DR SHEIKH MUSZAPHAR SHUKOR & THE ANGKASAWAN PROGRAMME

A Compilation of News, Updates & Press Releases

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Tuesday, 23 January 2007

MALAYSIAN ASTRONAUT, NEXT ISS CREW AIM FOR ORBIT
Topic: - P1 - Pre-Launch

By TARIQ MALIK

WASHINGTON: Malaysia's debut spaceflyer, the first female commander of International Space Station (ISS) and a veteran Russian cosmonaut are gearing up for their orbital mission this fall.

Malaysian orthopedic surgeon Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 34, is training for a planned Oct. 10 launch towards the ISS with veteran NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko to kick off the 16^th expedition to the orbital laboratory.

"It's really important to me to spur interest among all the Malaysian people," Shukor told reporters during a Monday press briefing at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. "But my focus has always been on schoolchildren."

Chosen from a competitive field of 11,000, Shukor said he is proud to represent Malaysia in space as its first astronaut, or 'angkasawan.'

Whitson, the space station's first female commander, and Malenchenko are both veteran ISS flyers. Whitson flew in 2002 as an Expedition 5 flight engineer and NASA's first ISS science officer, while Malenchenko commanded Expedition 7 in 2003.

"It is going to be a very complicated and aggressive mission," said Whitson, adding that she hopes her role as commander will encourage young women to embrace science and mathematics. "But I think I've got a great team."

Busy mission ahead

Whitson and Malenchenko will join the third member of their crew, NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson already aboard the ISS, for what is expected to be a packed flight of challenging station construction and crew swaps.

In late October, NASA plans to launch the shuttle Discovery's STS-120 mission and deliver Harmony, a connecting node that will serve as the attachment point for future international laboratories. Discovery will also ferry veteran NASA astronaut Daniel Tani to replace Anderson - who will return with the STS-120 crew - as part of Expedition 16.

"It's going to be an extremely exciting time, a sort of moment of growth for the space station," Tani said of Expedition 16.

Another ISS crewmember, European Space Agency (ESA) spaceflyer Leopold Eyharts, is due to replace Tani in December, when NASA hopes to launch the Atlantis orbiter and its STS-122 astronaut crew to deliver Europe's Columbus laboratory to the station.

NASA astronaut Garret Reisman, a first-time spaceflyer, is slated to round out the Expedition 16 crew in February 2008 during NASA's STS-123 shuttle mission aboard Endeavour. That flight, slated for a Feb. 14 launch, will deliver the first component of a Japanese laboratory to the ISS along with a Canadian-built robot for use with the station's robotic arm.

"To participate and operate all this different hardware is going to be absolutely phenomenal," Reisman said of the new elements to be added to the ISS during his flight. "It's going to be wonderful.".

Source: Space.com

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM WST

Thursday, 18 January 2007

RUSSIAN TREAT FOR SPACE CANDIDATES
Topic: - Var. Formal Appear'ce

By PAUL GABRIEL

AFTER more scientific briefings during a 10-day training break in Kuala Lumpur, Angkasawan candidates Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Sheikh Shukor and Dr Faiz Khaleed had the perfect "send off" back to the Yuri Gagarin Training Centre near Moscow.

The duo stopped by to "re-fuel" at Russian Ambassador Alexander Karchava's residence on Jan 5 and tucked into various Russian delicacies specially prepared for them by the envoy's chef.

Karchava and his wife Ekaterina filled them with more than just food. Their words of encouragement moved both the aspiring angkasawan.

"You're doing a great job and have made Malaysians proud of you and your names are going to be etched in Malaysian history."

RUSSIAN HOSPITALITY: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar (left) and Dr Faiz (right) at the dinner hosted by Karchava and Ekaterina at their residence.

"Personally, I am also very proud that this space mission will be taking place during my tenure here as Russia's ambassador to Malaysia," Karchava said during a reception he hosted for both candidates.

Also present was National Space Agency director-general Prof Datuk Mazlan Othman and mission flight surgeon Kol Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh.

Both angkasawan candidates made themselves at home by showing off their prowess in the Russian Language.

Incidentally, Ekaterina, a Russian language tutor, had taught them during the vetting stages of the space programme.

Both candidates, who departed for Moscow on Jan 8, praised Karchava and his wife, saying they were the perfect hosts.

"I simply love Russian food, which is nutritious and healthy. He served some of the best Russian food tonight," said Dr Faiz.

The two are returning to the centre to start winter training survival. One of them will blast off into space on Oct 6.

Source: The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM WST

Saturday, 6 January 2007

MALAYSIA SENDS CELLS, BACTERIA AND PROTEIN INTO SPACE
Topic: - The Experiments

By BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will not only be sending astronauts but also cancer cellS, bacteria and protein for research in space, said Drector-General of National Space Agency (Angkasa) Professor Datuk Dr Mazlan Othman.

She added the two cell types are liver cancer cells and leukaemia cancer cells and two types of bacteria (microbes) - Helicobacter Pylori and Acinetobacter Baumanii.

In addition, protein crystalisation of Thermostable Lipase and Cold Active Lipase wil also be done in space.

"This research mission will be given to our two astronauts Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Kapten Dr Faiz Khaleed," she told reporters at Universiti Kebangsaan Hospital Malaysia (HUKM) here Friday.

The Malaysian astronauts will undergo a research and development programme (R&D) at the International Space Station (ISS) some 402.34 km from earth for ten days.

Only one of them will be chosen to join the Russian spaceship Soyuz to ISIS.

They are currently undergoing 12 months training at the Yuri Gagarin Space Training Centre at Star City in Moscow since Oct 9.

Sheikh Muszaphar dan Dr Faiz returned home on Dec 30 to celebrate Aidiladha after being given leave by the Russian Federation Space Agency (Roskosmos).

Dr Mazlan said Malaysian scientists will send the cell and bacteria to the launching centre to be placed into the Soyuz rocket that will take the Malaysian astronaut into space.

The Malaysian scientists involved in the project are Director of Molecule Medical Institute (UMBI), UKM Professor Dr Abdul Rahman Abdul Jamal, Fellow UMBI, Professor Dr Ramelah Mohamed and Professor Dr Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd Rahman from the Biotechnology and Biomolecular Science Faculty of Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Source: Bernama.com

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM WST

Friday, 5 January 2007

ANGKASAWAN MISSES ROTI CANAI
Topic: - Training Updates

By AUDREY EDWARDS

SEREMBAN: The first thing that Angkasawan candidate Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor did when he got home from Moscow was to rush to his parents' home in Petaling Jaya and have roti canai with mutton curry.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, 34, and the country's other angkasawan candidate, Kapt Dr Faiz Khaleed, 26, returned to Malaysia on Friday for 10 days, their first break since their space training in Star City, Moscow, began in October.

Despite being on vacation, the Negri Sembilan-born Dr Sheikh Muszaphar has his mind set on the training modules.

"There is no such thing as relaxing in space training," he told reporters here yesterday after meeting Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan for more than 30 minutes with his parents Sheikh Mustapha Shukor and Zuraida Datuk Sheikh Ahmad.

CATCHING UP: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar updating Mohamad Hasan on the progress of his Russian stint. - BERNAMA

The two angkasawan will be explaining to Malaysians what they had been doing so far in Russia at several meet-the-public sessions organised by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar said they would start winter survival training when they return to Russia, where temperatures will dip to -13°C or -14°C in Siberia.

So far, the angkasawan's training have included space flight and space navigational theory classes, Russian language classes (four hours daily) and fitness drills.

The schedule also incorporates swimming, running and weightlifting.

"We have our own instructor for diet and health," Dr Sheikh Muszaphar said.

Source: The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM WST

TRAINEE ASTRONAUTS BACK IN TOWN
Topic: - Training Updates

By NST

SEREMBAN: He may soon be off to space but Malaysian trainee astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor has his feet firmly on the ground when it comes to food.

The first thing he did when he landed in Malaysia last week after four months of intense training in Russia was to eat his mother’s roti canai and mutton curry.

"And after that, it was masak lemak cili api for lunch," the 34-year-old from Ampangan, near here said after meeting Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan at the state Umno headquarters here. He was accompanied by his parents.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and fellow Malaysian trainee Captain Dr Faiz Khaleed, 26, are back in town from Russia, where they are currently undergoing a 12-month-long training course in Star City, Moscow.

They returned to Malaysia on Dec 29 and will fly back to Moscow on Monday before resuming training two days later.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar intends to make the most of his holiday as the next phase of training could be the toughest yet — winter survival in Siberia.

"We’ll be shipped off to Siberia where it’s almost -40°C at present, but I’m ready for the challenge."

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar said the last four months of training had included theory and physical training, including running, swimming and weightlifting.

He said training had become easier for both with a better command of Russian.

"They (Russian trainers) saw how determined we were and I think that earned their respect."

Source: The New Straits Times Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM WST

SHEIKH MUSZAPHAR MODEL IKUTAN BAGI NEGERI SEMBILAN
Topic: - Dr Sheikh

By BERNAMA

IKON BELIA: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (kanan) bersalaman dengan calon angkasawan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor ketika calon angkasawan itu melakukan kunjungan hormat ke atas Menteri Besar di Wisma Umno. - FOTO: HAMZAH MD SOM

SEREMBAN: Calon angkasawan negara, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor akan dijadikan "model ikutan" rakyat Negeri Sembilan terutama para belia setelah beliau tamat menjalani program angkasawan pertama negara kelak.

Menteri Besar Negeri Sembilan Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan berkata pemilihan Sheikh Muszaphar yang berasal dari Negeri Sembilan sebagai calon angkasawan negara merupakan sesuatu yang amat dibanggakan oleh kerajaan serta rakyat negeri ini.

"Justeru apabila tamat menjalani program itu nanti, saya akan meminta persetujuan beliau (Dr Sheikh Muszaphar) agar dapat menjadi model ikutan kepada rakyat negeri ini serta menjadi ikon kepada golongan belia.

"Ia terutama supaya golongan belia dapat mencontohi semangat dan keazaman calon angkasawan negara itu dalam mencapai cita-citanya," kata beliau ketika dikunjungi oleh Dr Sheikh Muszaphar di bangunan Umno di sini. Turut hadir, ibu bapa Sheikh Muszaphar iaitu Sheikh Mustapha Shukor dan Zuraidah Sheikh Ahmad.

Sheikh Muszaphar dan seorang lagi calon angkasawan, Kapten Dr Faiz Khaleed tiba di tanah air 30 Dis lepas sempena sambutan Hari Raya Aidiladha dan tahun baru 2007, setelah diberikan pelepasan selama 10 hari oleh Agensi Angkasa Persekutuan Rusia (Roskosmos).

Mereka akan berlepas ke Moscow 8 Jan ini bagi menyambung latihan.

Mereka kini mengikuti latihan 12 bulan di Pusat Latihan Angkasawan Yuri Gagarin, Star City di Moscow sejak 9 Okt lepas. Salah seorang daripada mereka akan mengikuti kapal angkasa Rusia ke Stesen Angkasa Antarabangsa (ISS).

Sheikh Muszaphar berkata kehadiran mereka kini dapat diterima dengan baik oleh para jurulatih setelah dapat menguasai bahasa Rusia dengan cekap.

"Kami menjalani segala latihan yang diberikan dengan bersungguh-sungguh dan sentiasa bersikap positif dengan melakukan yang terbaik bagi meningkatkan pengetahuan serta keupayaan kami," katanya dan menambah bahawa mereka akan menjalani latihan yang lebih mencabar apabila kembali menyambung latihan nanti.

Sheikh Muszaphar berkata mereka akan menjalani latihan ikhtiar hidup di gurun Siberia yang terkenal sebagai sebuah kawasan tandus tanpa kehidupan serta suhu yang terlampau sejuk.

Beliau yang kelihatan ceria berkata cuti itu akan digunakan untuk bersama-sama keluarga sebelum bersedia menghadapi latihan yang lebih mencabar.

Penghantaran angkasawan pertama negara dengan kos RM95 juta merupakan sebahagian daripada program bagi mengimbangi perolehan 18 jet pejuang Sukhoi SU-30 MKM dari Rusia yang ditandatangani pada 5 Ogos 2003.

Menerusi program berkenaan, angkasawan Malaysia akan menjalani program penyelidikan dan pembangunan (R&D) di ISS yang terletak kira-kira 402.34 km dari permukaan bumi, selama lapan hari.

Source: Bernama.com

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM WST

Monday, 18 December 2006

FINAL PICK AT LAST MOMENT
Topic: - Selection Process

By THE STAR

MOSCOW: The decision on which of the two Angkasawan candidates – Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Sheikh Shukor and Dr Faiz Khaleed – will go into space in October next year will be made at the last possible moment.

Science Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis said although Dr Muszaphar was now considered the main candidate, this did not mean that he was going to be the one leaving for space on Oct 6.

Dr Faiz was currently the back-up candidate but both were getting equal training from the Russians at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre.

"From the reports I have received, the Russians feel that the two of them are equally capable. We will make a final decision as late as possible," he said during the launch of the Angkasawan weblog (blog) here.

The blog will allow the candidates to share their daily experiences with the rest of the world over the Internet.

Dr Muszaphar, 34, is a medical doctor attached to the Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in Cheras while 26-year-old Dr Faiz is a dental surgeon with the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

The two said they did not feel that they were in competition against each other.

"In fact, we inspire each other to do better. Even after classes, we sit down together in our apartment to compare notes to see if we have missed anything," said Dr Faiz.

Dr Muszaphar said besides studying together, they spent almost each waking hour with each other.

"Having Faiz here makes going through the classes and tests easier. It would be lonely otherwise. We constantly inspire each other to do better," said the good-looking doctor as Dr Faiz nodded in agreement.

On the blogs, the two said everyone could write to them via the website http://www.angkasa.gov.my/

Besides reading about the experiences of the two, the public can also give their opinions and comments via the website.

Source: The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM WST

NO SPACE FOR TEH TARIK
Topic: - The Experiments

By WONG SAI WAN

MOSCOW: There will be no teh tarik-making or roti canai-tossing experiments in space for our Angkasawan when he blasts off in October.

Instead, he will carry out at least 10 laboratory tests for serious research designed by 10 universities, institutes of higher education and government science agencies.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis said the experiments were important as "they will have an important impact on our local food and medical industries".

"All the experiments done in space so far are for the benefit of the countries that sponsored their scientists to fly to space."

"There have been no scientific studies in space on any Asian interest, in terms of medicine or food technology."

"The Americans do experiments for their own industries and they do not share their findings. It is the same with the Russians or Japanese; they will not share. This is why it is important for our Angkasawan to carry out these tests," he said.

Dr Jamaluddin had earlier visited the two Angkasawan candidates, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Sheikh Shukor and Dr Faiz Khaleed, at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre at the Russian Star City about 35km from here.

The institutes, which drew up the experiments and will supervise the Angkasawan, are Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Universiti Darul Iman, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysian Genome Institute, Aviation Medicine Institute, Sunway University College, Health Ministry and Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (Mardi).

The experiments will be in the fields of life sciences, space medicine, physics education and food technology.

The Angkasawan, who gets to carry 15kg of equipment on board the Russian Soyuz spacecraft, will do tests on the effects of microgravity and space radiation on microbes, cells, food and crystals. (See chart for details.)

Dr Jamaluddin hoped that the release of the details of these experiments would put paid to earlier reports about the Angkasawan having to make teh tarik or toss roti canai in space.

"We are not sending up a space tourist. Whoever is chosen will be carrying out ground-breaking experiments with serious implications on our economy."

"Mardi’s research to be carried out will have serious implications on how we can pack our foodstuff for export in the future. We may be able to get Malaysian foodstuff packed in a manner that it stays fresh for a longer time."

"These kinds of experiments can only be done quickly in an environment like space," he added.

The Angkasawan programme is part of Malaysia's purchase of the Sukhoi multi-role fighter aircraft from the Russians in 2000.

Unlike other countries that have to pay the Russians to send their astronauts to space, the entire programme is borne by the Russians.

Source: The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM WST

Friday, 15 December 2006

ASTRONAUT BLOG LAUNCHED
Topic: - The Prog. - General

By ABDUL RAHMAN AHMAD

MOSCOW: The National Space Agency (Angkasa) has developed an Astronaut Blog so that Malaysians can know the daily experiences of the country's two astronauts who are in training here.

The setting up of the blog is timely as the two Malaysians will undergo a winter survival training next month.

The blog, launched by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Jamaludin Jarjis at the Malaysian Embassy here last Thursday, will record the experiences of the two astronauts, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha and Dr Faiz Khaleed.

"I will write on my experiences during my stay here, and I hope those who read them can also give their views," Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor told reporters after the launch.

For Dr Faiz, the blog will help him get closer to readers who are intrigued with his experiences in this country.

Apart from recording their experiences, the public can give their opinions and comments via the website addressed at, www.angkasa.gov.my.

Also at the launch were Malaysian Ambassador to Russia Datuk Mohamad Khalis as well as 100 Malaysian students in Russia.

Currently, there are 2,000 Malaysian students in Russia taking medical and engineering courses under the sponsorships of Public Service Department, Mara and Selangor government.

Source: Bernama.com

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM WST

MALAYSIANS EXCEL IN ALL FIELDS
Topic: - Other Reports

By R. RAVICHANDRAN

KUALA LUMPUR: The year 2006 witnessed many Malaysians carving their names in the international scene, in fields including astronomy, sports, science, medical, education and adventure.

Their achievements not only put Malaysia in the world map but also proved that Malaysians, spurred by the spirit of Malaysia Boleh, are capable of competing in the world stage.

In astronomy, the nation's ambition to send a Malaysian astronaut to outer space is almost becoming a reality. Two Malaysians are now undergoing 12 month-long intensive training in Russia to prepare them for the mission although only one of them will be sent to orbit.

They are Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 34, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital (HUKM) medical officer and Defence Forces (ATM) dentist Capt. Dr Faiz Khaleed.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar is finishing his master degree in orthopaedic surgery at UKM while Dr Faiz has a degree in dental surgery from a local university. Both men are single.

They were selected from a pool of candidates in April this year to undergo intensive training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Centre in Star City, Russia. In sports, squash player Nicol Ann David became the world's Number One early this year after she won the world championship in Hong Kong. Nicol, 23, is the first Asian woman to become the world's Number One in squash.

This year, Nicol won several major championships including the Qatar Airways Challenge Trophy, Malaysia Open, Penang Open and the British Open. She also helped the national team to a bronze medal at the Women Squash Team World Championship in Canada in September.

Meanwhile, bodybuilder Sazali Samad also did the country proud by winning the Mr Universe title (bantamweight category) in the Czech Republic in September.

Sazali, aged 39, became the first bodybuilder in the world to win the title three times - the first in 2000 (Melaka) and 2004 (Moscow).

At the start of 2006, Lee Chong Wei became the world's Number One in Badminton, a big leap for a player who was ranked 8th in the world in 2004. Lee won the Malaysia Open title this year and was runner up in the Macau Open 2006. Malaysians are also not left out in their quest for glory in physically challenging sports such as mountain climbing. In September, three mountain climbers -- Fadzlon Abu Bakar, 38, Carol Chin, 37, and Dr Long Han Wee, 63, conquered Mt.Kilimanjaro in Africa.

Eventhough they are not the first Malaysian to conquer the mountain, they can still be proud of themselves because only a few Malaysians have scaled the peak of the mountain, which is 5,895 metres above sea level.

In 2004, the same team conquered Mt. Kalapathar in the Himalaya Range, which is 5,545 metres above sea level.

Datin Paduka Sharifah Mazlina Syed Abdul Kadir is planning to do a solo expedition to the North Pole next year. She started the Phase Four of her training in Scotland since October.

In 2004 Sharifah Mazlina, 41, became the first Asian woman to do solo expedition to the South Pole.

This is also the year that surgeons at the National Heart Institute (IJN), led by Datuk Dr Mohd Azhari Yakub and Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib successfully carried out a mechanical heart surgery for the second time. The first such operation was successfully done in mid 2004.

Source: Bernama.com

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM WST

Thursday, 14 December 2006

OCT 6 NEW TAKE-OFF DATE FOR MALAYSIA'S FIRST ASTRONAUT
Topic: - Abt the Final 2

By ABDUL RAHMAN AHMAD

MOSCOW: The take off date for Malaysia's first astronaut, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, into orbit has been moved to Oct 6 from it original date of Sept 2.

The Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Centre deputy director Igor Rugyaev told this to Malaysia's Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Datuk Seri Jamaluddin Jarjis when the latter made a visit to the centre here Thursday.

He said that the flight to orbit had to be delayed due to changes in schedule to the Soyuz rocket, that will transport the spacecraft carrying the Malaysian and Russian crew members to the International Space Station (ISS).

He also said that both Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Dr Faiz Khaleed (Malaysia's back up astronaut candidate for the trip), were doing very well in training.

"They have fully completed the tasks given to them. And yes they have been accepted as astronauts by the crew at the ISS," he said.

Jamaluddin also met the duo and toured the centrifuge, cosmonauts training pool and mock-up international space station.

There had been rumors that the Russians on board the ISS were not pleased with the selection of the Malaysian astronauts as they had no aeronautical background.

But according to Rugyaev, due to their (Malaysians) outstanding performance in training, the ISS crew now were ready to welcome them.

According to Rugyaev, the spacecraft carrying Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, commander Yuri Ivanovich Malenchenko and an engineer, would head for the ISS on board a Soyuz TMA-11 rocket.

They then will return on a Soyuz TMA 10, which will be commanded by Fyodor Yurchikin together with engineer Oleg Kotav on Dec 17.

The spacecraft will be launched at the Baikanour Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, where the Malaysian Measat-3 satellite was launched last week.

He said that the space craft bringing the astronauts would also be carrying a 15kg payload, comprising scientific equipment and non-scientific materials like flags and foodstuff.

He also assured that there would be no more delays in the take off except due to unforeseen circumstances, like if both the candidates were to fall sick.

Jamaluddin later told reporters that the life sciences research that would be undertaken by Dr Sheikh Muszaphar will include behavior of cells, protein crystalisation and seeds germination in space, while as for space medicine it would include pre, in-flight and post-flight monitoring of his health.

According to him, some European countries had also shown keen interest to obtain assistance from the Malaysian astronaut to conduct research for them in space.

He said that he was satisfied with the progress made by the two astronauts while attending training here.

Meanwhile, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar said that he had learned to adapt to the surroundings and was looking forward to the launch that will take him into space.

Dr Faiz said that he been missing his parents very much for the last two months.

Source: Bernama.com

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM WST

Wednesday, 15 November 2006

MALAYSIAN TAKES RUSSIAN ROCKET RIDE TO PLAY CHILDREN'S GAMES IN SPACE
Topic: - The Experiments

By MOSNEWS

Sheikh Muszaphar. - PHOTO from astronaut.ru

Malaysia's first astronaut will go to the International Space Station on a Russian spacecraft to play traditional Malay children's games without gravity, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

The astronaut yet to be selected will play "batu seremban", or "five stones" and spin traditional Malay tops in space, Agriculture Ministry parliamentary secretary Rohani Abdul Karim told lawmakers in parliament, according to national news agency Bernama.

"Batu seremban" involves throwing and catching stones, and is usually played by young girls.

"The main purpose of launching an astronaut in space is to conduct experiments in microgravity,” Rohani said. "These conditions are not available on earth ... and this is an opportunity for our scientists to prove their mettle."

Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 34, and Faiz Khaleed, 26, are vying to join a Russian space expedition for eight days in September next year.

Sheikh Muszaphar is considered the "priority" candidate while Faiz is the reserve option, the government has said. They were selected from more than 10,000 candidates.

Both are currently in Moscow undergoing training.

Source: MosNews Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM WST

MALAYSIAN ASTRONAUTS TO SPIN TOP, TOSS BATU SEREMBAN IN SPACE
Topic: - The Experiments

By BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian pioneer astronaut will spin top and toss "batu seremban' (five-stone game) as part of an experiment during his space travel.

"The astronaut will also paint a batik motif and make 'teh tarik' ('pulled' tea) which would be shared with his fellow astronauts," said Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim.

Rohani, who was representing the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Dr Marcus Mojigoh (BN-Putatan) in the Dewan Rakyat, here Wednesday.

('Batu seremban' is played by throwing one stone and sweeping another on the floor and then simultaneously catching the one thrown earlier.)

On Marcus's original question, Rohani said a lot of scientists had forwarded their research proposal in space to the astronaut.

"The main objective of sending an astronaut into orbit is to carry out scientific experiments under microgravity - a situation alien to the earth. As such the National Aerospace Agency has opened doors to our scientists to show their mettle and capabilities through the National Astronaut Programme," said Rohani.

She said the outcome of the experiments would be studied on earth with the hope that it would unravel the mysteries in science, education and medicine.

"The National Astronaut Programme is not only aimed at despatching an astronaut into space but it will be a continuous affair as it will benefit the people."

She said the programme was not borne by the Treasury, but derived by offsetting the purchase of Sukhoi jet fighters from Russia by the Defence Ministry.

Two Malaysian astronaut candidates Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Kapt Dr Faiz Khaleed are now undergoing rigorous 12-month training at Star City, Moscow where eventually one of them will be selected as the pioneer Malaysian astronaut who will lift off from the International Space Station.

Source: Bernama.com

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM WST

Thursday, 5 October 2006

MALAYSIAN NATIONAL SPACE CENTER OPENS
Topic: - The Prog. - General

By XINHUA

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi opened Malaysia's National Space Center at Banting, some 150 km southwest of Kuala Lumpur, in a bid to harness space technology for the country's development.

The prime minister said that, to compete with developed countries, Malaysia needed to master various science and technology fields including space technology.

He said that the Malaysian government was committed to enhance space science research capabilities and innovations, stressing that the country would not be able to become a developed country without building the capacity in that field.

Malaysia has set a target to become a developed country by 2020. Badawi said that the center was an additional step to propel the country towards a developed nation based on knowledge and technology.

Malaysia's national news services Bernama said that the space center is equipped with sophisticated laboratories to assist in work relating to satellite systems.

The center, which began to be developed in 2004, has the capacity to monitor and communicate with astronauts at the International Space Station, Bernama said.

Badawi said that Malaysia has gained a lot from space technologies since the 1970s, including communication satellite technology which facilitated contact with the outside world and enabled the country to receive worldwide news.

Communication satellites are also used in the security and defence sectors, he said.

Malaysia had used satellite pictures over the past several decades for various purposes, including to forecast weather, monitor land development and the latest to detect and monitor natural disasters and forest fires, he added.

In addition, he said, Malaysia was building the National Observatory in Langkawi, another crucial infrastructure in the country for space science research.

The observatory would reportedly be equipped with a robotic telescope, which will enable people to view space through the internet.

Badawi said that Malaysia should be committed not only to become a user of space science and technology but also more importantly to be a contributor towards its development in the future.

Source: People's Daily Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Wednesday, 4 October 2006

MALAYSIAN ASTRONAUT PROVES ISLAM NO HINDRANCE TO PROGRESS
Topic: - Other Reports

By BERNAMA

BANTING: The space experience of Malaysia's first astronaut of Islamic faith will prove to the world that Islam is not a hindrance to progress.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the needs of the national astronaut who would travel to the International Space Station had been looked into considering he is a Muslim.

He said guidelines for the astronaut to carry out his routine and prayers in the space station had been issued during a seminar held early this year.

"We want our astronaut to show to the world that Islam is not a hindrance to progress even while exploring space," he said when opening the National Space Centre in Sungai Lang, here Wednesday.

Two trainee astronauts, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Kapten Dr Faiz Khaleed, are in Russia to undergo one-year training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre before one of them is selected for the journey into space.

At the ceremony, Abdullah also held a video conference with the two astronauts for about five minutes.

Apart from asking about their health, Abdullah also asked about their training and informed them that Malaysians were placing their hopes on the two astronauts to do the country proud.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Dr Faiz were happy to receive the video call from the Prime Minister. They told him that they were learning Russian and getting acclimatised with the training centre's surroundings.

"We are treated very well," said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar when asked by Abdullah about the centre's service.

Dr Faiz said both were getting a lot of invitations to break fast from Malaysians staying in Russia.

"At least you got to meet Malaysians. Once in space, there will be no more chance to see Malaysians," Abdullah said in jest.

Abdullah advised the two astronauts to learn as much as they could from the programme and to take care of their health.

Source: Bernama.com

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Monday, 2 October 2006

RUSSIA, MALAYSIA INK SPACE DEAL AS TOURIST FLIGHT PRICES RISE
Topic: - The Prog. - General

By STAFF WRITERS (RIA NOVOSTI)

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al Masrie (left) and Faiz bin Khaleed. - AFP

MOSCOW: Russia has signed a contract to send a Malaysian astronaut into space in 2007, but future space tourists face a price increase, a Russian space agency official said Friday. Russia will send the Malaysian astronaut, thought to be a 34-year-old doctor, on board a Soyuz rocket to the International Space Station as part of a $900-million contract signed in 2003 to supply the Asian country with 18 Russian multipurpose Su-30MKM air superiority fighters.

The agency said the contract will allow it to start training two Malaysian astronauts, one of whom will be sent to the International Space Station next year - Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al Masrie and Faiz bin Khaleed, his backup.

The astronaut and his backup were originally scheduled to arrive in Russia for training in late September.

Alexei Krasnov, head of the Russian space agency's manned programs, said earlier Friday that Russia and NASA would soon reach an agreement on sending U.S. astronauts to the ISS in the future.

"We all live in the real world, and the space industry is also not in a vacuum, and we fully depend on global prices," Krasnov said, adding that prices for spacecraft components have grown dramatically in the last two years.

The official said the price for commercial space flights will go up as well, reaching $21.8 million. Four space tourists have paid about $20 million for the pleasure of spending a week on the orbital station, but the Russian official said the down-to-earth problem of inflation was driving up prices.

"The price for space tourist flights will also increase," Krasnov said, adding that each tourist flight deal is discussed individually and is considered a commercial secret.

The latest space tourist, Anousheh Ansari, 40, an Iranian-born American businesswoman, returned to Earth early Friday after paying around $20 million for about eight days in space.

Source: RIA Novosti. Article also appeared in Spacedaily.com

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Tuesday, 26 September 2006

MALAYSIA'S ASTRONAUT CANDIDATES FLY TO RUSSIA TONIGHT
Topic: - Training Updates

By BERNAMA

Kapten Dr Faiz Khaleed (left) and Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor en route to Russia for almost a year for training before one of them becomes Malaysia's first astronaut. -

PHOTO: SHAIFULDIN AHMAD

KUALA LUMPUR: Tonight, Malaysia's top two astronaut candidates will be bringing along the hope of Malaysians as they leave for Russia for a one-year training stint.

Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Kong Cho Ha said he would personally be at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to send off Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Kapten Dr Faiz Khaleed, who were due to leave at 9.30pm.

"They will be going to Russia for almost a year for training before one of them becomes our first Malaysian astronaut," he told reporters after launching the Student Aid 2006 programme at a school here, Tuesday.

The duo, who had been selected under Malaysia's first astronaut programme, will undergo the training before departing for the International Space Station (ISS).

Kong also placed high hopes on the country's first astronaut who will be working as a team with astronauts from Russia and other countries.

On the prospect of serving "teh tarik" and "roti canai" in space, Kong explained that the idea came about just to explore the possibilities but for the time being, they had not decided to do so.

"Of course it depends on the food and the type of nutritional products they will consume. I think it will be determined by the nutritionist.

"Also how it is going to be packaged and all that have to be very scientific and technology-based ...so for the time being, no teh tarik," he added.

On the student aid, Kong who was representing Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said the Da Ma Cai's Student Aid 2006 programme would see more than 10,400 needy pupils from 350 primary schools in the peninsula receiving RM100 each.

The contribution would go towards helping the students purchase school items such as books, uniforms and shoes for the coming academic year, he added.

Pan Malaysian Pools Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Yin Yee Yuen disclosed that 15 schools in the country in need of funding for upgrading purposes, would receive RM5,000 each under the school aid programme.

"This year's corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by Da Ma Chai will see a total contribution of RM1.1 million towards education," Yin added.

Source: Bernama.com

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Sunday, 24 September 2006

ASPIRING ASTRONAUTS SACRIFICE LOVE FOR SPACE AMBITIONS
Topic: - Abt the Final 2

By INDIA DAILY

Two finalists competing to become Malaysia's first astronaut have signed a contract that bars them from marrying before 2008, news reports said on Saturday. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 34, and Faiz Khaleed, 26, who are vying with each other to join a Russian space expedition in September next year, have both agreed to concentrate on preparing for the mission, the national news agency Bernama and The Star newspaper reported. "I am ready to give my full commitment, my heart and soul to be the first Malaysian in space," said Sheikh Muszaphar, a hospital medical officer who added that his girlfriend is willing to wait for him to fulfill his dream. "It is a sacrifice that we both have to make, and I thank her for being so understanding," Sheikh Muszaphar was quoted as telling Malaysian reporters during a luncheon to fete the two men, who are scheduled to leave for Russia next week for nearly a year of preparations. Dental forces dentist Faiz declined to say whether he has a sweetheart, but stressed that he had "no problems" with the contract. "I pretty much understand the importance of staying single for the time being," he said.

Source: India Daily Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Saturday, 23 September 2006

NO SPACE FOR LOVE DURING TRAINING
Topic: - Abt the Final 2

By MAZWIN NIK ANIS

PUTRAJAYA: Marriage is not an option until 2008 for the final two candidates in the running to be Malaysia's first man in space, but Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Kapten Dr Faiz Khaleed are not allowing this to dampen their hopes of carrying the Jalur Gemilang into space next year.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, 34, an orthopaedic surgeon with Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, admitted to having "someone special" who understood the clause.

"She is very understanding and we both know how important this programme is to me."

"I am ready to give my full commitment, my heart and soul, to be the first Malaysian in space. It is a sacrifice that we both have to make and I thank her for being understanding," he said.

LUNCH DATE: Kapten Dr Faiz (right) greeting Datuk Seri Najib while Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Datin Seri Rosmah look on during their meeting.

Kapten Dr Faiz, 26, a dentist with the Armed Forces, however, declined to say if he already had that "special someone".

"I have no problems signing a contract that stipulates I cannot get married over the next two years."

"I know how important it is to give full concentration to the programme and I know that I need to remain focused. I pretty much understand the importance of staying single for the time being," he said.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis said recently that the two candidates had signed a contract that stipulated they could not get married until 2008 to ensure full concentration during the training programme.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Kapt Dr Faiz will leave for Russia on Tuesday to continue with their training programme, which includes Russian language classes.

As for mementos, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar is taking along photographs of his family and loved ones while Kapt Dr Faiz has CDs of songs he and his family love to sing along to. He said his favourite song is Ronan Keating's When You Say Nothing At All.

"It will be interesting to experience Ramadan in Russia. The weather is not warm and we have been told there will not be much physical activity in the early stages, but we still have our normal daily workouts," said Kapt Dr Faiz.

Deputy Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor hosted lunch for the two astronauts yesterday. Also present were Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Dr Jamaluddin and National Space Agency director-general Prof Datuk Dr Mazlan Othman.

Speaking briefly to reporters, Najib said the Government and Malaysians were proud of the courage and dedication showed by the two candidates, and that their upcoming trip to Russia would take them to a more challenging phase of their training.

"On behalf of the Government, I bid them farewell, good luck and all the best. We are all proud of them," he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Jamaluddin said the Cabinet had authorised his ministry to arrange with Russian space authorities for research to be conducted when the Malaysian astronaut was in space next year.

"The Cabinet has given my ministry the authority to proceed with the arrangements to sign an agreement with Russia to conduct experiments and research in space."

"This is a new development and we will announce the areas of research once the agreement has been finalised," he said.

Source: News @ The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 9:01 PM JST

DUA CALON ANGKASAWAN SETUJU TAK DIBENAR KAHWIN
Topic: - Abt the Final 2

By BERNAMA

Bakal angkasawan negara, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor (kiri) dan Kapten Dr Faiz Khaleed

PUTRAJAYA: Kedua-dua bakal angkasawan, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor dan Kapten Dr Faiz Khaleed bersetuju dengan syarat yang terkandung dalam kontrak bahawa mereka tak dibenarkan berkahwin sehingga 2008 yang bertujuan memastikan mereka menumpukan perhatian sepenuhnya terhadap program itu.

Pegawai perubatan Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM), Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, 34, berkata syarat itu dibuat untuk memastikan mereka sentiasa fokus dengan misinya atas nama negara.

"Saya setuju dengan Datuk Jamaludin Jarjis bahawa sekurang-kurangnya kita boleh fokus mengenai misi kita kerana kita melakukan ini untuk negara.

"Untuk saya, kita tidak kisah, kita selesa dengan ini, itulah komitmen kita dan fokus kita," katanya kepada pemberita selepas majlis jamuan makan tengah hari bersama isteri Timbalan Perdana Menteri Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor di kediaman rasmi Sri Satria, di sini.

Turut hadir ialah Timbalan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak dan Menteri Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi Datuk Seri Jamaludin Jarjis.

Dua hari lepas, Jamaludin berkata bahawa dua bakal angkasawan negara tidak dibenarkan berkahwin sebagai syarat yang terkandung dalam kontrak mereka.

Syarat itu bagi mengkehendaki mereka komited terhadap latihan sebelum berlepas ke Stesen Angkasa Antarabangsa (ISS).

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar yang mengakui sudah mempunyai pilihan hati berkata beliau akur dengan syarat yang ditetapkan dan sanggup menunggu dua tahun kerana baginya masa berjalan dengan pantas.

Katanya kekasihnya juga tidak mempunyai masalah berhubung perkara itu kerana memahami akan tugas beliau itu.

Menurutnya beliau akan membawa gambar kekasihnya bersamanya sebagai pembakar semangat untuk menjalani latihan di Rusia nanti.

Doktor gigi Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) Dr Faiz, 26, pula ketika ditanya turut tidak kisah dengan syarat tersebut kerana padanya ia bertujuan memastikan mereka dapat menumpukan perhatian sepenuhnya terhadap latihan yang bakal mereka jalani.

"Bagi saya, itu adalah sebahagian dariapda kontrak tersebut. Ia untuk menjamin bagi fokus dengan program ini. Ia agak baik ia adalah salah satu daripada klausa dalam kontrak,...untuk kekal fokus," katanya.

Beliau yang enggan mendedahkan sama ada sudah mempunyai pilihan hati bagaimanapun, berkata beliau tidak mempunyai rancangan untuk berkahwin dalam masa terdekat ini.

Terdahulu, Najib pada sidang media mengucapkan selamat berlayar kepada kedua-dua bakal angkasawan negara yang akan berlepas ke Rusia pada Selasa ini untuk menjalani latihan selama setahun.

"Kami semua berasa amat bangga dengan semangat dan kegigihan yang telah diperlihatkan oleh kedua-dua angkasawan ini pada masa latihan.

"Mereka akan memasuki fasa yang lebih mencabar namun saya yakin bahawa berdasarkan kepada pemilihan yang begitu ketat dan profesional yang telah dilakukan, kedua-dua angkasawan kita mempunyai kemampuan dan kewibawaan serta kekuatan mental, fizikal dan kerohanian untuk menjadi angkasawan yang berjaya dan dapat menyempurnakan segala-gala tugas yang akan ditentukan untuk dilakukan di angkasa nanti," katanya.

Source: Berita Am @ Bernama Online

Posted by site editor at 2:51 AM JST

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