $1 billion purchase of Russian jets.
He says his flight is "a giant leap" for Malaysia and he wants to inspire his Southeast Asian nation just like Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin did back in 1961 when he became the world's first man in space.
His country's Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi watched the lift-off at a banquet in the capital's business centre, where seven giant TV screens dominated a room of about 3,000 people. Stalls outside sold astronaut T-shirts and space toys.
"I am happy and satisfied with this historical event," Abdullah told the gathering. "It is significant for the country and the citizens."
(Additional reporting by Hsu Chuang Khoo and Clarence Fernandez in Kuala Lumpur)
First Malaysian Goes Into Space, Nation Sets History
BAIKONUR (Kazakhstan), Oct 10 (Bernama) -- Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha blasted off from here today in a Soyuz spacecraft to become the first Malaysian to go into space in a launch seen as a milestone in propelling Malaysia into a new and exciting chapter in its history.
The 35-year-old "angkasawan" (astronaut in Malay), an orthopaedic surgeon from Seremban who has American Peggy Whitson and Russian Yuri Malenchenko for company, lifted off at 7.21 pm (9.21 pm Malaysian time) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in a Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft bearing the flags of Malaysia, Russia and the United States.
The launch of the spacecraft, which is headed for a docking with the orbiting International Space Station (ISS) 333km above the earth, was followed live by millions of Malaysians back home who were glued to their television sets or giant screens placed at strategic locations in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi watched the historic lift-off live on one of the several huge screens set up at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), along with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha and 280 schoolchildren. A breaking-of-the-fast was held earlier at the venue.
The launch was observed here by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis as well as the parents of Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor -- Datuk Sheikh Mustapha Sheikh Shukor and Datin Zuraida Datuk Sheikh Ahmad.
Coming on the 28th day of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, the launch holds a special significance for Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor. He does not have to fast in space but has said that he may want to observe the regime, if possible. He will then take credit for being the first Muslim astronaut to observe the Ramadan fast and also celebrate Aidilfitri, which is likely to fall on Oct 13, in space.
For this "angkasawan" and all other Malaysians, the launch could not have come at a more opportune moment -- when the nation is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its independence.
Coincidentally, Russia is marking 50 years of space exploration. The first ever satellite, Sputnik, was launched from the very same Baikonur Cosmodrome on Oct 4 1957.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and his fellow astronauts will be in the ISS for nine days, during which time the Malaysian is scheduled to conduct three experiments involving cells in space, microbes in space and the crystallisation of proteins. He is due to return to earth on Oct 21.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor's space venture has been made possible by Malaysia's Angkasawan Programme to send the first Malaysian into space.
The programme was conceived in 2003 when Russia agreed to send a Malaysian to the ISS as part of Malaysia's RM3.42-billion purchase of 18 Russian-made Sukhoi-30MKM fighter jets. The Russian government is bearing the cost of the programme.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor is one of two candidates chosen from 11,267 applicants in an open selection process which started in October 2003 and ended in September 2006. The other is backup "angkasawan" Capt Dr Faiz Khaleed.
After a series of tests, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Dr Faiz underwent training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, a facility inaugurated on Jan 11 1960 in Star City outside Moscow, from September last year.
The Russian space agency, Roskosmos, has agreed that Dr Faiz participate in the 2008/2009 space mission and has allowed him to continue training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre.
The Angkasawan Programme is seen as a giant step for Malaysia in developing its scientific and technological capabilities and in building its international image.
It is hoped that the programme will spur Malaysians to develop an interest in space studies in particular and science and technology in general, and encourage local scientific and space industries.
More significantly, it is a programme that is expected to inspire Malaysians and give them new confidence and belief in their own capabilities.
As Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis said: "It is not merely a project to send a Malaysian into space. After 50 years of independence, we need a new shift and a new advantage to be more successful as a nation.
"We want to awe and inspire, and spur Malaysians to attain greater success by embracing science and technology."
-- BERNAMA
The 35-year-old "angkasawan" (astronaut in Malay), an orthopaedic surgeon from Seremban who has American Peggy Whitson and Russian Yuri Malenchenko for company, lifted off at 7.21 pm (9.21 pm Malaysian time) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in a Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft bearing the flags of Malaysia, Russia and the United States.
The launch of the spacecraft, which is headed for a docking with the orbiting International Space Station (ISS) 333km above the earth, was followed live by millions of Malaysians back home who were glued to their television sets or giant screens placed at strategic locations in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi watched the historic lift-off live on one of the several huge screens set up at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), along with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Kong Cho Ha and 280 schoolchildren. A breaking-of-the-fast was held earlier at the venue.
The launch was observed here by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis as well as the parents of Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor -- Datuk Sheikh Mustapha Sheikh Shukor and Datin Zuraida Datuk Sheikh Ahmad.
Coming on the 28th day of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, the launch holds a special significance for Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor. He does not have to fast in space but has said that he may want to observe the regime, if possible. He will then take credit for being the first Muslim astronaut to observe the Ramadan fast and also celebrate Aidilfitri, which is likely to fall on Oct 13, in space.
For this "angkasawan" and all other Malaysians, the launch could not have come at a more opportune moment -- when the nation is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its independence.
Coincidentally, Russia is marking 50 years of space exploration. The first ever satellite, Sputnik, was launched from the very same Baikonur Cosmodrome on Oct 4 1957.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and his fellow astronauts will be in the ISS for nine days, during which time the Malaysian is scheduled to conduct three experiments involving cells in space, microbes in space and the crystallisation of proteins. He is due to return to earth on Oct 21.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor's space venture has been made possible by Malaysia's Angkasawan Programme to send the first Malaysian into space.
The programme was conceived in 2003 when Russia agreed to send a Malaysian to the ISS as part of Malaysia's RM3.42-billion purchase of 18 Russian-made Sukhoi-30MKM fighter jets. The Russian government is bearing the cost of the programme.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor is one of two candidates chosen from 11,267 applicants in an open selection process which started in October 2003 and ended in September 2006. The other is backup "angkasawan" Capt Dr Faiz Khaleed.
After a series of tests, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Dr Faiz underwent training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, a facility inaugurated on Jan 11 1960 in Star City outside Moscow, from September last year.
The Russian space agency, Roskosmos, has agreed that Dr Faiz participate in the 2008/2009 space mission and has allowed him to continue training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre.
The Angkasawan Programme is seen as a giant step for Malaysia in developing its scientific and technological capabilities and in building its international image.
It is hoped that the programme will spur Malaysians to develop an interest in space studies in particular and science and technology in general, and encourage local scientific and space industries.
More significantly, it is a programme that is expected to inspire Malaysians and give them new confidence and belief in their own capabilities.
As Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis said: "It is not merely a project to send a Malaysian into space. After 50 years of independence, we need a new shift and a new advantage to be more successful as a nation.
"We want to awe and inspire, and spur Malaysians to attain greater success by embracing science and technology."
-- BERNAMA
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