DR SHEIKH MUSZAPHAR SHUKOR & THE ANGKASAWAN PROGRAMME

A Compilation of News, Updates & Press Releases

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Friday, 8 September 2006

MALAYSIA BOLEH BUT ITS PEOPLE NEED ATTITUDE CHANGE
Topic: - Other Reports

By TUN KUDU

IF Russian astronauts are called cosmonauts and those from China are called taikonauts, what would Malaysian astronauts be called?

Answer: Can-or-not?

That was the joke that made the rounds last year when we announced plans to put the first Malaysian in space.

So much for 'Malaysia Boleh'.

It was, frankly, a typically Malaysian response.

We - who seem to be allergic to even the concept of achievement - can't help adopting a snide and defeatist posture when prodded to do a little more than we're accustomed to.

There's little excuse for that attitude now that we have a track record for accomplishing the extraordinary.

Transforming ourselves from an agricultural backwater into the 17th-largest trading nation in the world does, after all, take some spunk.

But the jokes are now officially over when it comes to the Malaysian astronaut programme.

This week, authorities announced the last two candidates in the race: medical officer Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 34, and army dental surgeon Faiz Khaleed, 26.

Both men are scheduled to leave for the Yuri Gagarin Aerospace Training Centre in Moscow at the end of this month and will undergo 12 months of training before it is decided which of them will have the honour of taking the Malaysian flag to the International Space Station next year.

The announcement meant that the other two shortlisted candidates, senior quality engineer S Vanajah and commercial airline pilot Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin, are officially out of the running.

Ms Vanajah apparently didn't fare well during a gravity test, while it was discovered that Captain Mohammed Faiz had a medical ailment.

As the only woman in the select group, Ms Vanajah has been a standard-bearer for Malaysian women these last few months.

I wonder how many of us really believed that the first Malaysian astronaut would be a woman, but the dream was sweet while it lasted and we are all sorry to see Ms Vanajah go.

Meanwhile, the jokers may have retired from the gallery but the cynics have happily moved in to take their place.

Some predict that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar will ultimately be chosen because, while Capt (Dr) Faiz is attractive in his own right, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar looks like he just stepped off the cover of GQ magazine.

The handsome and always perfectly-coiffed doctor looks like he's photogenic enough to make even a bulky space suit look good.

And who doesn't want his pioneering astronaut to look dashing?

Of course, that trivialises the arduous process that both men - indeed all four of the shortlisted candidates - have gone through.

There were reportedly 10,000 people who applied for the programme and who knows what physical, mental and emotional trials were used to winnow them down to these two.

In any case, it will be another year before we hear the final chapter in this story.

We could certainly work on our collective attitude in the meantime, unless we want to stay clunkily earth-bound forever.

Source: The (Electric) New Paper Singapore

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Wednesday, 6 September 2006

GOVERNMENT IN TALKS TO GET LIVE TELECAST OF SPACE JOURNEY
Topic: - Other Reports

By BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians will be able to watch its first astronaut rocket into space on Sept 2 next year once plans to show the historic event live on local television are finalised, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Jamaludin Jarjis said yesterday.

The ministry and the Russian authorities were in discussion to beam live the astronaut's journey aboard the Russian space launcher Soyuz 2 to the international space station, as part of a programme to celebrate Malaysia's 50th Merdeka Day celebration next year, he told reporters here.

Earlier, he opened a symposium on the Third National Symposium on Quality Management organised by the ministry, the Malaysian Institute of Nuclear Technology, the National Productivity Corporation and the Malaysian Radiation Protection Association.

On Monday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi named the two candidates selected to undergo a 12-month training stint at the Yuri Gagarin Aerospace Training Centre at Star City in Moscow at the end of the month.

They are Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 34, a medical officer of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia hospital and Kapt Dr Faiz Khaleed, 26, a dental surgeon with the Malaysian Defence Forces.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Dr Faiz were among four aspirants who made the cut in the previous selection process that took them to Moscow for assessment.

The other two are Malaysia Airlines pilot Mohamed Faiz Kamaluddin, 34, and engineer S. Vanajah, 35, the sole woman candidate. All four underwent training at the Russian Space Agency in Moscow.

Jamaludin also said the ministry would set up a special interactive website to enable Malaysians to communicate with the astronauts under Malaysia’s first astronaut programme.

"We are in talks with the Education Ministry to allow students to communicate with the astronauts and conduct biological science experiments as well as to learn about science and technology," he said.

In announcing the candidates on Monday, the prime minister said the pair had not only beaten more than 10,000 candidates for the chance of a lifetime, but had also earned a place in the history of the country.

Source: Bernama Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

MALAYSIA NEGOTIATING LIVE BROADCAST OF ITS FIRST ASTRONAUT'S JOURNEY INTO SPACE: REPORT
Topic: - Other Reports

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is in talks with Russian officials over whether it can set up live broadcasts of the first Malaysian astronaut when he joins a Russian space expedition next year, a news report said Wednesday.

Malaysia's astronaut, to be decided between two finalists chosen in a national search, will journey aboard a Russian Soyuz 2 rocket to the international space station in September 2007 under an agreement between the two countries.

The government was discussing beaming the event live for viewers here as part of Malaysia's 50th year of independence celebrations, Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Jamaludin Jarjis was quoted as saying by The Star.

He added that the ministry also planned to set up an interactive Web page to enable Malaysians to communicate with the astronaut in the space capsule.

The two finalists to become Malaysia's astronaut, Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 34, and Faiz Khaleed, 26, will return to Russia soon for nearly a year of preparations. But only one will have the chance to spend up to eight days in September 2007 aboard the ISS.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced Monday that either Sheikh Muszaphar or Faiz will take part the expedition, eliminating two other finalists who underwent medical and technical tests at Moscow's Russian Space Agency earlier this year. They were selected from more than 10,000 candidates.

Sheikh Muszaphar, a medical officer at the National University Hospital, was considered the first choice while defense forces dentist Faiz was the reserve option, the government has said.

Jamaludin was not reachable at his office Wednesday morning. A spokeswoman at his ministry declined to comment on the report, saying only the minister is authorized to speak to the media.

Source: International Herald Tribune | Asia-Pacific Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Tuesday, 5 September 2006

HUKM DOC SAYS SPACE EXPERIENCE COMES BEFORE MASTERS STUDIES
Topic: - Selection Process

By THE STAR

Medical officer Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor (left) and army dental surgeon Capt Dr Faiz Khaleed, the two successful candidates for the Astronaut programme raring to go to Moscow to become the first Malaysian astronaut posing at the KL International Airport.

SEPANG: The pursuit of a Masters degree and modelling will now take a backseat for Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor.

The medical officer, however, hopes to carry out bone studies while in space if he gets the nod to become Malaysia's first astronaut.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar who is pursuing a Masters in Orthopaedics while serving as a trainee lecturer at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said although his first love was medicine, he believed in diversifying, and his ultimate dream was to go into space.

"I have put my heart and soul into this, everything else has to take a backseat until the whole programme is over," he said, when asked about his modelling and medical career.

The all-rounder has also taken part in humanitarian aid activities for Mercy Malaysia – in Afghanistan in 2002 and Cambodia in 2003.

His fellow astronaut candidate Kapt Dr Faiz Khaleed, a dental surgeon with the Malaysian Armed Forces, said he was looking forward to going to space.

"If I say I am not afraid, it will not be true, as no one is fearless, especially when he has to do something new. But we have to conquer fear," he said.

Malaysia Airlines pilot Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin and senior quality engineer S. Vanajah, who did not make the final cut, congratulated Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Kapt Dr Faiz.

Mohammed Faiz, who was not selected due to a "minute medical complication," said he believed in destiny.

"I am looking at the bright side – I went to Moscow, met a lot of people, learnt the Russian language and now despite my own work as a pilot, I can still help promote science and space studies in schools under Angkasa's (National Space Agency) programme," he said.

Vanajah said she would go back to work as an events coordinator and be a backup candidate in Angkasa's programme.

Source: The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

DOCTORS MAKE FINAL CUT IN ASTRONAUT RACE
Topic: - Selection Process

By V P SUJATA

SEPANG: Medical officer Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and army dental surgeon Kapt Dr Faiz Khaleed are Malaysia's final two astronaut candidates.

Announcing this at the Bunga Raya Complex of the KL International Airport yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi urged them to make the nation proud and put Malaysia on the map.

He also congratulated every person and organisation involved in selecting the candidates to be the country's first astronaut from the more than 10,000 applicants.

Medical officer Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor (left) and army dental surgeon Kapt Dr Faiz Khaleed have been selected as Malaysia's final two astronaut candidates. After further training in Moscow one will be named Malaysia's first astronaut.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, 34, and Kapt Dr Faiz, 26, were shortlisted from four finalists.

The other two were senior quality engineer S. Vanajah and 34-year-old commercial airline pilot Capt Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, attached to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital, and Kapt Dr Faiz will undergo a 12-month training stint in Russia.

They will leave for the Yuri Gagarin Aerospace Training Centre at Star City in Moscow at end of the month.

The successful candidate is scheduled to leave for the International Space Station on Sept 2 next year to undergo a research and development programme, including research on cancer and biotechnology.

Selection committee chairman Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar told reporters that both Vanajah and Capt Mohammed Faiz lost out during their recent stint at the Russian Space Agency in Moscow.

"Vanajah suffered stress during a gravity test and Capt Mohammed Faiz was found to have a medical problem."

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis said that before the Moscow stint, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Capt Mohammed Faiz had the best marks but since the latter had a medical problem, Kapt Dr Faiz was chosen instead.

"But this still does not mean Dr Sheikh Muszaphar will be the astronaut as anything can happen," he said.

Dr Jamaluddin said the programme would also help make children realise the importance of space science.

"There are plans to have teleconferencing access to the Malaysian astronaut during his time in space," he said.

Source: News @ The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Monday, 4 September 2006

MUSZAPHAR, FAIZ CALON AKHIR ANGKASAWAN PERTAMA NEGARA
Topic: - Selection Process

By HABIBAH OMAR & HELMI MOHD FOAD

SEPANG: Pegawai perubatan Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM), Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor dan pegawai pergigian Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM), Kapten Dr. Faiz Khaleed dipilih sebagai calon angkasawan negara untuk mengikuti latihan di Rusia selama 12 bulan.

Hanya seorang daripada mereka akan mengikuti ekspedisi ke Stesen Angkasa Antarabangsa (ISS) pada 2 September 2007 - dua hari selepas negara menyambut ulang tahun ke-50 kemerdekaannya.

PM Abdullah Ahmad Badawi mengucapkan tahniah kepada Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor (kiri) sambil diperhatikan Faiz Khaleed selepas mengumumkan nama dua calon akhir Program Angkasawan Negara di KLIA, Sepang, semalam.

Pemilihan mereka diumumkan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi di Kompleks Bunga Raya, Lapangan Terbang KL, di sini hari ini.

Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar, 34, yang masih bujang, berkelulusan ijazah perubatan MBBS dan penuntut tahun akhir sarjana Surgeri Ortopedik di UKM, sementara Dr. Faiz, 26, pula memiliki ijazah sarjana muda pergigian akan menjalani latihan di Pusat Latihan Angkasawan Yuri Gagarin, Star City, Rusia mulai hujung bulan ini.

Di situ mereka akan menjalani latihan sebelum seorang daripada mereka dipilih untuk ke angkasa lepas.

Latihan profesional yang akan mereka jalani di Rusia ini akan melayakkan mereka menjadi angkasawan profesional dan membolehkan mereka menyertai program yang dianjurkan Amerika Syarikat atau negara Eropah lain.

Angkasawan pertama negara dijadual berlepas ke ISS bagi program penyelidikan dan pembangunan (R&D), termasuk penyelidikan kanser dan bioteknologi.

Calon berjaya akan berlepas dengan pesawat Soyuz 2 Rusia yang akan bercantum dengan Stesen Angkasa Antarabangsa (ISS).

Di situ, angkasawan negara akan berada enam hingga lapan hari dengan melaksanakan aktiviti penyelidikan sains, teknologi dan industri Malaysia, sebelum pulang ke bumi.

Pada 27 April lalu mereka bersama dua lagi calon ke peringkat akhir pemilihan angkasawan negara - juruterbang Penerbangan Malaysia (MAS) Mohamed Faiz Kamaluddin, 34, dan jurutera yang juga calon wanita tunggal, S. Vanajah, 35, telah berlepas ke Moscow, Rusia untuk menjalani ujian di Agensi Angkasa Rusia (RSA)

Bagaimanapun Mohamed Faiz dan Vanajah tidak dipilih kerana Mohamed Faiz gagal dalam ujian perubatan sementara Vanajah pula mengalami tekanan ketika ujian daya tindakan graviti yang dijalankan di situ.

Ketika mengumumkan calon angkasawan negara itu, Perdana Menteri berkata, Malaysia berjaya mengorak langkah baru dengan membuktikan kemampuan untuk menghantar angkasawan ke angkasa lepas.

"Ini adalah satu detik penting dalam sejarah. Kerajaan dan seluruh rakyat mengucapkan tahniah dan syabas kepada mereka yang terpilih dalam usaha memartabatkan nama negara di pesada dunia."

"Daripada 10,000 pemohon dan melalui tapisan ketat, panel pemilihan angkasawan sebulat suara memilih kedua-duanya untuk menjalani latihan di Rusia," katanya.

Dilancarkan

Dalam pada itu, Menteri Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi, Datuk Seri Dr. Jamaluddin Jarjis berkata, setelah perbincangan dijalankan dengan Rusia dan dipersetujui oleh Perdana Menteri, tarikh yang diputuskan untuk angkasawan pertama negara berlepas ialah 2 September tahun depan.

Katanya, ia merupakan tarikh yang bersejarah kerana Malaysia akan menyambut Hari Kemerdekaan ke-50 pada tahun itu dan dua hari selepas itu, negara akan mencipta sejarah dengan menghantar rakyat Malaysia ke angkasa lepas.

"Ia juga merupakan tarikh di mana hubungan diplomatik antara Malaysia dan Rusia mencapai 40 tahun dan pada tarikh itu juga, genap 50 tahun kapal angkasa pertama dilancarkan ke angkasa lepas," katanya.

Menurutnya, sama ada Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar atau Dr. Faiz yang dipilih akan ditentukan di peringkat akhir dan Pengerusi Panel Pemilihan Calon Angkasawan Negara, Tun Mohamed Hanif Omar akan terlibat hingga ke akhir sebelum pelancaran ke angkasa lepas.

Sementara itu Mohamed Hanif memberitahu, pada mulanya Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar dan Mohammed Faiz merupakan dua calon yang dipilih namun disebabkan Mohamed Faiz tidak melepasi ujian perubatan maka tempatnya diganti oleh Dr. Faiz.

Jelasnya, biarpun Dr. Faiz adalah calon simpanan, kedua-duanya mempunyai peluang seimbang dan mereka akan menjalani latihan yang sama di Rusia kelak.

Program angkasawan negara ini adalah timbal balas Kerajaan Rusia-Malaysia yang membabitkan pembelian 18 jet pejuang jenis Sukhoi SU-30MKM bernilai AS$1 bilion (kira-kira RM3.4 bilion), dengan kerajaan Rusia menawarkan tempat untuk seorang angkasawan Malaysia menyertai ekspedisi angkasawan Rusia ke ISS.

Source: Utusan Online

Posted by site editor at 8:01 AM JST

MALAYSIA DOCTOR TO TAKE RUSSIAN ROCKET TO ISS IN 2007

By MOSNEWS

PHOTO: NASA

Malaysia has unveiled its first astronaut, a 34-year-old doctor who will blast off on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft and visit the International Space Station in September 2007, the AFP news agency reports.

Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor was the winner of a nationwide hunt which drew tens of thousands of hopefuls. Army dentist Faiz Khaleed, 26, was chosen as the back-up astronaut, or "angkasawan" as they are known in the Malay language.

"I pray to God that he will ensure the success of your mission and raise the profile of Malaysia in the international arena," Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said at a ceremony to announce the winning candidates.

The pair, who will now undergo a year of training in Moscow's Star City, came from a short list of four - three men and one woman - who spent a month in Russia undergoing tests to determine the best contender.

Sheikh Muszaphar, who is an orthopaedic doctor and a trainee lecturer in medicine with the National University of Malaysia, said he was realizing a boyhood dream. "I feel honored and blessed to be picked," he told reporters. "I've always dreamt of going to space since I was 10 years old. My favorite TV programs have been Star Trek and the Star Wars movies."

Sheikh Muszaphar said the one-year stint in Russia would see the pair undergo survival training in difficult conditions such as wintry climates, at sea and in the jungle.

The astronauts will also learn how to conduct research and experiments in space, such as an examination of the behavior in space of Malaysia's favorite beverage, a sweet concoction of tea and condensed milk called teh tarik. The astronauts said the inclusion of teh tarik would showcase Malaysian culture and lend a unique Malaysian flavor to the mission. "It's great. It is one of the symbols in Malaysia. The Italians introduced pizza in space," said runner-up Faiz Khaleed.

Sheikh Muszaphar's father,Sheikh Mustapha Shukor, 70, said the mission was dangerous but that "we allowed him because this is his desire," adding that, "Now that he is a representative of the nation, he must remain humble and carry the flag of Malaysia."

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Jamaluddin Jarjis said the launch date would be September 2 next year, which will fall near the 50th anniversary of Malaysia's independence and mark 40 years of diplomatic ties with Russia. "This is a historic day as Malaysia celebrates its 50th independence anniversary. This date also commemorates Malaysia-Russian ties," he said.

The 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 came at the end of the two-decade reign of then prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, whose think-big attitude spawned a national catch-phrase - "Malaysia Boleh!" or "Malaysia Can!" - aimed at boosting national pride.

Malaysia, a majority-Muslim nation, hopes the space project will be an inspiration for Muslims across the globe and recall the glory days of Islamic science and discovery.

Source: MosNews Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

2 PEGAWAI PERUBATAN DIPILIH SEBAGAI ANGKASAWAN NEGARA KE RUSIA
Topic: - Abt the Final 2

By BERNAMA

SEPANG: Pegawai perubatan Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM), Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor dan doktor gigi Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM), Kapten Dr Faiz Khaleed dipilih sebagai calon angkasawan negara bagi menjalani latihan di Rusia selama 12 bulan.

Pemilihan mereka diumumkan oleh Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi di Kompleks Bunga Raya, Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa KL (KLIA) di sini hari ini.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, 34, yang masih bujang, berkelulusan MBBS dan penuntut tahun akhir pengajian Surgeri Ortopedik peringkat sarjana di UKM, sementara Faiz Khaleed, 26, pula memiliki ijazah sarjana muda pergigian telah dipilih oleh jawatankuasa yang dipengerusikan oleh bekas Ketua Polis Negara, Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar.

Mereka terpilih daripada 11,000 rakyat Malaysia yang memohon untuk menjadi calon angkasawan pertama negara yang dibuka permohonannya pada 13 Okt 2003.

Kedua-dua mereka akan berlepas ke Pusat Latihan Angkasawan Yuri Gagarin, Star City akhir bulan ini untuk menjalani latihan sebelum seorang daripada mereka dipilih untuk mewakili negara ke angkasa lepas.

Angkasawan pertama negara dijadualkan berlepas ke Stesen Angkasa Antarabangsa (ISS) pada 2 Sept tahun depan bagi menjalankan program penyelidikan dan pembangunan (R&D), termasuk penyelidikan tentang kanser dan bioteknologi.

Calon yang berjaya itu akan berlepas dengan pesawat pelancar Soyuz 2 Rusia yang seterusnya akan bertemu dan bercantum dengan Stesen Angkasa Antarabangsa (ISS).

Di situ, angkasawan negara akan berada selama enam hingga lapan hari dengan melaksanakan aktiviti penyelidikan untuk manfaat sains, teknologi dan industri Malaysia, sebelum pulang ke bumi.

Sebelum ini, pada 27 April lepas mereka bersama dua lagi calon yang berjaya ke peringkat akhir pemilihan angkasawan negara — juruterbang Penerbangan Malaysia (MAS) Mohamed Faiz Kamaluddin, 34, dan jurutera yang juga calon wanita tunggal, S. Vanajah, 35, telah berlepas ke Moscow, Rusia untuk menjalani ujian di Agensi Angkasa Rusia (RSA).

Mereka telah menjalani ujian yang meliputi tiga aspek iaitu fizikal, fisiologi dan psikologi selama tiga minggu.

Program angkasawan negara ini adalah timbal balas kerajaan Rusia-Malaysia yang membabitkan pembelian 18 jet pejuang jenis Sukhoi SU-30MKM bernilai US$1 bilion (kira-kira RM3.4 bilion), di mana kerajaan Rusia menawarkan tempat untuk seorang angkasawan Malaysia menyertai ekspedisi angkasawan Rusia ke ISS.

Source: Bernama.com & Utusan Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

NO SPACE ODYSSEY FOR MALAY WOMAN SCIENTIST
Topic: - Selection Process

By THE TIMES/ AP

KUALA LUMPUR: An ethnic Indian female engineer lost her bid to become Malaysia's first astronaut Monday, as the government whittled the finalists to an army dentist and a hospital medical officer.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced that either Faiz Khaleed, 26, or Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 34, will take part in a Russian space expedition next year - likely becoming the first Muslim to launch into orbit in more than two decades.

The announcement dashed the hopes of engineer S. Vanajah, 35, who made headlines in March when she was named the only woman among four finalists who outlasted 11,000 other Malaysians who applied for the astronaut selection process in 2003.

Vanajah, Faiz, Sheikh Muszaphar and Malaysia Airlines pilot Mohammed Faiz Kamaluddin were sent to Moscow's Russian Space Agency for medical and technical tests to determine who would travel on a Russian rocket for a scientific mission on the International Space Station.

Faiz, an armed forces dentist, and Sheikh Muszaphar, a medical officer at the National University Hospital, are expected to return to Russia early next month for further training, the Science and Technology Ministry said in a statement.

But only one will have the chance to spend up to 10 days in October 2007 aboard the ISS. Vanajah, who was also the only ethnic Indian non-Muslim among the four finalists, has said she hopes to inspire other Malaysian women to participate in science-related projects.

Faiz and Sheikh Muszaphar are both Muslims from Malaysia's majority ethnic Malay community. Ethnic Indians, who are mainly Hindu, are the third largest racial group after the Chinese, comprising about 8 per cent of Malaysia's 26 million people.

Officials have said Malaysia's ambition to send someone into orbit could inspire other Muslim countries to embark on space exploration. The only known Muslim astronaut so far is Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan bin Salman, who went aboard the US shuttle Discovery in 1985.

Officials have estimated Malaysia's space program will cost around $25 million (euro20 million), but it is being offset as part of a $900 million (euro750 million) defense deal struck with Moscow in 2003 to buy 18 Sukhoi fighter jets.

Source: The Times (India) Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

MALAYSIA ANNOUNCES FIRST ASTRONAUT
Topic: - Selection Process

By M. JEGATHESAN/ AFP

Malaysian astronauts to be Sheikh Muszaphar gShukor (L) and back-up astronaut Faiz Khaleed present themselves during the official announcement of Malaysia's first astronaut in Sepang on 4th September 2006. - PHOTO: Courtesy of AFP.

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia on Monday unveiled its first astronaut, a 34-year-old doctor who will blast off on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft and visit the International Space Station in September 2007.

Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor was the winner of a nationwide hunt which drew tens of thousands of hopefuls. Army dentist Faiz Khaleed, 26, was chosen as the back-up astronaut, or "angkasawan" as they are known in the Malay language.

"I pray to God that he will ensure the success of your mission and raise the profile of Malaysia in the international arena," Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said at a ceremony to announce the winning candidates.

The pair, who will now undergo a year of training in Moscow's Star City, came from a short list of four -- three men and one woman -- who spent a month in Russia undergoing tests to determine the best contender.

Sheikh Muszaphar, who is an orthopaedic doctor and a trainee lecturer in medicine with the National University of Malaysia, said he was realising a boyhood dream.

"I feel honoured and blessed to be picked," he told reporters. "I've always dreamt to go to space since I was 10 years old. My favourite TV programs have been Star Trek and the Star Wars movies."

Sheikh Muszaphar said the one-year stint in Russia would see the pair undergo survival training in difficult conditions such as wintry climes, at sea and in the jungle.

The astronauts will also learn how to conduct research and experiments in space, such as an examination of the behaviour in space of Malaysia's favourite beverage, a sweet concoction of tea and condensed milk called teh tarik.

The astronauts said the inclusion of teh tarik would showcase Malaysian culture and lend a unique Malaysian flavour to the mission.

"It's great. It is one of the symbols in Malaysia. The Italians introduced pizza in space," said runner-up Faiz Khaleed.

Sheikh Muszaphar's father, 70-year-old Sheikh Mustapha Shukor, said the mission was dangerous but that "we allowed him because this is his desire."

"Now that he is a representative of the nation, he must remain humble and carry the flag of Malaysia," he said.

"This is an historic day as Malaysia celebrates its 50th independence anniversary. This date also commemorates Malaysia-Russian ties," he said.

The 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 came at the end of the two-decade reign of then prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, whose think-big attitude spawned a national catch-phrase -- "Malaysia Boleh!" or "Malaysia Can!" -- aimed at boosting national pride.

Malaysia, a Muslim-majority nation, hopes the space project will be an inspiration for Muslims across the globe and recall the glory days of Islamic science and discovery.

Source: AFP @ Spacedaily.com. This article also appeared in the Manila Times online on 6th September, 2006; and in the ABS-CBN Interactive website it appeared under the heading 'Malaysia Names First Astronaut'.

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

BAKAL ANGKASAWAN PUNYA HARAPAN TINGGI UNTUK CAPAI KEGEMILANGAN
Topic: - Selection Process

By BERNAMA

SEPADU: Empat calon angkasawan pada majlis pengumuman dua calon angkasawan bagi program angkasawan negara oleh PM Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Dari kiri Capt. Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, Kapten Dr Faiz Khaleed dan S. Vanajah. - FOTO: Shaifuldin Ahmad

SEPANG: Pegawai perubatan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor berharap dapat menjalani latihan 12 bulan di Rusia dengan cemerlang sebelum berpotensi mengukir nama sebagai angkasawan pertama negara menggembara ke destinasi yang hanya menjadi impian ramai.

Beliau dan doktor gigi Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) Dr Faiz Khaleed dipilih sebagai dua calon angkasawan untuk merebut satu tempat di pesawat pelancar angkasa Rusia yang dijadual berlepas ke Stesen Angkasa Antarabangsa (ISS) pada 2 Sept tahun depan.

"Saya letakkan jiwa raga saya dalam program ini sejak dari awal lagi. Saya akan teruskan sehingga ke akhir," katanya kepada pemberita berikutan pengumuman pemilihan calon yang berjaya oleh Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi di sini.

Dijadual berlepas ke Rusia akhir bulan ini, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, penuntut tahun akhir pengajian Surgeri Ortopedik peringkat sarjana, berkata mereka akan menempuh cuaca yang amat sejuk serta bergelut dengan bahasa Rusia.

Jejaka tampan kelahiran Petaling Jaya berusia 34 tahun itu menyifatkan kekuatan mental sebagai salah satu faktor utama yang membolehkan beliau dipilih.

"Menjadi seorang angkasawan bukan mengenai rupa wajah. Ia lebih kepada kekuatan mental, fizikal dan psikologi. Saya percaya saya dipilih berdasarkan merit," katanya apabila ditanya sama ada tanggapan populariti merupakan faktor dalam proses pemilihan calon.

Bangga dengan pemilihannya, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar berkata beliau amat berminat untuk menjalankan kajian tulang di angkasa, sesuai dengan later belakangnya dalam bidang ortopedik.

"Ini adalah peluang untuk saya membuktikan semangat Malaysia Boleh dan membanggakan negara," kata pensyarah pelatih di Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) itu.

Beliau berhenti daripada kerja sambilannya sebagai model enam bulan lepas. "Saya perlu menjadi model contoh dan bukan model. Saya amat gemar dalam bidang perubatan."

Sebelum itu, dalam sidang media, Menteri Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis berkata Dr Sheikh Muszaphar merupakan calon pilihan utama untuk berlepas ke angkasa manakala Dr Faiz sebagai calon simpanan.

"Namun ia tidak bermakna calon utama akan pergi. Apa pun boleh berlaku pada saat akhir dan ia mungkin Dr Faiz yang dapat pergi. Jadi kedua-dua mereka mempunyai peluang seimbang...kedua-dua akan menjalani latihan sama," katanya.

Katanya pemilihan muktamad calon untuk ke angkasa bergantung kepada nasihat Panel Pemilihan Angkasawan yang diketuai bekas ketua polis negara Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar.

Program latihan awal selama 18 bulan di Rusia telah dipendekkan kepada 12 bulan kerana para pegawai Rusia berpendapat calon angkasawan Malaysia memiliki kaliber tinggi, kata Dr Jamaluddin.

Katanya penyelidikan dan uji kaji yang dilakukan oleh angkasawan Malaysia akan berdasarkan sains hayat dengan penekanan kerajaan dalam bidang bioteknologi.

Katanya usaha dijalankan bagi mewujudkan saluran komunikasi antara rakyat biasa negara ini dan bakal angkasawan itu ketika mereka menjalani latihan dan apabila seorang calon itu berada di angkasa.

Sementara itu, Dr Faiz menjangkakan banyak cabaran di peringkat persiapan akhir dan secara perbadi tidak percaya pada sesiapa yang mengakui dia tidak gentar dan rasa takut.

"Semua orang mempunyai rasa gentar tetapi bagaimana anda mengatasinya. Kami banyak melakukan latihan dan perlu memberi tumpuan. Dalam pasukan tentera, kami diajar bagaimana mengatasi rasa ketakutan dan percaya kepada diri sendiri," kata doktor gigi dari Kuala Lumpur yang berusia 26 tahun itu.

Pemilihan tarikh 2 Sept 2007 bagi berlepas ke angkasa adalah signifikan kerana beberapa sebab.

Ia sempena sambutan Hari Kebangsaan ke-50 dan menandakan 40 tahun hubungan Malaysia-Rusia serta ulang tahun ke-50 pelancaran satelit buatan manusia, Sputnik, oleh negara Soviet pada 1957.

Dalam ucapannya, Abdullah berkata ia adalah langkah permulaan oleh Malaysia untuk membuktikan kemampuan dalam bidang penerbangan angkasa.

"Bagi pihak kerajaan dan semua rakyat Malaysia, tahniah dan gunakan peluang ini untuk mertabatkan nama Malaysia di persada antarabangsa," katanya.

Sebelum ini, pada 27 April lepas, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar dan Dr Faiz bersama dua lagi calon yang berjaya ke peringkat akhir pemilihan angkasawan negara -- juruterbang Penerbangan Malaysia (MAS) Mohamed Faiz Kamaluddin, 34, dan jurutera yang juga calon wanita tunggal, S.Vanajah, 35, berlepas ke Moscow, Rusia untuk menjalani ujian di Agensi Angkasa Rusia (RSA).

Mohamed Faiz dan Vanajah mengucapkan tahniah kepada dua calon yang berjaya itu.

"Saya amat bangga dengan apa yang saya lakukan setakat ini. Ia merupakan pengalaman yang mengubah hidup saya. Saya banyak belajar tentang diri saya sejak setahun lepas," kata Vanajah.

Mohammed Faiz menerima nasibnya dengan sikap positif.

"Saya ok...Pengalaman penting bagi diri saya ialah peluang bertemu dengan orang daripada pelbagai bidang kepakaran serta mendapat peluang ke Moscow," katanya.

Pada sidang media itu, Mohammed Haniff berkata Vanajah tidak mendapat keputusan baik dalam ujian graviti manakala Mohammed Faiz pula mengalami masalah kesihatan yang tidak diduga.

Source: Bernama Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

ASTRONAUT ASPIRANTS FULL OF HOPE FOR GLORY
Topic: - Selection Process

By BERNAMA

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor (left) and Capt Dr Faiz Khaleed (right). - BERNAMA Photo

SEPANG: Medical officer Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor hopes to ace a punishing 12-month training in Russia before potentially carving his name as the first ever Malaysian astronaut, a feat most others can merely dream about.

He and dental surgeon Capt. Dr Faiz Khaleed have been named the final two candidates for a spot in a Russian space launcher that will leave for the International Space Station (ISS) on Sept 2, 2007.

"I've put in my soul into this programme right from the beginning. I am going all the way," he told reporters following the announcement on the successful candidates by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi here Monday.

Scheduled to leave for Russia at the end of the month, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, who is in his final year pursuing a Masters in Orthopaedic Surgery programme, said they would have to face a harsh winter and grapple with the Russian language.

The handsome Petaling Jaya-born 34-year-old cited mental strength as one of the strong points that worked in his favour.

"Becoming an astronaut is not about looks. It's more about your mental, physical and psychological strengths. I believe that I was selected based on merit," he said when queried whether his perceived popularity was a factor in the outcome of the selection process.

Proud that he had been chosen as one of the final two candidates, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar said he would love to conduct bone experiments in space in line with his orthopaedic background.

"This is an opportunity for me to show the 'Malaysia Boleh' (Malaysia Can) spirit and make the country proud," said the trainee-lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

He stopped his part-time modelling act six months ago. "I have to be a role model instead of a model. My passion is still medicine."

At a press conference earlier, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis said that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar was the priority candidate to go to space while Dr Faiz was the reserve.

"But it doesn't mean that the priority candidate will go up. Something can happen at the last minute, then it could be Dr Faiz who gets to go. So both have equal chances... and both will be doing exactly the same training," he said.

He said that the final selection on who gets to go into space would depend on the advice of the Astronaut Selection Panel headed by former Inspector-General of Police Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar.

Dr Jamaludin said that the initial training programme of 18 months in Russia had been shortened to 12 months as Russian officials felt that the Malaysian astronaut hopefuls were of high calibre.

He said that experiments to be conducted by the Malaysian astronaut would be based on life-sciences in light of the government's emphasis on biotechnology.

Efforts were also underway, he said, to establish communication channels between ordinary Malaysians and the astronaut aspirants while they were undergoing training and when one of them was in space.

Meanwhile, Dr Faiz expected a lot of challenges in the final stretch and personally did not believe in anybody who said they were fearless.

"Everybody has fear. But it's how you conquer that fear. We have gone through a lot of training, we have to focus. In the army we have been taught how to conquer fear and believe in ourselves," said the 26-year-old dentist from Kuala Lumpur, who is attached with the Malaysian Defence Forces.

The Sept 2, 2007 date chosen to launch the first Malaysian astronaut into space is significant for several reasons.

It coincides with the country's 50th anniversary celebrations and marks 40 years of Malaysia-Russia relations as well as the 50th anniversary of the launching of Sputnik, the first man-made satellite, in 1957 by the Soviets.

In his remarks, Abdullah said it would be the first step by Malaysia to prove its capability in the field of aerospace.

"On behalf of the government and all Malaysians, congratulations and use this opportunity to bring glory to the country," the Prime Minister said.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Dr Faiz were among four aspirants who made the cut in the previous selection process that took them to Moscow for assessments.

Malaysia Airlines pilot Captain Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin, 34, and quality engineer S. Vanajah, 35, were gracious in offering congratulatory words to their two successful fellow astronaut trainees.

"I am very proud of what I have done so far. It has been a life-changing experience definitely. I have learned a lot about myself in this past one year," said Vanajah.

Mohammed Faiz took his unsuccessful attempt positively.

"I am all right. It was gratifying to get to meet all the different people from various fields of expertise, and being given the opportunity to go to Moscow itself," he said.

At the press conference, selection panel head Mohammed Haniff said that Vanajah didn't fare too well in the gravity test while Mohammed Faiz was let down by an unspecified medical problem.

Source: Berita Wilayah @ Bernama Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Friday, 2 June 2006

MALAYSIA TO SELECT FINAL TWO ASTRONAUT CANDIDATES NEXT MONTH
Topic: - Selection Process

By XINHUA

Malaysia will select the final two astronaut candidates next month, one of whom will be the first person going to space in the history of the country, an official said Thursday.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is expected to announce the names of the lucky two out of the four candidates when opening the Malaysian Space Center in Banting, Selangor state, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Jamaludin Jarjis.

The two final candidates will undergo an 18-month training program in Star City, Russia, Jamaludin told reporters after a brunch to welcome the return of the four candidates who had undergone tests and training in Russia.

The four candidates are Faiz Khaleed (dentist), Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor (doctor), S. Vanajah (engineer) and Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin (pilot).

Jamaludin said construction of the Malaysian Space Center started in 2004, with a cost of 15 million ringgit (4.05 million U. S. dollars).

It will enable the Malaysian astronaut, in his expedition to the International Space Station (ISS), to communicate with people in his home country, said Kamaludin.

In accordance with a contract signed with the Malaysian Defense Ministry, Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos) will send Malaysia's first astronaut to the ISS in 2007.

Source: People's Daily Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Wednesday, 15 March 2006

MALAYSIA ANNOUNCES NAMES OF 4 ASTRONAUT CANDIDATES
Topic: - Selection Process

By XINHUA

Malaysia Tuesday announced the name list of four astronaut candidates selected to undergo training in Russia.

The four candidates are Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 34, a medical doctor, Faiz Khaleed, 26, a dentist, S. Vanajah, 35, a woman engineer, and Mohammed Faiz Kamaluddin, 34, a pilot.

Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak, who announced the name list, said the candidates would receive training in Moscow either at the end of this month or early next month.

The government's decision to buy 18 Sukhoi SU-30MKN fighter jets from Russia gave birth to Malaysia's first astronaut program, said the deputy prime minister at the Royal Malaysia Air Force base near here.

To reciprocate Malaysia's purchase, the Russian government offered a place for a Malaysian astronaut to join the Russian astronauts on the expedition to the International Space Station ( ISS) in October.

Out of the four candidates, only two will be chosen for an 18- month training at the Star City Moscow and eventually only one candidate will go on the expedition to the ISS.

Source: People's Daily Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM WST

Tuesday, 14 March 2006

MALAYSIA NARROWS ASTRONAUT SEARCH TO FOUR CANDIDATES
Topic: - Selection Process

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

S. Vanajah, 35, and three Malay men will be sent to the Russian Space Agency in Moscow soon to undergo medical and technical tests that will determine who will take part in a scientific expedition on board the orbital station in 2007.

The other finalists are Malaysia Airlines pilot Mohammed Faiz Kamaluddin, 34; army dentist Faiz Khaleed, 26; and Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, a 34-year-old hospital medical officer, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak announced.

Vanajah, who outlasted more than 11,000 other Malaysians who applied for the astronaut selection process in 2003, made national headlines last month when she was named as the only woman in a shortlist of eight people remaining in the competition.

Ethnic Indians comprise about 8 percent of Malaysia's 26 million people. The other three shortlisted candidates are from the majority Malay community.

Vanajah has previously said she hopes to inspire other Malaysian women to participate in science-related projects, saying her achievement proved that women could compete alongside men in rigorous trials.

The finalists have endured a battery of physical and psychological examinations, and officials said the remaining four were chosen on the basis of physical fitness, personality and preparedness, including family support.

The upcoming two-week round of tests in Russia - meant to examine the finalists' neurological fitness and ability to adapt to a weightless environment - will whittle their ranks to two candidates, each of whom will undergo 18 months of training at the Russian Space Agency.

But only one will have the chance to spend up to 10 days in October 2007 in a planned scientific expedition aboard the ISS, officials have said.

Officials have estimated Malaysia's space program will ultimately cost around US$25 million (euro20 million), but it will be offset as part of a US$900 million (euro750 million) defense deal struck with Moscow in 2003 to buy 18 Sukhoi Su-30 MKM fighter jets.

Source: Space.com

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM WST

Monday, 13 March 2006

CABARAN NEGARA MELAMPAUI ATMOSFERA
Topic: - Editorials (Tributes)

By HASWARI ALI

MEMBAWA cabaran Malaysia: (Dari kiri:) Mohammed Faiz, Vanajah, Muszaphar dan Faiz Khaleed.

MELIHAT daripada rentetan atau saringan yang perlu dilalui rakyat Malaysia untuk melayakkan diri bergelar angkasawan pertama negara ke Stesen Angkasa Lepas Antarabangsa (ISS), bagaikan satu cabaran dalam program realiti TV.

Mana tidaknya daripada 11,275 rakyat Malaysia yang memohon sejak tiga tahun lalu, jumlah itu kemudiannya menyusut kepada 894 selepas penapisan peringkat awal.

Jumlah itu menyusut kepada 199 peserta, kemudian 59, seterusnya 27, 18, 10, 8 dan terkini empat orang, yang terpilih untuk dihantar mengikuti kursus selama 18 bulan di Yuri Gagarin Astronaut Training Centre di Star City, Russia, selewat-lewatnya Mac atau April ini.

Mereka yang membawa cabaran Malaysia itu adalah seorang wanita atau Jurutera Kualiti, S Vanajah, 35; juruterbang Penerbangan Malaysia (MAS), Mohammed Faiz Kamaluddin, 34; pegawai perubatan di Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM), Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 34 dan doktor gigi angkatan tentera, Dr Faiz Khaled, 26.

Namun hakikatnya, cabaran yang sudah dan akan mereka hadapi nyata lebih hebat daripada program realiti TV kerana misi mereka - bergelar angkasawan Malaysia pertama menaiki pesawat angkasa Soyuz pada Oktober 2007 nanti.

Siapakah antara empat ini yang akan terpilih untuk bergelar Angkasawan Malaysia Pertama? Semuanya hanya akan terjawab selepas latihan 18 bulan di Russia nanti.

Tidak seperti program realiti TV yang mana pemilihan dibuat menerusi sistem pesanan ringkas (SMS), empat daripada mereka dinilai menerusi kredibiliti dan keupayaan mental, fizikal serta emosi masing-masing.

Lapan siri saringan hebat mereka tempuhi tatkala di negara sendiri sepanjang hujung tahun lalu dan awal tahun ini. Ujian mengikut modul Agensi Aeronautik dan Angkasa Lepas Kebangsaan Amerika Syarikat (Nasa) dan Russia.

Cabaran lebih getir bakal dihadapi di Russia nanti seperti latihan ikhtiar untuk hidup, dugaan di padang pasir dan hutan serta ujian kecergasan.

Tindakan Malaysia menerusi Agensi Angkasa Negara (Angkasa) untuk menghantar seorang angkasawan tempatan ke ISS berikutan termeterainya perjanjian pembelian 18 jet pejuang Sukhoi (SU-30) MKM daripada Russia bernilai AS$900 juta (RM3.42 bilion) pada 2003.

Melalui perjanjian timbal balas itu, Russia akan menanggung kos melatih dan menghantar seorang angkasawan Malaysia ke ISS pada Oktober 2007, termasuk seorang angkasawan simpanan.

Siapapun yang terpilih, pastinya sokongan dan doa seluruh rakyat akan mengiringi mereka kerana mereka bukan saja membawa maruah diri malah rakyat dan negara.

Kepada yang tidak terpilih di peringkat akhir pun, rakyat Malaysia amat berbangga dengan pencapaian mereka sehingga kini, begitu juga dengan empat lagi rakyat Malaysia yang tergolong dalam lapan terbaik sebelum ini.

Apa yang penting, Malaysia akhirnya melahirkan seorang angkasawan. Sememangnya..Malaysia Boleh!

Faiz Khaleed
"SAYA tidak meletakkan pemilihan ini sebagai kepentingan peribadi kerana apa yang saya lakukan selama ini, semuanya untuk negara. Lakukan 100 peratus terbaik adalah misi saya."

"Memang benar saya paling muda antara empat yang terpilih. Tapi saya tidak memandangnya pada sudut angka. Saya cukup bertuah berada di sisi mereka yang lebih matang."

"Daripada mereka, saya belajar bekerja secara berkumpulan, bekerja dengan mereka yang berbeza latar belakang dan pekerjaan. Itu adalah pengalaman keemasan buat saya."

BIO DR FAIZ
Nama: Faiz Khaleed
Tarikh lahir: 15 September 1980
Umur: 25 tahun
Asal: Kuala Lumpur
Kerjaya: Doktor gigi
Kelayakan: Ijazah Sarjana Muda Pembedahan Pergigian, Universiti Malaya.

S Vanajah Siva Subramaniam
"PEMILIHAN ini bukan dibuat kerana jantina tetapi kerana kemampuan. Saya mahu jadi seorang yang dihormati dan sumber inspirasi kepada wanita lain supaya mereka setaraf lelaki."

"Buat pertama kalinya juga, saya menyaksikan tiada layanan berbeza antara lelaki mahupun wanita ketika proses ujian berlangsung. Semua calon dilayan sama rata tanpa ada pengecualian. Saya menjalani ujian fizikal dan mental yang sama dengan lelaki."

"Sebagai calon tunggal wanita, tanggungjawab itu berat tetapi saya akan pastikan untuk membuat yang terbaik kerana saya mahu menjadi idola kepada wanita lain."

BIO VANAJAH
Nama: S Vanajah Siva Subramaniam
Tarikh lahir: 2 Mac 1971
Umur: 35 tahun
Asal: Klang, Selangor
Kerjaya: Jurutera Kualiti, Teknion Furniture Sdn Bhd.
Kelayakan: Ijazah Sarjana Muda Sains Fizik, Universiti Malaya.

Mohammed Faiz Kamaluddin
"SAYA sudah bersedia dengan cabaran yang bakal hadapi di Russia nanti, baik secara fizikal, intensif, latihan skuba, bahasa dan budaya rakyat di sana serta penyelidikan mengenai bidang eroangkasa."

"Apa yang mampu saya lakukan sekarang, buat yang terbaik dan berserah. Kalau ditakdirkan saya tidak berjaya, saya memandangnya secara positif dengan memberi sokongan padu terhadap program ini tanpa henti."

BIO MOHAMMED FAIZ
Nama: Mohammed Faiz Kamaluddin
Tarikh lahir: 25 Januari 1972
Umur: 34 tahun
Asal: Kuala Lumpur
Kerjaya: Kapten Jurulatih Penerbangan MAS
Kelayakan: Lesen penerbangan CPL dan ATPL

Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor
"ADA banyak sebab kenapa saya terpilih. Pertama kerana saya memiliki sikap positif, emosi yang cekal, stabil mental dan fizikal. Tapi saya percaya, kami semua memiliki kemampuan setara, itu yang menyebabkan kami terpilih sampai ke tahap ini."

"Saya tidak bersetuju jika soal wajah menjadi penentu pemilihan saya ini, sebaliknya ketahanan mental dan emosi serta kekuatan dalaman menjadi kekuatan. Saya ingin menjadi angkasawan di atas kaki sendiri, bukan kerana senyuman saya."

"Sebenarnya saya impikan menjadi angkasawan sejak berusia 10 tahun. Tapi saya tidak berpeluang dan kerana itu saya memilih menjadi doktor. Selepas tujuh tahun baru peluang ini dibuka. Saya takkan menoleh ke belakang lagi."

BIO DR SHEIKH
Nama: Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor
Tarikh lahir: 26 Julai 1972
Umur: 34 tahun
Asal: Kuala Lumpur
Kerjaya: Pegawai perubatan Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Kelayakan: MBBS, KMC Manipal, India dan Master dalam Pembedahan Orthopaedic HUKM.

Neil Armstrong angkasawan pertama ke bulan

TEPAT jam 10.56 malam, tanggal 20 Julai 1969 satu sejarah yang tidak pernah dibayangkan manusia tercipta, apabila Neil Armstrong buat pertama kalinya menjadi manusia dan angkasawan pertama yang menjejakkan kaki di permukaan bulan.

Beliau yang diiringi seorang lagi angkasawan, Edwin Aldrin menyertai
Armstrong 19 minit kemudian, manakala seorang lagi rakan mereka, Michael Collin dipertanggungjawabkan mengawal pesawat induk, Columbia.

Ketiga-tiga mereka menaiki roket Saturn V dengan berlepas dari Cape
Kennedy, Florida Amerika Syarikat (AS), empat hari sebelum itu iaitu kira-kira jam 9.32 pagi, sambil disaksikan lebih 600 juta manusia.

Arsmstrong yang dilahirkan pada 5 Ogos 1930 di Ohio, AS, mula teruja
dengan penerbangan sejak kanak-kanak lagi.

Beliau mula mengikuti kelas penerbangan ketika berusia 15 tahun dan
berjaya memperoleh lesen juruterbang pelatih setahun selepas itu.

Sebagai juruterbang tentera laut yang disertainya sejak 1949, beliau
sudah menyertai 78 misi ketenteraan dan menerima tiga pingat sepanjang
khidmatnya pada 1952.

Pada 1962, beliau dipilih sebagai angkasawan Agensi Aeronautik dan Angkasa Lepas Kebangsaan Amerika Syarikat (Nasa) dan tugas pertamanya adalah sebagai juruterbang pembantu untuk misi Gemini V.

Bagaimanapun hanya pada 16 Mac 1966, beliau diberi tanggungjawab menjadi juruterbang Gemini VIII bersama rakan setugas Dave Agena dan berjaya melaksanakan misi berkenaan.

Seterusnya pada 1969, beliau dipilih sebagai komander untuk mengetuai misi Apollo 11 ke bulan yang melakar sejarah dunia.

Kini dalam usianya sudah pun 75 tahun, masih ada yang menganggap sejarah yang tercipta 36 tahun itu satu pembohongan. Percaya atau tidak, percayalah kerana ini adalah fakta. Jika Armstrong boleh, rakyat Malaysia juga boleh. Malaysia Boleh!

BIO NEIL
Nama: Neil A Armstrong
Tarikh lahir: 5 Ogos 1930
Umur: 75 tahun
Asal: Ohio, Amerika Syarikat
Tempat tinggal sekarang: Lebanon, Ohio, AS
Jawatan sekarang: Pengerusi CTA Inc (syarikat sistem maklumat)
Pendidikan:

Ijazah Sarjana Muda dalam Kejuruteraan Eeronautical, Purdue University.

Sarjana Sains dalam Kejuruteraan Eroangkasa, University of Southern California.

Cerita Angkasa

Seorang tukang gunting rambut Ohio, Amerika Syarikat kehilangan pelanggan popularnya, Neil Armstrong selepas dia bertindak menjual satu plastik yang penuh dengan rambut bekas angkasawan terkenal itu dengan harga RM11,400.

Di Amerika Syarikat, syarikat pertama yang membawa pelancong ke Stesen Angkasa Lepas Antarabangsa kini merancang membawa satu lagi kumpulan dan sasaran kedua mereka adalah bulan. Setiap pelancong akan dikenakan bayaran RM375 juta. Misi pertama anjuran Space Adventures itu dijangka berlangsung pada 2008 atau 2009 dan ia adalah langkah pertama sebelum pelancong di bawa menjejaki bulan.

Agensi angkasa lepas Russia memutuskan untuk tidak lagi membenarkan angkasawan Amerika Syarikat dihantar ke Stesen Angkasa Lepas Antarabangsa (ISS) secara percuma, selepas AS menghentikan misi angkasawannya akibat nahas yang mengorbankan nyawa selepas kapal angkasa Columbia terbakar ketika memasuki atmosfera Bumi.

China merancang untuk melancar lebih 100 satelit sebelum 2020 bertujuan bagi mengawasi setiap sudut negara itu. Satu rangkaian kajian akan diwujudkan untuk mengawasi empangan, hutan, kawasan pertanian, pembinaan di bandar dan pelbagai aktiviti masyarakat.

Di Kazakhztan, sebuah kapal angkasa Soyuz TMA-5 yang membawa angkasawan Russia, Salizhan Sharipov dan Yuri Shargin bersama angkasawan Amerika Syarikat, Leroy Chiao berjaya memasuki orbit sepuluh minit selepas dilancarkan untuk ke Stesen Angkasa Lepas Antarabangsa (ISS) awal pagi.

China akan mempunyai stesen angkasanya sendiri yang dikendalikan manusia secara tetap dalam masa 15 tahun lagi. Program angkasa yang dikendalikan manusia itu akan menelan belanja RM8.82 bilion sejak ia mula digerakkan sebelas tahun lalu.

Source: Ikon, Berita Harian Online.

Site Editor's Note: The date this article was published is uncertain.

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM WST

Sunday, 12 February 2006

LOOKING GOOD AND GOOD-LOOKING AS WELL, THESE ASTRONAUT HOPEFULS

By IZATUN SHARI

PETALING JAYA: Girls may swoon over him, as he is arguably the most good looking one among the five single male astronaut candidates.

However, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor from Kuala Lumpur does not consider himself the most eligible bachelor and claims that looks do not matter to him.

"Thank you if you think I'm good looking. I'm flattered," he said, adding that what was more important was one's ability and personality.

He is one of the eight aspirants – including single girl S. Vanaja – short-listed for the National Astronaut programme.

On Thursday, they went for a one-on-one interview with a select panel of experts, which will narrow down the selection to four candidates for the next tests in Russia.

The select panel, chaired by Tun Hanif Omar, interviewed each candidate to assess their personality and character.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, a 34-year-old orthopaedic doctor at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital said the programme did put a little pressure on his relationship with his girlfriend, whom he has been dating for six months.

"But she has to understand my situation," he said.

AirAsia pilot Kelvin Lim Hock Seong, 25, who is also single, said he liked a girl who is supportive, understanding and easy to communicate with.

"Dr Sheikh Muszaphar is the charmer. We are overshadowed by his good looks," he said in jest.

Lim said it was not easy to maintain a relationship with his busy schedule, particularly when he has to shuttle between his job and the astronaut programme.

"Most girls want guys who work 9 to 5. Many girls like guys in uniform but not the job," he said.

Lim, also from Kuala Lumpur, admires American pilot Chuck Yeagar, who flew a Bell XI rocket plane in California and broke the sound barrier, Richard Bach, author of Joy of Flying and National Space Agency director-general Datuk Mazlan Othman.

Another aspirant from Kuala Lumpur, dental surgeon Faiz Khaleed, 26, said dating was not his priority but he loved sweet natured girls who could converse well.

"I'm not satisfied staying in a comfort zone and prefer to venture into new fields," he added.

Muhammad Husaini Hashim, from Seremban, described his ideal girl as one who was adorable, intelligent, humble, independent and knows how to appreciate him.

The 25-year-old machinery engineer, who has a girlfriend, loves outdoor activities, including scuba diving, snowboarding and white water rafting. He also enjoys photography.

"I took and compiled photographs of at least 15 national parks in the United States and Switzerland during my travels when I was tutoring (at the University of Minnesota between 2002 and 2003)," he said.

Automotive designer Mohd Bostami Ahmad, 25, said he was attracted to girls who were knowledge driven, honest and friendly.

"What makes a girl attractive is not the physical attributes. It is in the way that she expresses herself that makes an impact," said Mohd Bostami, who enjoys arts and photography, travelling, watching football matches and thriller movies.

Source: The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM WST

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