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.
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