DR SHEIKH MUSZAPHAR SHUKOR & THE ANGKASAWAN PROGRAMME

A Compilation of News, Updates & Press Releases

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Monday, 22 October 2007

DAD GETS FIRST PHONE CALL
Topic: - P5 - Undock/Return

By BERNAMA

MOSCOW: One of the first things angkasawan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor did on returning to Earth was to borrow a mobile phone to call his father.

Datuk Sheikh Mustapha Sheikh Shukor said he did not believe that the caller was his son until Dr Muszaphar called him abah (father in Malay).

"Abah, it's Mus. I'm back safe and sound. Everything's fine," Sheikh Mustapha said, when telling reporters about the 10-minute telephone conversation he had with his son.

The Soyuz TMA-10 carrying Dr Muszaphar and two others landed in Arkylk, Kazakhstan, at 2.37pm local time (6.37pm in Malaysia) after travelling three hours and 23 minutes from the International Space Station.

"It was a relief to know that he had landed safely with the other cosmonauts," Sheikh Mustapha said at the Mission Control Centre, from where he monitored the Soyuz landing.

Dr Muszaphar's mother, Datin Zuraidah Sheikh Ahmad, said words could not describe her joy now that her son had returned to Earth.

"I can sleep soundly again," said Zuraidah, who had previously mentioned that she had lost 7kg since her son lifted off into space on Oct 10.

Source: The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

RUSSIA OFFERS ANOTHER SHOT AT SPACE
Topic: - The Prog. - Future

By NST

MOSCOW: The Russian Space Agency, Roskosmos, is offering a place for another Malaysian angkasawan to the International Space Station in late 2010 or early 2011.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said the government had until the end of 2009 to accept the offer.

"Roskosmos president Anatoli Perminov told me they were willing to train our second angkasawan for the next mission.

"This time, it will not be an offset arrangement but directly financed," he said at the Mission Control Centre here yesterday.

"Roskosmos has agreed to be a part of our civil space expedition, which we hope to seal under an agreement which will encompass all aspects, including benefits to science and technology and space exploration for the country.

"The details of the agreement will be based on our evaluation of the first mission and the scientists' assessment of the benefits of the experiments."

Najib said a cost-benefit analysis would be conducted.

"Since the next expedition would involve public funds, the government would have to convince the public of the need of the mission, although I can say now that we are very interested in continuing our space programme.

"The return of our astronaut marks our success in space. We want the country to benefit in the years to come from our angkasawan programme."

Najib, who is also defence minister, said he was grateful to ministries and agencies involved in the programme.

Source: The New Straits Times Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

DR SHEIKH MUSZAPHAR CALLS DAD AFTER SOYUZ LANDING
Topic: - P5 - Undock/Return

By ABDUL RAHMAN AHMAD

MOSCOW: One of the first things that Malaysian angkasawan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor did soon after returning to earth following his 11-day space sojourn was to call his father using a borrowed mobile phone.

Datuk Sheikh Mustapha Sheikh Shukor said he did not believe that the caller was his son until Dr Sheikh Muszaphar called him "abah" (father in Malay).

"Abah, it's Mus. I'm back safe and sound. Everything's fine," Sheikh Mustapha told reporters of the 10-minute telephone conversation he had with his son.

The Soyuz TMA-10 carrying Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and two others landed in Arkylk, Kazakhstan, at 2.37pm local time (6.37pm Malaysian time) after travelling three hours and 23 minutes from the International Space Station.

"It was a relief to know that he had landed safely with two other cosmonauts," Sheikh Mustapha said when met at the Mission Control Centre here from where he monitored the Soyuz landing.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar's mother, Datin Zuraidah Sheikh Ahmad, said mere words could not describe her joy now that her son had returned to earth.

"Now I can sleep soundly again," said Zuraidah who had previously mentioned that she had lost seven kilogrammes ever since her son blasted off into space on Oct 10.

Source: Bernama.com

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

CAPT DR FAIZ NOW A MAJOR
Topic: - Abt the Final 2

By ABDUL RAHMAN AHMAD

MAJOR ICON: Dr Faiz Khaleed, the next Malaysian angkasawan in line to be sent into space following the successful step of angkasawan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor who has safely landed back on earth on 21st October 2007 at 2.37pm local time (6.37 Malaysian time). - BERNAMA File

MOSCOW: Angkasawan Capt Dr Faiz Khaleed has been promoted to the rank of major in the Malaysian armed forces with immediate effect, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced here Monday.

Najib said Dr Faiz was given the promotion after he discussed the matter with Chief of Defence Forces Gen Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Zainal.

"Since the time Dr Faiz underwent training as an astronaut, he has been regarded as a national icon and the promotion is meant to spur the younger generation to strive hard for success," he said in his speech at a supper at 3am (7am in Malaysia).

Also present were Najib's wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Jamaludin Jarjis and Gen Abdul Aziz.

Dr Faiz, 27, is still in the service of the armed forces and was seconded to the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry for the space programme.

Asked about his feelings, Dr Faiz said: "It's a surprise to me and I am happy for it, and I am looking forward to the commissioning of my new rank."

He said the period of his secondment to the ministry was expected to be extended until the next angkasawan mission into space.

Dr Faiz thanked the government and the armed forces for the promotion.

Source: Bernama.com

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

ANGKASAWAN'S SUCCESSFUL MISSION
Topic: - The Prog. - General

By BERNAMA

Video conferencing between Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at Astro, Bukit Jalil on Oct. 16. - MD MUDANORAN

KUALA LUMPUR: Following is the chronology of events leading to the launching of Malaysia's first angkasawan (astronaut) Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha into space and his safe return to earth:

Aug 5 2003: Malaysia signed a contract to procure 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets from Russia under a package deal worth about US$900 million. The aircraft are to be delivered in stages between June 2006 and end of 2007. The payment for the aircraft will be stretched until 2009. In return, Russia will purchase Malaysia's palm oil, provide transfer of space technology, and train a Malaysian to become Malaysia's first angkasawan.

Oct 2003: Over 11,000 applicants registered online to become Malaysia's first angkasawan. Application requirements included being above 21 years old, a degree holder or a professional pilot.

Aug 27-Sept 3 2005: 894 candidates shortlisted but only 435 took part in the fitness test starting with a 3.5km run which must be completed within 20 minutes. 199 made it through. Of the figure, 194 underwent the basic medical examination based on National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Programme Criteria. 59 passed.

Sept 25-30 2005: First aeromedical test which included blood, nose and ear checks, X-ray, and electrocardiogram (ECG). 59 were tested, 27 passed.

Jan 16-21 2006: Second aeromedical test, including bone, air passage and centrifuge tests. 27 were tested, 18 passed.

Jan 16-24 2006: Overall assessment based on performance in 3.5km run and second aeromedical test as well as psychiatric, psychology, land and sea survival and technical competence. 10 were tested, 8 passed.

Jan 25-26 2006: Medical examination (including CT Scan, endoscopy and blood analysis). 10 were tested, 8 passed.

Feb 9 2006: Eight qualified candidates interviewed by selection panel at Shangri-La Hotel, Putrajaya. Overall assessment based on performance in all the events covering all aspects in communication, character, forwardness and determination. Four were selected to be sent to Moscow for further medical examination: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha, 34, orthopaedic surgeon; Vanajah Siva, 35, senior quality engineer; Dr Faiz Khaleed, 26, Armed Forces dental surgeon; and Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin, 34, Malaysia Airlines pilot.

March 2006: The four candidates underwent medical examination in Russia including neurology (brain) and body adaptation in microgravity environment.

Sept 4 2006: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi named Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha and Dr Faiz Khaleed as the final two candidates at the KL International Airport.

Sept 2006-Sept 2007: The two were sent to the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City, Moscow and then to NASA in Houston, Texas, for training. One will be selected to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) while the other is his back-up.

Sept 24 2007: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Dr Faiz Khaleed passed the test and recognised as astronauts.

Oct 9 2007: Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis announced in Baikonur that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar will be the first Malaysian angkasawan to blast off to the ISS from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Oct 10 2007: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar together with a Russian cosmanaut and an American astronaut blasted off from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan to the ISS at 9.21pm (Malaysia time).

Oct 12 2007: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar carried out a research at a live support system space, Zvezda Service Module.

Oct 14 2007: Video conferencing between Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at Seri Perdana, Putrajaya failed due to technical glitches.

Oct 15 2007: Video conferencing between Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis.

Oct 16 2007: Video conferencing between Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at Astro.

Oct 19 2007: Video conferencing between Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and the people at the National Science Centre.

Oct 21 2007: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor landed in the space capsule, Soyuz TMA-10, at Arkylk, Kazakhstan at 2.37pm (6.37pm in Malaysia) together with Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and Flight Engineer Oleg Kotov after a journey of three hours and 23 minutes from the ISS.

Source: The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

TEARFUL REUNION FOR THE SHEIKH FAMILY
Topic: - P5 - Undock/Return

By ABDUL RAHMAN AHMAD

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor who has not fully recovered from the micro-gravity condition in space, had to be assisted by the Angkasawan Programme director, Col Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh (right), as he alighted from the steps of the aeroplane. - PICTURE: Rahman Ahmad

MOSCOW: It was an emotional reunion for Sheikh Mustapha Sheikh Shukor's family when they were reunited with their illustrious son, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, who returned to earth yesterday on the Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft after spending 11 days in space.

He and his wife, Datin Zuraidah Sheikh Ahmad, and their eldest son, Sheikh Ahmad, had to contend with the chilly open space at the Chakalovsky Air Base here for nearly an hour before the aeroplane carrying their angkasawan son touched down at 10.36pm local time (2.36 Malaysian time).

With tears of joy welling in her eyes, Zuraidah flashed a broad smile upon seeing her 35-year-old-son emerging from the plane, waving to the crowd, which include families of Fyodor Yurchikhin and Oleg Kotov, the two Russian crew of the spacecraft, which landed some 600km away from the designated area in Arkylk in Kazakhstan, due to mechanical failure.

This delayed the homecoming welcoming ceremony for the three astronauts.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, an orthopaedic surgeon by training, who had not fully recovered from the micro-gravity condition in space, had to be assisted by the Angkasawan Programme director, Col Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh, as he alighted from the steps of the aeroplane.

In a spontaneous response, the crowd applauded and waved at the three angkasawan who appeared tired due to the long journey home, including a 10-minute flight ordeal, when the spacecraft had to operated on a ballistic mode upon entering the earth atmosphere.

Joy and merriment filled the air as the medical doctor angkasawan shook hands and hugged the Malaysian crowd, including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, his wife, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis.

And the teary-eyed mother, who has been closely onserving her son, tightly embraced Dr Sheikh Muszaphar whom she had not touched for several months after he returned to Moscow from a brief holiday in Malaysia in June.

"I missed him so much and I have not hugged him since June after he returned to Russia to continue his training.

"I cannot wait to take my son home to host a thanksgiving feast to honour him for his achievement," said an elated Zuraidah.

The three angkasawan were then taken on a 30-minute bus ride to the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City here where they were accorded a Russian traditional welcoming ceremony, with a loud band display.

They were offered a slice of bread each as a gesture of prosperity and security before taken to the rehabilitation centre where only the family members and the Malaysian ministerial delegation were allowed into the building for a brief chat with the angkasawan who needed a lot of rest.

It is in Star City that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and the two accompanying Russian cosmonauts will undergo health checks.

"Dr Sheikh Muszaphar may take one week to fully recover from the micro-gravity condition unlike the other two cosmonauts who had stayed longer at the International Space Station (ISS). At the moment, the Malaysian angkasawan is in good health," said Dr Zulkeffeli.

Speaking to reporters later, Najib said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar was eager to relate his experience in space.

"He is in good condition and in good health and in high spirits despite the tiredness," he said.

He said the extensive training he had undergone had developed in him an extraordinary strength and confidence to withstand any problem including the ballistic mode of re-entry of the spacecraft into the earth atmosphere.

"It is nothing unusual for a spacecraft to be on a ballistic mode. It had happened before during other Russian space missions. And because of the training he had, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar could control himself from the pressure he experienced," he said.

He said the Russian Space Agency, Roscosmos, would provide the feedback of the problems faced when investigations are completed.

"What is most important is that the Malaysian angkasawan is safe back home and he had accomplished his duties which made Malaysians proud.

"I hope his experience would inspire others in undertaking any challenges and turning a dream into reality," he added.

Dr Zulkeffeli said the spacecraft had to spiral down to earth due to the problem.

He said the crew realised the problem before entering the atmosphere as they were supposed to deploy the navigation for flight control.

"But after the parachutes opened for some three minutes, the spacecraft managed to land with minimal impact," he said.

On the experiment specimens kept in the spacecraft, Dr Zulkeffeli said he managed to retrieve all the six specimen kits before handing them to the Malaysian scientists who were on standby at Qostanay in Kazakhstan.

Source: Bernama.com

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

SOYUZ TMA-10 LANDED 600KM AWAY FROM THE DESIGNATED SITE - DR ZULKEFFELI
Topic: - P5 - Undock/Return

By ABDUL RAHMAN AHMAD

MOSCOW: The Soyuz TMA-10 carrying Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha and two other Russian cosmonauts landed some 600km away from the designated landing site.

Malaysian Space Programme director Col Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh said the spacecraft was supposed to land at Arkyld, Kazakhstan, but instead it touched down 600km away near Baikonur, kazakhstan, the launching site of the Soyuz TMA-11 rocket which blasted off on Oct 10.

"But due to some mechanical problems, the crew had to do a ballistic mode when making a re-entry into atmosphere," he told Malaysian journalists.

Dr Zulkeffeli, a flight surgeon (specialised medical officer in the military), was the only Malaysian involved in the recovery team of the spacecraft along with Russian officials.

He said the spacecraft crew were aware of the problem even before they entered the atmosphere.

"They are suppose to land at Arkylk and when they were making the entrance they can manoeuvre to bring the spacecraft forward to land at the designated site, but due to some mechanical failure they had to do ballastic mode and they have to spiral down.

And this made the crew to experience a gravity pull of 8.9GX which put some pressure on them.

"But all sequence, including the time the parachutes suppose to open remains, as it is only that they don't have the soft navigation but a drastic drop," he said.

The recovery team from Baikonur reached the spacecraft about one hour after it landed while the other team, which include Dr Zulkeffeli from Arkyld, took two hours to reach there.

He said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar was prepared as he had expected the worst.

Source: Bernama.com

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

FIRST MALAYSIAN IN SPACE: CHEERS AS SOYUZ LANDS SAFELY
Topic: - P5 - Undock/Return

By ANIS IBRAHIM

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor waving as he emerges from the Soyuz in Kazakhstan yesterday. - REUTERS

BAIKONUR: THE return of Malaysia's first angkasawan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor was celebrated in a simple ceremony at the Mission Control Centre yesterday.

The Soyuz TMA-10 landed in Kazakhstan at 6.37pm Malaysian time.

The Malaysian delegation watched anxiously as the seconds ticked by on the giant screens in the main control room.

When the craft landed, applause broke out in the viewing balcony.

Dr Muszaphar's parents were clearly relieved when it was announced that the Soyuz had landed.

His mother, Datin Zuraida Sheikh Ahmad, was crying with relief as she sat next to her husband, Datuk Sheikh Mustapha Sheikh Abdul Shukor.

As is the custom for every safe landing, representatives from the parties involved congratulated each other.

Russian Space Agency (Roskosmos) president Anatoli Perminov congratulated Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who was present.

A thanksgiving doa was then read for the safe landing of the Soyuz.

When it was announced 23 minutes later at 7pm Malaysian time that the craft had been located, more applause broke out.

Malaysians were not the only ones who had come to watch the landing as Russian and foreign camera crew were also present.

Despite the perfect timing, the Soyuz landed away from its designated site.

While it was supposed to land within a 10km radius of the Kazakh town of Arkalyk, it landed about 340km away.

At a press conference later, Perminov said a commission would be set up to determine why the craft had departed from its trajectory.

"The commission will conduct an in-depth study to determine why the automatic descent was switched off at a 50km altitude," he said through an interpreter.

Those who had hoped to view the landing live were unable to as the screens only showed graphics of the location of the craft.

Source: The New Straits Times Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

PM: ANGKASAWAN MARKS SUCCESS OF ALL MALAYSIANS
Topic: - Other Reports

By CHRISTINA KOH

IPOH: Angkasawan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor's return from space represented not just his success but also the success of his country and all Malaysians.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said usually it was the developed nations which had the capability to plan for missions to space.

"We are not developed yet but we are working to achieve more and even greater successes towards the year 2020 where we can be a developed nation.

"To achieve that success, we must implement many projects, including projects in the fields of science and space," he said before launching the Gugusan Manjoi Administration and Commercial Complex here on Monday.

Abdullah said the country was also working with the space agencies of countries like Japan, Russia, Kazakhstan and the United States towards this goal.

"It is my hope that this would not be the first and last success. We want this first achievement in space to bring even greater successes in the future," he added.

Source: The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

MALAYSIA CHEERS HISTORIC SPACE ODYSSEY
Topic: - P5 - Undock/Return

By AFP

Malaysia's first space traveler Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor wearing traditional Kazakh costume in north-central Kazakhstan. The return of Malaysia's first ever astronaut from space was hailed by the deputy premier as a historic moment that made his countrymen "stand a few inches taller".

The return of Malaysia's first ever astronaut from space was hailed by the deputy premier as a historic moment that made his countrymen "stand a few inches taller", reports said Monday.

Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, a 35-year-old doctor and part-time model, returned to Earth on Sunday at 1043 GMT after 11 days in space.

Muszaphar and two Russian cosmonauts touched down safely in Kazakhstan but 200 kilometres (120 miles) off-target in a rare and unexplained 'ballistic landing' by the Soyuz craft.

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak followed the landing from the Russian mission control centre in Moscow.

"This is a very momentous and historic occasion for Malaysia. It will go down in the annals of our history because this is a first for Malaysia in space and he has returned safely," Najib said in the New Straits Times.

Muszaphar, whose parents were among the cheering Malaysian contingent at mission control, spoke to his father over a borrowed mobile phone.

"Abah (father in the Malay language), it's Mus. I'm back safe and sound. Everything's fine," his father, Sheikh Mustapha Abdul Shukor, recounted to the paper.

Muszaphar was chosen from thousands of hopefuls in a nationwide competition that generated tremendous excitement in Malaysia.

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 mulling sending another citizen into space.

Najib said the government has until the end of 2009 to decide if it wants to accept an offer from the Russian Space Agency for another Malaysian to journey to the International Space Station (ISS) in late 2010 or early 2011.

Muszaphar's trip was part of a billion-dollar purchase of 18 Sukhoi 30-MKM fighter jets from Russia but Najib said a second space mission will involve direct financing.

"Since the next expedition would involve public funds, the government would have to convince the public of the need of the mission," Najib said.

The Malaysian astronaut trained for over a year at Moscow's Star City before he left for the mission on October 10 with American Peggy Whitson, the new commander on the ISS, and a Russian Yuri Malenchenko.

Muszaphar, a practising Muslim, celebrated the end of the holy month of Ramadan at the space station and carried out experiments for Malaysia's Genome Institute.

Source: Today Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

MPs TO HOST RECEPTION FOR DR SHEIKH MUSZAPHAR
Topic: - The Prog. - Future

By BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: The nation's first astronaut, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, will be given a special reception at Parliament House when he returns from Moscow in a fortnight.

Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) acting chairman Datuk Raja Ahmad Zainuddin Raja Omar said the reception is a mark of respect for his efforts in making the space mission a success.

"We have discussed our plan with the Dewan Rakyat Speaker and want to be the first to host Dr Sheikh Muszaphar on his return after two weeks of quarantine in Moscow," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby here Monday.

He said BNBBC wanted to play a role in helping the government develop space science and would discuss with Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis how best to generate interest among the young.

"We also plan to hold a roadshow on Dr Sheikh Muszaphar's feat at schools and institutions of higher learning for the benefit of students," he added.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar landed at Arkylk, Kazakhstan. in a Soyuz TMA-10 capsule yesterday with Russians Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and Flight Pilot Oleg Kotov after a journey of three hours and 23 minutes from the International Space Station (ISS), some 350km from earth.

He left for ISS in a Soyuz TMA-11 rocket with Commander Peggy Whitson of United States and Flight Engineer Yuri Malechenko of Russia from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Oct 10.

During his 11 days at ISS, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar was involved in several scientific research experiments including the effects of microgravity and radiation on cells and microbes and protein crystallisation.

Source: Bernama.com

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

SECOND BID 'MAY EAT INTO FUNDS'
Topic: - The Prog. - Future

By THE STAR

JOHOR BARU: The plan to send a second Angkasawan to space should be carefully considered as it may eat into development funds.

Public Accounts Committee chairman Datuk Shahrir Samad said that while he was "not totally against" the plan, all the pros and cons had to be contemplated.

"Of course this project will help broaden our thinking and encourage the study of science and technology."

"However, as a developing country, we have many competing considerations and developmental projects," he said, adding that the effect such an expensive project would have on the national expenditure also had to be considered.

He was speaking to reporters during his Hari Raya open house at the Dewan Raya Bandar Baru Uda yesterday.

He said that while he did not negate the benefits of space exploration, there were other factors like development in Sabah and Sarawak, infrastructure requirements and human capital training to remember.

The Malaysian Angkasawan programme is an offset from the RM3.42bil deal with the Russians for the purchase of 18 Sukhoi Su-30 MKM fighter jets for the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

Russia agreed to offer one seat for a Malaysian to join their crew in an expedition to the International Space Station, and bear the training cost of the country's first batch of Angkasawan.

Source: The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

I WAS NERVOUS AND CRYING: MUM OF ASTRONAUT
Topic: - P5 - Undock/Return

By RUSSIA TODAY

Zuraida Sheikh Ahmad, mother of the Malaysian cosmonaut

The mother of the first Malaysian astronaut has shared her agony about her son's unexpected landing with Russia Today. Russia's Soyuz space capsule eventually landed safely, despite drifting 340km off course during its descent.

A small technical glitch caused the wayward landing. All three crew members were unharmed, and were quickly taken to an aerodrome in the Moscow region.

It took just 3 hours for Russians, Fyodor Yurchikhin and Oleg Kotov, as well as Malaysia's first cosmonaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, to return from the International Space Station.

Back to Earth - and to loved ones

A surgeon and part-time model, Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor is getting a lot of attention.

"It was spectacular! When I looked out the window and saw Earth for the first time, my heart stopped beating, my eyes stopped blinking. It was amazing!" he confessed.

Zuraida Sheikh Ahmad said she felt relieved and happy.

"Of course, I was nervous, and I was also crying, praying that everything will go well. And it ends all well!" she said to journalists.

Another cosmonaut, Oleg Kotov, said he was sad to leave the ISS.

"However, the wish to see your loved ones who are waiting on Earth is always stronger," he added.

The three men will now undergo a period of adaptation, medical check-ups and a time of rest after which they will share results of their work on the ISS.

Rough Landing

Not everything went as smoothly as planned on the return journey for Soyuz.

Minutes before landing Mission Control discovered the spacecraft was off course and wouldn't reach its planned landing site close to the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Helicopters scrambled to guide them in to safety from another location 300 kilometres away.

Russian mission control described the problem as a technical glitch. However, they say the matter is being investigated.

"It was a ballistic landing, it was a regular variant and there was nothing new to it," Anatoly Perminov, head of the Federal Space Agency, said.

Source: Russia Today

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

ANGKASAWAN IN GOOD CONDITION
Topic: - P5 - Undock/Return

By THE STAR

SAFE RETURN: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar getting off a helicopter in Kustanay after landing in the Kazakhstan steppe on board the Soyuz TMA-10 space capsule yesterday. - Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's first Angkasawan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor completed his 11-day stint in space and returned safely to Earth on Sunday.

The Soyuz TMA-10 capsule which brought him back to Earth, together with commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and Oleg Kotov, landed in Kazakhstan at 6.37pm Malaysian time.

There were anxious moments though, when Nasa, which was broadcasting the event live, said the capsule had veered off course and landed some 340km from the target landing spot in Arkylk, Kazakhstan.

Muszaphar's mother Datin Zuraida Sheikh Ahmad, who was watching, broke down in tears.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis and their wives at the control centre then offered a thanksgiving prayer.

Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos) chief Anatoli Perminov then congratulated Najib.

A recovery team comprising six military Russian helicopters later located the capsule and brought out the cosmonauts at 6.52pm, beginning with Yurchikhin, followed by Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and finally Kotov.

They were brought to a tent set up next to the capsule and given immediate medical attention as part of the recovery procedure.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar's health was reported to be in "very good" condition. He had earlier bid farewell to the crew at the International Space Station where he spent nine days conducting experiments.

He also hugged and shook the hands of Russian flight engineer Yuri Malenchencko and new ISS commander Peggy Whitson, both of whom had flown with him on the Soyuz TMA-11 on Oct 10.

The returning Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft undocked from the ISS at 3.14pm Malaysian time and began its quick descent to Earth.

At 5.47pm, the capsule commenced its de-orbit burn and engine rockets fired for just over four minutes to slow the craft down in preparation for its separation into three parts, one of which – called the descent module – contained the crew members. The other two parts were disposed of in space.

The craft entered the outer reaches of the earth's atmosphere at 6.14pm. It then picked up speed as it began to be pulled by Earth's gravity, travelling at speeds over 200m per second.

Once in the atmosphere, the external part of the capsule heated up to a temperature of as high as 9,000 degrees Kelvin (8,700°C).

There was also a 10-minute "communications blackout" when the capsule entered the atmosphere – a normal occurrence caused by a surge of overwhelming heat generated by the capsule, rendering any form of communication impossible.

There was also suspense when it took a few moments for the Mission Control Centre (MCC) in Moscow to re-establish contact with the capsule and to confirm that the crew inside were safe.

When confirmation came, there was applause from the Malaysians at the control centre.

Source: The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

FIRST MALAYSIAN IN SPACE: COMPUTER GLITCH SENDS SOYUZ 340KM OFF-TARGET
Topic: - P5 - Undock/Return

By ANIS IBRAHIM

Fyodor Yurchikhin (left) handing over the International Space Station commander duty to Peggy Whitson moments before leaving for Earth. Looking on are Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor (back row, second from left) and other crew members. - PICTURES: NST/ Rosli Rahmat

ANGKASAWAN Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor returned to Earth safely yesterday.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Razak congratulating Datin Zuraidah Sheikh Ahmad (left) after the Soyuz TMA-10 craft landed yesterday. With them are Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and Datuk Sheikh Mustapha Sheikh Shukor.

After spending 11 days in space, he was the second man to come out of the Soyuz TMA-10 craft after Fyodor Yurchikhin. The third person to emerge from the capsule was Oleg Kotov.

The Soyuz landed 340km west of the designated site at 6.37pm.

Search and rescue plans were upgraded because of the ballistic entry of the Soyuz into the Earth's atmosphere.

Yurchikhin reported that the ballistic entry was triggered by onboard computers, resulting in a steeper descent and, thus, the off-course landing. The spacecraft deviated from its intended landing spot after a problem during the descent. But it landed safely and the crew was unharmed, said Russian Mission Control spokesman Valery Lyndin.

Russian search and rescue teams quickly located the craft. One helicopter was already on the ground when the Soyuz landed. Twenty minutes after landing, the crew was extracted from the craft. The medical team, which examined the crew, reported that they were in good health.

Among those at the Mission Control Centre in Moscow keeping tabs on the Soyuz were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis.

High-ranking officials from the Russian Space Agency, Roscosmos, including its director, Anatoli Perminov, were also present, together with Dr Muszaphar's parents, Datuk Sheikh Mustapha Sheikh Shukor and Datin Zuraidah Sheikh Ahmad.

Najib told a press conference that he and all Malaysians were happy that Dr Muszaphar had landed safely.

"This is a very momentous and historic occasion for Malaysia. It will go down in the annals of our history because this is a first for Malaysia in space and he has returned safely.

"The entire mission will be a landmark voyage for Malaysia."

He expressed his gratitude to Perminov, Roscosmos, the Russian and Kazakhstan governments, Nasa, the European Space Agency and other organisations which supported the angkasawan project.

"We have shown that this is a good example of an international collaborative mission. This space collaboration opens up many new opportunities in the future."

He said Malaysia would undertake an in-depth study of the success of the mission, not only in terms of how the local man fared physically but also the scientific experiments carried out in space.

"There are benefits we have reaped from the mission. The tangible benefits would be ascertained from our analysis of the scientific experiments conducted and results achieved and whether they would lead to commercialisation.

"The intangible benefit is, as a nation, Malaysians feel very proud that we can stand a few inches taller now that we have had a Malaysian travel in space."

Najib said he hoped the project would inspire present and future generations to strive for greater endeavours in all fields.

Source: The New Straits Times Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Sunday, 21 October 2007

SPACE STATION CREW BACK ON EARTH
Topic: - P5 - Undock/Return

By NASA

IMAGE ABOVE: Cosmonauts Fyodor N. Yurchikhin (right) and Oleg V. Kotov (center), Expedition 15 commander and flight engineer, respectively, representing Russia's Federal Space Agency; and Malaysian spaceflight participant Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor pose for a photo in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station. - PHOTO CREDIT: NASA

Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and Flight Engineer Oleg Kotov, the 15th crew of the International Space Station, landed safely in their Soyuz spacecraft at 6:36 a.m. EDT Sunday in the steppes of Kazakhstan.

A ballistic descent for the returning Soyuz resulted in a landing about 210 miles west of the nominal landing site.

With Expedition 15 was spaceflight participant Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, a Malaysian flying under an agreement with the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos). He arrived at the station with the Expedition 16 crew, Commander Peggy Whitson and Flight Engineer Yuri Malenchenko, and spent almost nine days on the orbiting laboratory.

Yurchikhin, 48, wound up his second flight into space. He was a member of the STS-112 crew which launched to the station on Oct. 7, 2002, with the Starboard 1 Truss. He holds a Ph.D. in economics and was named a cosmonaut-candidate in 1997.

Kotov, 41, finished his first spaceflight. He graduated from the Moscow Medical Academy in 1988, and was named a cosmonaut-candidate in 1996.

Astronaut Clayton Anderson was a member of the E15 crew during the latter part of its increment. Anderson is scheduled to remain on the station for the first part of E16. He is scheduled to be replaced by Dan Tani, to arrive aboard Discovery on its STS-120 mission. Discovery will take Anderson back to Earth.

Tani, 46, holds a master's degree in mechanical engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He was selected as an astronaut in 1996 and flew on Endeavour's STS-108 mission in December 2001. He will be making his second spaceflight.

Before closing the Soyuz-station hatches Sunday, Yurchikhin and Kotov said farewell to the E16 crew. Whitson and Malenchenko launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Oct. 10.

Whitson, 47, is on her second mission to the station. She served as a flight engineer on the Expedition 5 crew, launching June 5, 2002, and returning to Earth Dec 7, after almost 185 days in space. She holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Rice University in Houston. She began working for NASA as a research biochemist in 1989 and was selected as an astronaut in 1996.

Malenchenko, 45, a Russian Air Force colonel, is making his third long-duration spaceflight. He spent 126 days aboard the Russian space station Mir beginning July 1, 1994, and commanded the two-person station crew on Expedition 7, spending 185 days in space beginning April 26, 2003. He also was a member of the STS-106 crew of Atlantis on an almost-12-day mission to the station beginning Sept. 8, 2000. He is a graduate of the Kharkov Military Aviation School and the Zhukovsky Air Force Engineering Academy.

Yurchikhin and Kotov will spend several weeks in Star City, near Moscow, for debriefing and medical examinations.

Source: NASA

Posted by site editor at 10:38 PM JST

EXPEDITION 15 RETURNS HOME
Topic: - P5 - Undock/Return

By NASA

IMAGE ABOVE: The crew members onboard the International Space Station pose for a group photo in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station. - PHOTO CREDIT: NASA

The Expedition 15 crew members have returned home.

After bidding farewell to the Expedition 16 crew Saturday night, the Expedition 15 crew, Commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and Flight Engineer Oleg Kotov, boarded their Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft for the return to Earth. They undocked from the station around 3:14 a.m. EDT Sunday and landed in the steppes of Kazakhstan at 6:36 a.m.

Joining Expedition 15 for the journey home was spaceflight participant Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, a Malaysian flying under an agreement with the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos). He arrived at the station with the Expedition 16 crew, Commander Peggy Whitson and Flight Engineer Yuri Malenchenko, on Oct 12.

At a change of command ceremony Friday afternoon, the Expedition 15 crew formally handed over command of the station to Expedition 16.

Accepting command of the station from Yurchikhin, Whitson remarked, "It's been a very impressive mission, and you guys have performed exceptionally."

Flight Engineer Clay Anderson, who joined Expedition 15 in June, will remain onboard as a member of Expedition 16, until his replacement, astronaut Dan Tani, arrives on the STS-120 shuttle mission later this month.

Source: NASA

Posted by site editor at 10:16 PM JST

ANGKASAWAN WINDS DOWN EXPERIMENTS
Topic: - P4 - On ISS

By THE STAR

MOSCOW: With one day to his return to earth, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor has to do a lot of systematic packing of his cargo besides terminating the last three experiments.

He gets to bring back just 7kg of load that includes six experiment kits, a kit containing 14 symbolic items, videotapes and camera flash card as well as 200g of his personal items.

But his videotape will be the last to go as his final packing and preparation to board the Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft will be videotaped.

Yesterday, he completed some documentation as well as motion perception experiment on his knee for the European Space Agency.

RETURNING TO EARTH: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar gets to bring back just 7kg of load that includes, among others, six experiment kits.

One of his activities on the ISS was videotaping his life in space such as how he brushed his teeth, shaved and prayed.

"We reminded him to videotape this as Muslims will be keen to see how he conducted his prayers in space," said head of the scientific team, Prof Dr A. Rahman A. Jamal.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar terminated the protein crystallisation, human umbilical vein endothilial cell (Huvec) and osteoblast experiments between 24 and eight hours to docking.

He also had to ensure the cancer and microbe cells were fixated at 4 degrees centigrade to stabilise their gene components.

The osteoblast and Huvec were kept at an optimum temperature of 37 degrees.

The experiment kits are labelled as urgent cargo while the kit with the symbolic items is not.

Upon landing, the urgent cargo will be transported by National Angkasawan Programme technical committee member Prof Datuk Dr Mazlan Othman.

Care and speed are required to preserve their results.

The protein crystals will be sent straight to Osaka University for analysis with an ultra-sophisticated microscope while the osteoblast and Huvec will be brought to Russia's Institute of Bio Medical Problems for analysis before being flown to Malaysia on Oct 27.

The cancer and microbe cells will go straight to Malaysian laboratories.

Source: The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 5:42 PM JST

NO BLAST ON RADIO - AIR RAVES
Topic: - Other Reports

By ANTHONY THANASAYAN

When Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha created history by blasting into space at 9.22pm on Oct 10 with two foreign counterparts, the whole nation was on cloud nine.

The 35-year-old orthopaedic surgeon from Kuala Lumpur became the first Malaysian cosmonaut and the first Muslim in space during Ramadan.

Back on earth, how far did our radio stations go to bring the historic event live from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to the ordinary folk?

I began monitoring news of the lift-off at 6.30pm that day.

RTM's Traxx fm was counting down the hours to the momentous occasion. Deejay Double D invited listeners to share over the phone what they thought might be going on in Dr Sheikh’s mind then.

Give him a Datuk title upon his return, remarked one. Another expressed her anxiety but wished the astronauts a safe journey. While we can safely say that getting decorated must be the last thing on our Angkasawan's mind then, we’re sure there was a great sense of anxiety before he embarked on a mission of such magnitude.

(Incidentally, Dr Sheikh's touchdown on earth is scheduled for 11pm today, Malaysia time.)

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's notable speech from the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where the Prime Minister joined other VIPs and invited Malaysians to view the launch on TV, was aired live on Astro but not on our radio stations.

This was indeed a pity for those without a TV around.

Our radio programmers should realise that catching a summary of the PM's speech later in a news bulletin or in the newspapers the next morning is not quite as exciting or heartfelt as experiencing it in real time. Thus, the need for "live" transmissions.

Traxx fm was poor in prioritising its news items. With only a little over two hours to go before the rocket lift-off, the top story on the English broadcaster at 7pm was something about product price increase during Hari Raya, which was due in three days.

At least Radio24 got things right.

The station run by the national news agency Bernama not only began its 7pm news with the latest space countdown time-check but its top story was on former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's congratulatory message to Dr Sheikh.

That was immediately followed up by a crossover interview with Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis from Kazakhstan.

Dr M's greetings were only carried on Traxx fm at 8pm – a good hour after Radio24 had aired the news.

By 8pm, Radio24 was further ahead of Traxx fm. With great anticipation in their voices, the announcers reported how the whole nation was now eagerly awaiting the blast-off in Kazakhstan of the Russian Soyuz spaceship.

Sad to say, on the whole what radio gave us was rather disappointing compared to what TV viewers enjoyed.

Between 7pm and blast-off, the deejays just played music while some made silly comments and "jokes" about space.

Our FM bands could have chartered new ground in radio broadcasting through this significant launch.

How wonderful it would’ve been on that evening if radio stations had engaged listeners in general knowledge contests about space missions.

And instead of CDs and food vouchers, giveaways like binoculars, telescopes, space maps, etc, would be apt to encourage Malaysians to explore the universe beyond.

Source: The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 11:00 AM JST

SPACEMAN RETURNS TODAY
Topic: - P5 - Undock/Return

By JANE RITIKOS

MOSCOW: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor will return to earth today after an 11-day stint in space.

He will receive a warm welcome from a Malaysian delegation, which includes his parents, led by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Angkasawan will return with Russians Fyodor Yurchikhin and Oleg Kotov on board the previous mission’s vehicle Soyuz TMA-10 or Soyuz 14S, which will undock from the docking port at the International Space Station's functional cargo block or Zarya at 11.15am (3.15pm Malaysian time).

The spacecraft will travel for just over three hours before landing within a 10km radius in Arkylk, Kazakhstan, at 2.37pm (6.37pm Malaysian time).

The Soyuz TMA-11 or Soyuz 15S was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on Oct 10, bringing Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, new ISS commander Peggy Whitson and Russian Yuri Malenchencko to the ISS two days later.

Najib, Science, Technology and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Jamaludin Jarjis, Malaysian Ambassador to Russia Datuk Mohamad Khalis Ali Hassan and other dignitaries will watch the landing sequences from the Mission Control Centre here.

Malaysians, meanwhile, can watch the historic event live on Astro Channel 58.

Upon landing, a recovery team including the Malaysian Mission Flight Surgeon and Russian crew support personnel will reach the landing area in a convoy of Russian military helicopters.

Once the capsule touches down, the helicopters will land nearby to begin removing the crew and set up a portable medical tent.

Russian technicians will open the module's hatch and begin removing the crew one at a time before the cargo is retrieved. The crew will be seated in special reclining chairs for initial medical tests and to re-adapt to earth’s gravity.

Back at mission control, the participating agencies will hold a press conference after the crew's safe retrieval, with Najib taking questions on behalf of Malaysia.

Officials from the Russian Federal Space Agency, Nasa and Malaysia will then congratulate each other for a successful mission.

This will be followed with a simple traditional landing ceremony led by Najib, Jamaludin, the scientists and technical crew members at the Malaysian Technical Control Centre at mission control – the National Angkasawan Programme mission logo sticker will be placed on the room wall to commemorate completion of the mission and the officials will sign on the wall.

Meanwhile, two hours after landing, the Soyuz crew will be flown via helicopters to a staging site in Kustanai, near the Kazakh-Russian border, where Kazakh officials will welcome them.

At 7pm (11pm Malaysian time), the crew will board a military plane to fly to the Chkalovsky Airfield adjacent to the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City, Russia. They are expected to land there at 8pm (midnight Malaysia).

At the Chkalovsky airport, the delegation including Dr Sheikh Muszaphar's parents Datin Zuraida Sheikh Ahmad and Datuk Sheikh Mustapha Shukor will be waiting to welcome him home.

Source: The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 10:47 AM JST

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