DR SHEIKH MUSZAPHAR SHUKOR & THE ANGKASAWAN PROGRAMME

A Compilation of News, Updates & Press Releases

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Thursday, 12 July 2007

TIADA MASALAH DILARANG KAHWIN
Topic: - Abt the Final 2

By MOHD AMIN JALIL

HARAPAN NEGARA: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar dan Dr Faiz menerangkan sesuatu kepada pelajar berhubung angkasa lepas ketika lawatan dan program motivasi di Sekolah Menengah Sains Seremban (Saser), di Seremban, semalam.

SEREMBAN: Dua calon angkasawan akur dengan kontrak, mahu lebih fokus program negara.

"Kami tidak ada masalah apabila dilarang berkahwin sehingga 2009 untuk memberi lebih fokus kepada program angkasa lepas," kata Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 34, seorang daripada dua calon angkasawan negara.

Beliau berkata, larangan mendirikan rumah tangga terkandung dalam kontrak ditandatangani dengan kerajaan selepas berjaya melepasi sesi pemilihan dua calon terakhir menjayakan misi negara itu.

"Peraturan itu tidak menjadi masalah bagi kami kerana ia sudah ditetapkan ketika bermulanya program berkenaan. Kami perlu memberi lebih fokus kerana ia adalah program pertama negara menghantar angkasawan," katanya pada sesi dialog bersama Dr Faiz Khaleed untuk pelajar Sekolah Menengah Sains Seremban (Saser), di sini, semalam.

Seramai 500 pelajar sekolah berkenaan berkongsi pengalaman dengan dua calon angkasawan negara itu sempena program motivasi sekolah itu.

Beliau berkata, peraturan tidak dibenarkan berkahwin itu bertujuan memastikan program angkasawan negara berjaya mencapai matlamatnya dengan memastikan calon tidak mencampuradukkan misi terbabit dengan perkara peribadi.

Sempena lawatan itu, pelajar diberi penerangan oleh dua calon angkasawan berkenaan mengenai peluang cerah dalam bidang sains angkasa.

Sementara itu, Dr Faiz, 26, berkata, program angkasawan negara tidak akan terhenti selepas tamatnya misi pertama itu, sebaliknya akan diteruskan pada masa depan, sekali gus membuka peluang luas kepada mereka berminat menjadi angkasawan.

"Bagaimanapun, bukan mudah menjadi calon angkasawan kerana memerlukan individu itu dilengkapi pelbagai disiplin ilmu, khususnya dalam bidang sains, selain kekuatan fizikal dan mental," katanya.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar dan Dr Faiz baru saja menamatkan latihan empat bulan di Star City, Moscow dan kerajaan dijangka mengumumkan angkasawan terpilih untuk dihantar ke angkasa lepas pada 6 Oktober ini, melalui Stesen Angkasa Lepas Antarabangsa (ISS) pada 10 Oktober.

Source: Berita Harian Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

SEMBANG: MUS TAK PANDAI MENYANYI
Topic: - Dr Sheikh

By AMIRULLAH ANDI NUR

Faiz (kiri) dan Muszaphar (kanan) bergambar bersama angkasawan Rusia, Alexander Skortov pada latihan Winter Survival di Star City Moscow, Rusia.

Calon angkasawan negara tidak kecewa gagal jadi insan serba boleh seperti diimpikan.

"ANDA boleh minta buat apa saja, tetapi jangan suruh saya menyanyi. Saya tak boleh langsung. Mungkin sudah takdir, saya tidak dianugerahkan kebolehan dalam bidang ini." Itu antara kata-kata calon angkasawan negara, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha ketika penulis bersembang dengannya di sebuah restoran di Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur baru-baru ini.

"Tak tahu kenapa, tetapi memang tak boleh," katanya sambil ketawa apabila penulis bertanyakan sama ada dia boleh menyanyi kerana ketika di angkasa nanti dia pasti akan sunyi.

Ini kerana menyanyi mungkin terapi terbaik sebagai pengubat rindu, sekiranya terpilih kerana pada hari dia bakal menjejakkan kaki di Stesen Angkasa Lepas Antarabangsa (ISS), masyarakat Islam sedang seronok merayakan Aidilfitri.

Memakai pakaian serba gelap, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar atau lebih mesra dipanggil Mus, ketika memulakan bicara bagaimanapun menganggap keadaan itu bukan penghalang kepadanya untuk muncul sebagai rakyat Malaysia pertama menjadi angkasawan.

Anak kelahiran Seremban ini sebenarnya sudah bersedia sejak dulu untuk memikul tanggungjawab besar itu. Bukan saja dari segi mental dan fizikal, malah hampir dari segenap aspek bagi memenuhi syarat untuk mendapat gelaran keramat itu.

"Sejak kecil lagi, sebolehnya saya ingin jadi manusia serba boleh. Sebab itu, apa saja bidang yang saya ceburi, saya akan lakukan sebaik mungkin kerana percaya boleh melakukannya jika ada keinginan dan kesungguhan."

"Malah moto yang saya pegang sejak kecil iaitu what mind believes, the body can achieves, masih saya pegang dan amalkan sehingga ini. Ia menjadi pendorong kepada apa juga kejayaan saya capai pada hari ini," katanya.

Mus yang bakal menyambut ulang tahun kelahiran ke-35 pada 26 Julai ini juga mengakui didikan dan sokongan keluarga banyak menyumbang kepada kejayaannya pada hari ini, termasuk berjaya menjadi antara dua calon terakhir angkasawan negara.

Ketika masih di sekolah rendah, beliau berjaya muncul juara pidato dan bercerita peringkat Negeri Sembilan, selain mewakili negara dalam sukan renang pada usia 12 tahun.

Ketika belajar di Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) Muar, beliau juga cemerlang dalam sukan bola tampar dan tenis selain berpidato. Kecemerlangannya itu diteruskan apabila menyambung pengajian dalam bidang kedoktoran di India.

"Malah kerjaya sebagai doktor ini juga hasil sokongan bapa, Sheikh Mustapha dan ibu, Zuraida Sheikh Ahmad," katanya yang turut menjadi ketua murid ketika darjah enam di Sekolah Rendah St Paul, Seremban.

Mengimbas minatnya menjadi angkasawan, Mus berkata, ia bercambah ketika usianya mencecah 10 tahun selepas membaca kejayaan angkasawan Amerika Syarikat, Neil Amstrong dan Yuri Gagarin dari Russia menjejakkan kaki ke bulan.

Sejak hari itu, apabila ada kelapangan, dia sering menatap langit pada waktu malam sambil memasang impian menuruti jejak kedua-dua angkasawan berkenaan.

Bagaimanapun, dia sedar impian menggunung itu tidak akan kesampaian kerana kerajaan Malaysia masih belum mempunyai program ke angkasa. Namun, ia tidak pernah mematikan semangat anak muda berwajah tampan ini.

"Saya cukup saya seronok dan sangat bersyukur kepada Allah SWT apabila kerajaan mengumumkan cadangan untuk menghantar angkasawan dua tahun lalu. Malah bukan saya saja yang memohon, abang saya, Sheikh Ahmad, 37, dan adik, Sheikh Arwiz, 37 turut sama," katanya.

Bagi menggambarkan betapa dia benar-benar serius mengejar impian menjadi angkasawan pertama negara, Mus tidak berdiam diri sebaik menghantar borang permohonan.

Sepanjang menunggu balasan bagi mengetahui keputusan, beliau sudah mempersiapkan diri terutama dari segi fizikal dan mental. Antara pengorbanan yang terpaksa dilakukan ialah menghilangkan berat badan kira-kira 15 kilogram.

Aktiviti paling kerap dilakukannya ialah berjoging di sekitar Bangsar pada jam 2 pagi selepas balik dari bekerja di Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM). Ketika itu, masa lapangnya terlalu singkat.

Nyata menyebelahi pakar perubatan bidang ortopedik ini, apabila bukan saja terpilih, malah berjaya melepasi semua rintangan dan akhirnya menjadi dua calon terakhir bersama Kapten Dr Faiz Khaleed.

"Saya akui tanggungjawab yang bakal dipikul sebagai angkasawan pertama negara berat, namun ia bukan penghalang kepada saya. Saya akan melakukan yang terbaik untuk terpilih sepanjang proses pemilihan."

"Sekiranya saya terpilih, ini adalah untuk rakyat dan negara ini," katanya.

Apa yang pasti, Mus yang turut berkecimpung dalam bidang perniagaan melalui Restoran Rebung tidak akan berasa sunyi ketika berada di angkasa kerana sudah memiliki kelab peminat sendiri yang bakal mendoakan kejayaannya.

Beliau turut menitipkan alamat e-melnya iaitu dr_sheikh_muszaphar@yahoogroups.com dan berharap rakyat Malaysia akan memberi sokongan kepadanya.

Info

Nama: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha

Tarikh Lahir: 26 Julai 1972

Umur: 34 tahun

Asal: Seremban

Status: Bujang

Jawatan: Pensyarah /Pakar Ortopedik Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Adik beradik: Anak ketiga (lima beradik)

Pendidikan:
- Sekolah Kebangsaan St Paul, Seremban (darjah 1-6)
- Maktab Rendah Sains Mara Muar (tingkatan 1-5)
- Kolej Perubatan Kasturba (KMC), Manipal, India (MBBS)
- Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Sarjana Ortopedik)

Aktiviti sukarela:
- Membantu mewujudkan sebuah hospital di Afghanistan bersama Mercy pada 2002
- Menyertai program kemanusiaan bersama Mercy di Kemboja pada 2003.

Source: Berita Harian Online

Site Editor's Note: Umur adik Dr Sheikh, Sheikh Arwiz, adalah 28 tahun, bukan 37 tahun seperti yg ditulis dalam artikel ini.

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

BAKAL ANGKASAWAN PIKUL MANDAT NEGARA: ABDULLAH
Topic: - Abt the Final 2

By BERITA HARIAN

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, berpesan kepada bakal angkasawan negara, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 34, dan Dr Faiz Khaleed, 26, bahawa mereka memikul mandat negara dan harapan rakyat apabila menjalankan misi ke angkasa lepas Oktober depan.

Perdana Menteri berkata, seluruh rakyat Malaysia daripada segenap lapisan masyarakat menaruh harapan tinggi terhadap kejayaan misi itu yang menjadi impian negara selama ini.

"Harapan kami ialah saudara berdua selamat dan dapat menjalankan misi yang sungguh bererti kepada rakyat Malaysia. Ini adalah kali pertama dan apa yang sudah lama diidamkan kita akan menjadi realiti apabila saudara dipilih untuk ke angkasa lepas."

"Mudah-mudahan kejayaan saudara nanti akan menjadi inspirasi kepada rakyat Malaysia terutama remaja, belia dan pelajar universiti untuk membabitkan diri dalam sains angkasa lepas," katanya selepas menyampaikan lencana Logo Misi dan buku Pelaksanaan Ibadah kepada Dr Sheikh Muszaphar dan Dr Faiz di Pejabat Perdana Menteri di sini, semalam.

Lencana Logo Misi yang berlatarbelakangkan Jalur Gemilang dan angkasa lepas serta angkasawan akan ditampal pada pakaian angkasa mereka sebagai tanda simbolik pemberian mandat negara dan harapan rakyat.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar dan Dr Faiz pula menyerahkan kemeja khas sempena misi itu kepada Abdullah untuk dipakai semasa menyaksikan pelancaran kapal angkasa Soyuz yang akan membawa seorang daripada mereka ke Stesen Angkasa Lepas Antarabangsa (ISS) pada 10 Oktober depan.

Turut hadir pada majlis yang disaksikan wakil media itu ialah Menteri Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi, Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis; Ketua Pengarah Agensi Angkasa Negara (Angkasa), Prof Datuk Dr Mazlan Othman, dan Pengarah Program Angkasawan Negara, Kolonel Dr Zulkiefli Mat Jusoh.

Terdahulu, Abdullah mengadakan pertemuan tertutup dengan mereka selama hampir setengah jam.

Abdullah juga mengingatkan mereka bahawa misi 10 hari ke ISS itu bukan misi melancong untuk menikmati keadaan di angkasa lepas tetapi misi penyelidikan yang penting.

Katanya, angkasawan negara yang terpilih mesti menyempurnakan semua penyelidikan yang dirancang semasa misi itu, terutama penyelidikan berkaitan penyakit kanser.

"Ini bukan pergi melancong nak tengok angkasa lepas tetapi lebih besar daripada itu kerana ia berkait dengan sains angkasa lepas," katanya sambil menambah beberapa negara yang dilawatinya baru-baru ini meminta angkasawan Malaysia menjalankan penyelidikan untuk mereka.

Ketika misi itu, angkasawan negara antara lain akan menjalankan kajian saintifik membabitkan penyelidikan dan pembangunan berkaitan bioteknologi dan kanser.

Sementara itu, Dr Faiz berkata, beliau dan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar akan menjalani latihan fasa terakhir di Agensi Angkasa Lepas Amerika Syarikat (Nasa), Texas, dari 23 hingga 27 Julai ini, bagi membiasakan diri dengan suasana ISS yang dikendalikan bersama Amerika Syarikat (AS) dan Russia.

Katanya, mereka akan menjalani lebih banyak latihan praktikal bersama dua lagi anak kapal dari Russia dan AS yang akan mengikuti misi itu.

"Pada saat akhir ini amat penting kami menjalani latihan bersama bagi menyelaras segala langkah diambil ketika berada di dalam kapal angkasa dan ISS."

"Itu penting kerana setiap kami mempunyai tugas tertentu dalam kapal angkasa ketika memasuki orbit angkasa dan di ISS. Russia akan mengadakan banyak sesi latihan bersama dengan krew kapal angkasa terbabit."

Dr Faiz berkata, latihan berkenaan juga memberi penekanan kepada pelbagai perkara penting terutama aspek keselamatan seperti kebakaran, tekanan berlebihan dan kebocoran toksid supaya mereka bersedia mengambil langkah efektif.

"Kami berazam akan melakukan yang terbaik walaupun hanya salah seorang saja akan terpilih ke angkasa lepas nanti," katanya.

Source: Berita Harian Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

IBADAH DI ANGKASA LEPAS
Topic: - Challenges/Hurdles

By ZIAUDDIN SHARUDDIN

Buat pertama kali cara beribadah angkasawan didokumentasikan hasil Seminar Islam dan Kehidupan di Angkasa.

PENGHANTARAN angkasawan pertama negara ke Stesen Angkasa Antarabangsa (ISS) pada Oktober ini mencatat sejarah kerana buat kali pertama, cara melaksanakan ibadah di angkasa lepas menjadi isu penting.

Sama ada Kapten Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor atau Dr Faiz Khaleed, dipilih sebagai angkasawan, mereka bukan angkasawan Muslim pertama ke angkasa lepas.

Putera Sultan bin Salman dari Arab Saudi, lebih awal mengukir nama dengan menaiki kapal angkasa Discovery pada 1985. Kekayaan pula membolehkan Anousheh Ansari, jutawan wanita Amerika Syarikat yang berasal dari Iran, melancong ke angkasa lepas tahun lalu.

Bagaimanapun, misi negara menjadi sebutan ramai, terutama pihak berkepentingan dalam angkasa lepas kerana isu berbeza, iaitu cara beribadah di angkasa lepas.

Seminar Islam dan Kehidupan di Angkasa anjuran Agensi Angkasa Negara (Angkasa) dan Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (Jakim) pada April tahun lalu yang bertujuan mengkaji cara beribadah di angkasa lepas mendapat perhatian antarabangsa.

Media massa Barat, termasuk laman web yang melaporkan mengenai seminar ini menimbulkan tanda tanya mengenai cara beribadah di angkasa lepas.

Alan Godlas, Profesor Agama Universiti Georgia, Amerika Syarikat, menimbulkan persoalan penting dalam pelaksanaan ibadah di angkasa lepas, terutama solat.

"Apabila memasuki orbit, kapal angkasa mengelilingi bumi sekali setiap 90 minit. Orang Islam menunaikan solat lima kali sehari berdasarkan kedudukan matahari di angkasa. Inilah cabarannya apabila sehari di angkasa lepas hanya 90 minit," katanya.

Begitu juga dengan arah kiblat ketika solat, Godlas berkata, ISS yang mengelilingi bumi kira-kira 28,000 kilometer sejam menyukarkan angkasawan Muslim menghadap Kaabah.

Untuk berwuduk, penggunaan air adalah sangat minimum dalam kapal angkasa. Malah dalam keadaan graviti mikro, air tidak jatuh ke bawah. "Bagaimanakah hendak berwuduk dalam keadaan begitu," kata Godlas.

Berbeza dengan Putera Sultan dan Anousheh, yang melaksanakan ibadah mengikut kemampuan dan pengetahuan masing-masing, Malaysia membuat perancangan teliti mengenai cara beribadah di angkasa lepas.

Segala persoalan daripada individu seperti Godlas, malah seluruh umat Islam di Malaysia dan dunia dijawab dengan pelancaran Garis Panduan Pelaksanaan Ibadah di Stesen Angkasa Antarabangsa terbitan Jakim.

Garis panduan hasil Seminar Islam dan Kehidupan di Angkasa mencatat sejarah kerana buat kali pertama di dunia, cara beribadah di angkasa lepas didokumentasikan.

Merungkaikan segala persoalan mengenai cara beribadah di angkasa lepas, Pengarah Bahagian Penyelidikan Jakim, Anan C Mohd, berkata sudah tentu cara pelaksanaan ibadah tidak sama kerana perbezaan besar antara bumi dan angkasa lepas.

Bagaimanapun, katanya setiap Muslim perlu melaksanakan ibadah seperti solat tanpa mengira tempat mereka berada.

Mengulas arah solat di angkasa lepas, katanya antara syarat sah solat ialah mesti menghadap Kaabah. Bagaimanapun garis panduan memberi beberapa pilihan lain, iaitu unjuran Kaabah, bumi dan mana-mana arah.

"Mengikut tertib, solat mesti menghadap Kaabah. Jika tiada pilihan lain, angkasawan boleh menghadap mana-mana arah. Paling penting ialah solat mesti dilakukan," katanya.

Anan berkata, "semua pihak tahu bahawa kapal angkasa mengelilingi bumi setiap 90 minit atau mengorbit bumi sebanyak 16 orbit sehari. Jika 16 peristiwa siang dan malam berlaku sehari, jumlah solat adalah sebanyak 80 kali."

Dalam satu pusingan, katanya "waktu siang adalah 45 minit dan malam juga 45 minit. Tempoh itu perlu dibahagikan kepada lima waktu solat. Jika tidak diikuti dengan betul, waktu subuh hanya seminit," katanya.

Bagi menyelesaikan persoalan ini, katanya Jawatankuasa Fatwa Kebangsaan memutuskan bahawa solat di ISS dilakukan sama seperti di bumi, iaitu lima kali.

Alasan? Mengambil Kutub Utara sebagai contoh, katanya jika mengikut keadaan di situ yang mengalami peristiwa siang selama enam bulan dan malam selama enam bulan, umat Islam hanya bersolat lima kali setahun.

Merujuk kepada institusi fekah Islam di Makkah, Rabitah al-Alamiyah al-Islami, katanya waktu solat di Kutub Utara diputuskan berdasarkan waktu kawasan paling hampir yang siang dan malam adalah dalam keadaan biasa.

Kaedah sama digunakan untuk menetapkan waktu solat di ISS, iaitu berdasarkan tempat paling hampir, tempat pelancaran kapal angkasa di Baikonur, Kazakhstan.

Dari segi cara solat, Anan memberitahu antara cara yang boleh dilakukan ialah mengikat tubuh pada bahagian tertentu kapal angkasa.

"Ini bukan luar biasa kerana angkasawan mempunyai tali pinggang yang diikat kepada kapal angkasa apabila tidak mahu terapung. Dalam keadaan statik itu, angkasawan boleh menunaikan solat," katanya.

Masalah air terhad untuk berwuduk diselesaikan dengan bertayammum. Bagaimanapun, katanya tanah atau debu mustahil dibawa ke dalam kapal angkasa kerana faktor keselamatan. Sehubungan itu, angkasawan dibolehkan menepuk dinding, kerusi atau cermin dalam kapal angkasa.

"Walaupun tiada debu, Jawatankuasa Fatwa memutuskan cara itu kerana tiada pilihan lain," katanya.

Dalam isu berkaitan, katanya istinjak untuk membersihkan hadas besar atau kecil dilakukan dengan menggunakan kertas tisu.

Sementara itu jika jadual pelancaran kapal angkasa tidak berubah, iaitu 10 Oktober, satu lagi ibadah yang bakal dilakukan angkasawan negara ialah berpuasa.

Anan berkata, Jakim menggalakkan angkasawan negara berpuasa di ISS kerana pengalaman ini sukar dirasai pada masa depan dan pada masa sama, mengetahui persamaan dan perbezaan berbanding berpuasa di bumi.

"Jika memberatkan dan menimbulkan masalah, angkasawan seperti musafir boleh meninggalkan puasa, tetapi perlu menggantikan semula."

Seperti solat, katanya waktu berbuka dan bersahur adalah mengikut waktu tempat kapal angkasa berlepas.

Source: Berita Harian Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

SPACE MISSION NOT A TOUR PROGRAMME
Topic: - Abt the Final 2

By THE STAR

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia's two aspiring astronauts are reminded that their journey into space is not a “tour programme” but a serious mission filled with study and research.

Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who met Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Kapt Dr Faiz Khaleed, told the two men that the Malaysian angkasawan would be doing a lot of research, including on cancer.

"I must stress this is not a tour programme to see how things are in space, but it is a programme of great significance and importance to the country."

"It will be an important mission for the angkasawan as he will also be helping to do research for several institutions of higher learning," the Prime Minister told the candidates at the end of their 30-minute meeting yesterday.

Also present were Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis, National Space Agency director-general Prof Datuk Dr Mazlan Othman and national space programme director Kol Dr Zulkeffeli Jusoh.

Abdullah also unveiled the Malaysian angkasawan mission logo and a guideline on Islamic practices while in space, compiled by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

"As I present the mission logo to you, I also present the country's mandate as well as the hope and aspirations of your fellow citizens from all walks of life who are proud of you and your achievements," he told Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Kapt Dr Faiz.

The Prime Minister said that the two candidates should be role models and inspire the younger generation.

"I observed that wherever you go, you get good response from the crowd. Better than (response received) by politicians because people want to see you up close and personal."

"I wish you all the best and be safe at all times. Remember God always and may you achieve success."

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar promised the Prime Minister that both he and Kapt Dr Faiz would do the country proud.

"We do hope that you can find time to see the first Malaysian angkasawan off to space on Oct 10."

Source: News @ The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Tuesday, 10 July 2007

CALON ANGKASAWAN NASIHAT GENERASI MUDA JAUHI ROKOK
Topic: - Var. Formal Appear'ce

By BERITA HARIAN

KUALA LUMPUR: Dua calon angkasawan negara, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha dan Kapten Dr Faiz Khaleed mengingatkan generasi muda supaya menjauhkan diri daripada tabiat merokok kerana ia syarat utama untuk terpilih menyertai Program Angkasawan Negara.

"Bagi generasi muda yang bercita-cita menyertai Program Angkasawan Negara, kita mesti mengelak daripada terjebak dengan tabiat merokok mulai sekarang dan lebih-lebih lagi tidak terbabit dengan penyalahgunaan dadah," kata Dr Sheikh Muszaphar pada majlis dialog dengan pelajar Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bandar Baru Ampang dan Maktab Tentera Diraja Sungai Besi, di sini, semalam.

BERI DORONGAN: Pelajar SMK Bandar Baru Ampang tidak melepaskan peluang bergambar bersama Dr Sheikh Muszaphar (kiri) dan Dr Faiz, selepas sesi Dialog Bersama Calon Angkasawan, semalam.

Bersama Dr Faiz, kedua-dua mereka menghabiskan masa sehari suntuk semalam untuk mencetuskan minat dan pemahaman mengenai bidang angkasa lepas kepada pelajar sekolah berkenaan selepas berlepas ke Moscow, Russia, Jumaat ini.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar berkata, bukan mudah untuk terpilih menyertai program berkenaan sekiranya seseorang itu tidak mempunyai kekuatan fizikal dan mental untuk mengharungi pelbagai cabaran sewaktu menjalani latihan.

"Untuk menjadi angkasawan, kita perlu mempunyai fizikal yang kuat dan menjaga kesihatan diri pada peringkat awal bermula dari usia muda," katanya.

Dr Faiz juga berharap kerajaan dapat menghantar lebih ramai angkasawan pada masa akan datang dan mempunyai roket sendiri untuk menjelajah angkasa.

Kunjungan ke SMK Bandar Baru Ampang yang dihadiri lebih 1,000 dan Maktab Tentera Diraja dengan 500 penuntutnya, adalah lokasi terakhir sebelum berlepas semula ke Moscow, Russia, Jumaat ini.

Mereka turut dijadual menjalani latihan di Laut Hitam, Ukraine pada 15 hingga 21 Julai dan ke Houston, Amerika Syarikat pada 23 Julai untuk menjalani latihan pengendalian dan penyelidikan di NASA Johnson Space Center.

Baru-baru ini, kedua-dua calon angkasawan negara menghadiri majlis khas bersama-sama penuntut baru Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Bangi dan dua sekolah di Negeri Sembilan iaitu Sekolah Menengah Sains Seremban dan Sekolah Datuk Abdul Razak.

Source: Berita Harian Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Friday, 6 July 2007

FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS, SAYS ASTRONAUT CANDIDATE
Topic: - Var. Formal Appear'ce

By THE STAR

BANGI: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Sheikh Shukor vividly remembers as a 10-year-old staring at the sky and wondering if there was life out there.

And like many other children, he dreamt of becoming an astronaut when he grew up.

"As long as you try hard enough and work for what you want, there is no stopping what you can achieve" - Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor

Now, the medical officer is close to realising his dreams after becoming one of the final two candidates under the National Angkasawan Programme.

The other candidate is Kapt Dr Faiz Khaleed, a dental surgeon.

One of them will be the first Malaysian astronaut and will go into space on an international mission, starting on Oct 10.

Both candidates spoke to more than 1,000 new undergraduates at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia yesterday.

"Believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams. I've always lived by this and look how far I've come."

"As long as you try hard enough and work for what you want, there is no stopping what you can achieve," said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar.

Referring to the concise experiments that would be carried out by the Angkasawan in space, Dr Faiz said that one's contribution to the country was important.

"Everyone of us has the same feeling of doing our part for the nation. The experiments that will be carried out in space will help significantly in the field of science and medicine."

"It is not only the Angkasawan that is involved in this mission, but each and every Malaysian," said Dr Faiz.

During a Q&A session later, laughter was heard when a question was posed about how astronauts would pass motion in space.

To this, both candidates simply replied that a special apparatus would be used for that function.

The undergraduates were also fairly surprised when informed that "space food" came in a variety and was actually quite delicious.

"We have steaks, fish and even soup which is vacuum-packed or freeze-dried. Consuming it, however, will be a different process."

"For example, some of the food would have to be eaten via a machine which dispenses it," said the Angkasawan candidates.

They also added that guidelines had been set on when and how to conduct prayers while in space.

Source: News @ The Star Online

Site Editor's Note: A similar article was published by the same journal on July 5, 2007, without the picture.

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Thursday, 5 July 2007

ANGKASAWAN SAYS
Topic: - Var. Formal Appear'ce

By UKM

UKM: Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al-Masrie spoke to the new students of UKM and urged them to dare to dream and to challenge themselves in pursuing their destiny.

He was speaking to more than 4,700 new students at DECTAR, UKM on July 5 at 8.30am in a meeting organised by the Student Affairs Department.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, who was accompanied by Captain Dr. Faiz Khaleed, talked about their space training programme.

Both astronauts received standing ovations from the students upon their arrival and departure. They shared their experiences, dreams and passions regarding the national space programme.

Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar, a lecturer in HUKM, stressed that it was willpower that helped him to be an achiever. He advised the students to clearly define their missions and goals in life as there could be no boundaries for what they could achieve, with the blessing of Allah S.W.T as well as hard work. Strong will and determination are essentially the secret to any success.

He added that Malaysia was the first Muslim country to outline a proper procedure for the performance of the sholah while residing in the International Space Station. He will perform the ablution by tayamum and the five daily prayers facing the Earth following the London Greenwich time.

Captain Dr. Faiz Khaleed, an army officer and a dentist, urged the students to be more competitive. As Malaysia heads into a future where boundaries are just mere illusions, initial steps are needed to go forward. Knowledge and expertise will determine our success to stand together with the other advanced countries. These early steps we are making now will lead towards achieving this success.

Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al-Masrie and Captain Dr. Faiz Khaleed ended their talks with the "UKM Boleh!" pledge and words of advice. The objective of his session was to give the students some insights into the life of the national heroes as well as their hopes and aspirations for this country.

Students should have passion and determination as they are the future of this country, and they should appreciate the opportunity given to them as students of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al-Masrie and Captain Dr. Faiz Khaleed are currently back in Malaysia for a short break before returning to Russia to continue their training for the space mission.

Source: News @ The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

ANGKASAWAN LANDS IN UKM
Topic: - Var. Formal Appear'ce

By UKM

UKM: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al Masrie, the first Angkasawan (Malaysian astronaut) will be giving a pep-talk to the new students of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) on July 5th, 2007 at Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Razak (DECTAR), 8.30 am.

The event is held to welcome the new students to the new world of academic advancement as well as to encourage and give new insights to the field science and technology.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al Masrie bin Sheikh Mustapha (born July 27, 1972) is the first Angkasawan to go into space when he is launched to the International Space Station aboard Soyuz TMA-11 in October 2007.

Born in Kuala Lumpur, Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar obtained his high school education at Maktab Rendah Sains MARA in Muar. He then pursued his MBBS medical degree at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal.

Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar is an orthopaedic doctor and a trainee lecturer in medicine with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Previously, he has served in Hospital Seremban (1998), Kuala Lumpur General Hospital (1999) and Hospital Selayang (2000-2001).

He and three other finalists were selected at the beginning of 2006 for the Malaysian Angkasawan spaceflight program. After completing initial training at Star City in Russia, he and Kapten Dr. Faiz Khaleed were selected to undergo an 18-month training stint in Russia, at the end of which one will be chosen as the angkasawan while the other will serve as back-up.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Kapten Dr. Faiz Khaleed are currently in Malaysia on a 3-week break until July 13th. From July 15th, both Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Kapten Dr. Faiz Khaleed with the rest of the team are going to undergo a survival exercise at the Black Sea before heading back to NASA headquarters in Houston, Texas, to study NASA’s space module starting from July 23rd.

Source: News @ The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Wednesday, 4 July 2007

IT'S NOT CHILD'S PLAY IN SPACE
Topic: - The Experiments

By PAUL CHOO

KUALA LUMPUR: Most Malaysians think it is a waste of time and money to send a fellow countryman into space, programme director of the national astronaut programme, Col Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh said.

"Worse, many are still under the assumption that we are going to spin gasing or make teh tarik in space."

SCIENTIFIC GEAR: (From left) UKM Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI) Senior Consultant Prof Dr Ramelah Mohamed, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, Dr Faiz. Dr Zulkeffeli and UMBI director Prof Dr A. Rahman A. Jamal looking at the fluid-processing apparatus which will be used to store and study cancer cells and bacteria microbes.

"Nothing could be further from the truth," he told a press conference here yesterday.

"Our objective is to uncover monumental findings in the field of science and many countries, including the United States and Russia, are eager to see the results of our experiments," he added.

Present at the press conference were space trainees Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Sheikh Shukor and Dr Faiz Khaleed.

One of them will be the first Malaysian astronaut and will go into space on an international mission, starting on Oct 10.

Lamenting that most Malaysians do not take the programme seriously, Dr Zulkeffeli said:

"A recent survey revealed that they still think it’s a waste of time and money, and that we’re just going to undertake a 'little' science project when our angkasawan is sent into space."

He said our angkasawan would face a very regimented schedule in carrying out four major experiments.

These include studying liver cancer and leukaemia cells, bacteria and protein crystallisation and the physics of objects in space.

"Every single move and action of the angkasawan must be planned to the minute, as only 108 minutes per day can be allocated for carrying out the experiments."

"Our angkasawan will conduct these projects on the third day in space, due to logistics constraints."

"Clearly, we do not want to waste any time, as our findings could significantly change and contribute to the field of modern medicine, science and industry," said Dr Zulkeffeli.

Among the institutes that drew up the experiments and will supervise the programme are Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Universiti Darul Iman and Universiti Putra Malaysia.

The others are the Malaysian Genome Institute, Aviation Medicine Institute, Sunway University College, Health Ministry and Malaysian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (Mardi).

The idea is to carry out the studies in a microgravity and space radiation condition, as both aspects have a significant impact on various organisms and biological systems.

Dr Zulkeffeli said the study of an object's physics in space, such as spinning a top (the source of the public's mockery on the experiment) is not to be misunderstood.

He said such experiments would help significantly in attracting the young to take notice of the world of science.

Source: News @ The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Tuesday, 3 July 2007

SURVEY: MOST MALAYSIANS DO NOT TAKE ANGKASAWAN PROGRAMME SERIOUSLY, SAYS OFFICIAL
Topic: - The Prog. - General

By PAUL CHOO

KUALA LUMPUR: Most Malaysians do not take the National Angkasawan Programme seriously, and programme director Col Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh is not happy with this.

"A recent survey revealed that they still think it's a waste of time and money, and that we're just going to undertake a 'little' science project once our angkasawan (astronaut) is sent into space."

"Worse, many are still under the assumption that we are going to play gasing (top) or make teh tarik (tea) in space."

"Nothing could be further from the truth."

"Our objective is to uncover monumental findings in the field of science and many countries, the United States and Russia included, are eager to see the results of our experiments," he told a press conference on Tuesday.

Dr Zulkeffeli said that our angkasawan would face a very regimented schedule in carrying out the four major experiments.

These include studying liver cancer and leukemia cells, bacteria, protein crystallisation and the physics of objects in space.

"Every single move and action of the angkasawan must be planned to the minute, as only 108 minutes per day can be allocated for carrying out the experiments."

"In addition to this, our angkasawan will only be able to conduct these projects on the third day after going into space due to logistics constraints."

"Clearly, we do not want to waste any time as our findings could significantly change and contribute to the field of modern medicine, science and industry," said Dr Zulkeffeli, who was also flanked by the two Angkasawan candidates Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Sheikh Shukor and Dr Faiz Khaleed.

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 idea is to carry out the studies in a microgravity and space radiation condition, as both aspects have a significant impact on various organisms and biological systems.

He added that the study of an object’s physics in space, such as a spinning top (the source of the public’s mockery on the experiment) was not to be misunderstood.

He said such experiments would help significantly in attracting the young to take notice of the world of science.

"We want them to think of science as a 'cool' thing. Such experiments in space are easier to relate to children and help them learn about physics and science simply because it intrigues them."

"There is clearly a huge misconception from the public about our objectives here."

"Even the Ecuador Government has expressed interest in letting their young to learn from our Angkasawan Programme. Why should our young be left behind?" he asked.

Dr Zulkeffeli also said many challenges, such as equipment containment and safety issues, were posing as drawbacks to the programme, but he was confident of ironing out all these before the Angkasawan blasts off for space in October.

Only one candidate will be chosen for the programme and the selected one will be named at the very last moment.

Source: The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Friday, 29 June 2007

ANGKASAWAN TO TAKE OFF LATER
Topic: - Other Reports

By THE STAR

KUALA LUMPUR: The launching date for Malaysia’s angkasawan has been moved to Oct 10 from Oct 2.

This is due to technical problems and logistical needs of the Russian International Space Station (ISS).

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis, however, said the new date was tentative and would be finalised by the Russian Space Agency a month before the launch.

Dr Jamaluddin, astronaut candidates Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 35, and Kapten Dr Faiz Khaleed, 26, and National Space Programme director Dr Zulkeffeli Jusoh earlier had an audience with the King and presented the latest status on the aerospace programme.

The astronaut hopefuls, here for a break until July 13, will meet local scientists to discuss the experiments that they will be carrying out in space.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar said they hope to conduct experiments on cancer cells, bacteria and protein crystallisation.

The candidates will be back in Russia and undergo sea survival training in the Black Sea from July 15 to 21. They will train in Houston, Texas from July 23 to 27.

Discussions are also underway with the European Space Agency for them to be trained in spacecraft equipment repairs.

On when the selected candidate will be named, Dr Jamaluddin said the ministry was still discussing the matter with the Russians.

Source: News @ The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Thursday, 28 June 2007

SERI PADUKA DOA KEJAYAAN ANGKASAWAN NEGARA
Topic: - Var. Formal Appear'ce

By ZABRY MOHAMAD

Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin menerima menghadap calon angkasawan Malaysia, Dr Faiz Khaleed (kiri) dan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor di Istana Terengganu, di Kuala Lumpur, semalam. Turut sama Menteri Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi, Datuk Seri Dr Jamaludin Jarjis (terlindung) dan Ketua Pengarah Agensi Angkasa Negara, Prof. Datuk Dr. Mazlan Othman (tengah). - Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin mendoakan dua calon angkasawan negara, Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor dan Kapten Dr. Faiz Khaleed supaya sentiasa tabah dan cekal menghadapi setiap cabaran.

Seri Paduka bertitah, kegigihan mereka ketika berdepan ujian-ujian yang mencabar fizikal serta mental seharusnya dihargai kerana ia melambangkan kesungguhan rakyat Malaysia untuk menjayakan Program Angkasawan Negara.

"Beta doakan semoga kedua-dua calon angkasawan ini sentiasa sihat, berusaha gigih dan tabah ketika berdepan setiap cabaran."

"Kejayaan mereka melaksanakan misi ke angkasa lepas menjadi lambang kejayaan negara," titah Seri Paduka ketika menerima menghadap Sheikh Muszaphar dan Faiz di Istana Terengganu di sini hari ini.

Perkara itu dinyatakan oleh Menteri Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi, Datuk Seri Dr. Jamaludin Jarjis pada sidang akhbar selepas itu.

Jamaludin juga menyampaikan taklimat mengenai perkembangan terkini Program Angkasawan Negara kepada Seri Paduka.

Sheikh Muszaphar dan Faiz kini berada di tanah air setelah diberi pelepasan oleh Roskosmos selama tiga minggu sehingga 13 Julai ini.

Salah seorang daripada mereka dijadualkan berlepas ke Stesen Angkasa Lepas Antarabangsa (ISS) pada 10 Oktober ini.

Tuanku Mizan bertitah, penghantaran angkasawan negara ke angkasa lepas juga dapat menjana pembangunan industri aeroangkasa tempatan.

"Penghantaran angkasawan negara bukan sekadar membuktikan rakyat Malaysia mampu melakukannya tapi juga membangunkan industri aeroangkasa tempatan," titah Seri Paduka.

Bagaimanapun, titah Seri Paduka, paling penting adalah misi berkenaan mampu menarik minat golongan muda khususnya pelajar sekolah kepada bidang sains dan teknologi.

Justeru, titah Seri Paduka, ia harus dimulakan dari peringkat akar umbi lagi bagi melahirkan barisan pelapis yang dapat membangunkan industri berkenaan pada masa depan.

Source: Utusan Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Monday, 11 June 2007

STUDENTS FROM RURAL SCHOOLS PRAISED
Topic: - Other Reports

By HAMDAN RAJA ABDULLAH

MUAR: Malaysian students from village schools today have the ability to study in universities overseas, including those in the United States, Russia, China and Britain.

Bukit Naning assemblyman Datuk Abdullah Ali said all they needed was to study hard and excel in examinations to compete with the foreign students.

Speaking at the opening of the Bakri Mara Junior Science College Parent-Teachers Association's annual meeting here, he said village children were no longer hindered by finances to excel academically.

WELL DONE: Abdullah presenting the certificate to Tay Chuang Hwee who excelled in the SPM examination last year

"Today, if village children have the drive to excel, they can achieve it as there are no more borders to prevent them from becoming excellent students," he said before presenting certificates of excellence to students of the college recently.

He said the college, located near Bukit Bakri, had proved that it not only could produce successful professionals, but an astronaut candidate as well.

He said the candidate, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, was a former student of the college and if Dr Sheikh Muszaphar could do it, there was no reason others from the college could not.

Abdullah said teachers and parents should also be able to identify the interests of every student and help them develop to their fullest potential.

Source: News @ The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Wednesday, 6 June 2007

OFF TO SPACE ON OCT 2
Topic: - Abt the Final 2

By THE STAR

KUALA LUMPUR: Our Malaysian astronaut will be launched into space on Oct 2, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis.

It was earlier reported that the selected candidate – either Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 34, or Kapten Dr Faiz Khaleed, 26, – would be leaving for the International Space Station on Oct 6.

It is learnt that the changes were made by the Russian Space Agency.

FINAL TWO: Dr Sheikh Muszaphar (left) and Kapten Dr Faiz in a show of solidarity at KLIA before leaving for Moscow.

Dr Jamaluddin also said that the two candidates, who are in Russia, would be returning on June 18 for about a month.

"They will be meeting our local scientists on how to conduct scientific research in space."

"They will also meet Malaysian youths to impart the importance of studying science subjects while in school. I will be meeting the Education Minister (Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein) to see how this can be arranged," he told the press at a function yesterday.

Dr Jamaluddin said the candidates would return to Russia for their survival training, before leaving for Nasa in the United States for their American training module from July 23 to 27.

Source: News @ The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Sunday, 20 May 2007

NASA STINT FOR ASTRONAUT CANDIDATES
Topic: - Training Updates

By DEVID RAJAH

PUTRAJAYA: The two shortlisted Malaysian astronauts will head to NASA in the United States next month after their training stint in Russia.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Jamaludin Jarjis said the two astronaut candidates would undergo two to three weeks of training with NASA in Texas as part of the Malaysian Astronaut Programme.

"As you know, the International Space Station has two portions – the Russian and American – so they have to receive training from both sides," he told reporters at the end of the MSC Malaysia-International Advisory Panel Meeting here yesterday.

However, the Government had yet to pick either Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor or Kapt Dr Faiz Khaleed as the final candidate.

Malaysians might be able to see how the Malaysian astronaut functions in the International Space Centre on local channels including Astro.

Dr Jamaludin also said that about 30 small MSC companies here, both Malaysian and foreign owned, have the potential of becoming world players in the animation industry.

"The representative from Al Jazeera (Children’s Channel executive general-manager Mahmoud Bouneb) told us that these small companies could be taken to the world stage by preparing them for the global market," he said.

Dr Jamaludin said the companies had to be amalgamated to form cluster companies and be prepared with the right technology to further develop the animation industry.

"We will get assistance from the Al Jazeera on how to amalgamate these companies and get them to partner with other global players like Korea and Japan," he said.

He said the ministry would also set up an office in New York for these companies to enter the global market place.

Source: News @ The Star Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Monday, 7 May 2007

INTERNATIONAL SPACE UPDATES
Topic: - Other Reports

By MICHAEL HOFFMAN

The National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) recently reported that Corot, a European planet-hunter space probe, has found its first planet. Corot-Exo-1b, measuring between 125,000 and 155,000 miles in diameter, is located almost 1,500 light years away. The planet has a mass almost 1.3 times more than Jupiter.

The planet's size and proximity to its star, which it is able to orbit in a day and a half, makes it a "hot Jupiter," according to the CNES. The extremely high temperature on the planet means that it is unlikely any traces of life will be found on it.

Corot was launched Dec. 27, 2006. Experts working with Corot believe that it will be able to spot small rocky planets that are the same size as Earth.

With talk about possible manned missions to Mars heating up even more, space travel critics want NASA to create contingency plans for possible issues that could arise during the a long trip. One of the main topics people want answered is if there is a death during the trip into space. "We're trying to develop the ethical framework to equip commanders and mission managers to make some of those difficult decisions, should they arrive in the future," said Dr. Richard Williams, NASA's chief health and medical officer.

Other issues include how to get rid of a body of a dead astronaut, when should the "plug be pulled" on an ill astronaut, and DNA testing to see if an astronaut is genetically more likely to get a disease on a long flight.

The country of Malaysia is ready to arrange rules for the nation's first astronaut when he is in space - most of the guidelines involve flexibility in praying and eating space meals to abide by Islamic rules. Two Malaysian astronauts --Faiz Khaleed and Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor - are training in Moscow, with one of the astronauts to be chosen soon. One of the astronauts will be launching towards the International Space Station in October, launching on a Russian scientific mission.

Malaysia previously held a forum with Islamic experts and scholars to discuss issues that Muslims in space face.

Source: Dailytech.com

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Friday, 4 May 2007

MALAYSIA TO ISSUE RULES FOR ASTRONAUTS
Topic: - Challenges/Hurdles

By SEAN YOONG (AP)

KUALA LUMPUR: Muslim-majority Malaysia's first astronaut will get guidelines allowing flexibility in praying in zero gravity and eating space meals under Islamic rules, the country space chief said Monday.

The government-prepared advice is for a Malaysian joining a Russian scientific mission on the International Space Station in October, Malaysia's National Space Agency chief Mazlan Othman told The Associated Press.

Officials have previously said an Islamic code of conduct in space is necessary because few Muslims have embarked on such expeditions, and there have been no standardized guidelines for them.

Malaysia's two finalists for the voyage, Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Faiz Khaleed, are now training in Moscow. They were selected from more than 10,000 candidates.

Malaysia held a forum for Islamic scholars in April 2006 to discuss problems Muslim space travelers might face, such as pinpointing the Saudi holy city of Mecca, which Muslims are expected face when they pray five times a day.

The guideline booklet, published this month, says the direction should be determined "according to the capability'' of the astronaut.

Those in space during the holy fasting month of Ramadan -- when Muslims are required to go without food or water from sunrise to sunset -- can choose to fast then or to make up for it when they return, the booklet says.

The first Malaysian astronaut's stint will likely overlap with Ramadan, which starts in mid-September this year.

If Muslim astronauts doubt whether a meal is halal, or prepared according to Islamic rules, they "should consume it only to the extent of restraining hunger,'' the guidelines say.

The astronaut must be dressed decently whenever in public view, which involves covering at least the portion of the body between the navel and the knees for men. Both of the finalists for Malaysia's first astronaut are males.

Maintaining Islamic beliefs "is mandatory for Muslims in every situation, time and place,'' Mustafa Abdul Rahman, who heads Malaysia's state-run Department of Islamic Development, said in the guidelines.

"Circumstances on the ISS which are different from circumstances on Earth are not an obstacle for an astronaut to fulfill a Muslim's obligations,'' he said.

Other Muslims who have gone to space include Saudi Arabia's Prince Sultan bin Salman, who went aboard the U.S. shuttle Discovery in 1985, and Anousheh Ansari, an Iranian-American telecommunications entrepreneur who went to the ISS in September 2006.

Source: Space.com

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Thursday, 3 May 2007

DOCTOR PREPARES FOR LIFT-OFF AFTER HE WINS MALAYSIA'S 'SPACE IDOL'
Topic: - Abt the Final 2

By CLAIRE BATES

Back-up astronaut Faiz Khaleed floats upside down.

With beaming grins and arms spread wide, two potential astronauts experienced zero-gravity as part of their training for a mission to the International Space Station.

The Malaysian doctor and engineer were the finalists picked in a 'space idol' competition. Over 10,000 applicants applied for the chance to be Malaysia's first astronaut in space.

Sheikh Muszafar Shukor, 34, and Faiz Khaleed, 26, took the parabolic flight to experience zero gravity before lift off. They have also undergone a year of training at Star City, a highly restricted military facility north-east of Moscow.

Malaysia's Prime Minister named Mr Shukor as the country's first astronaut. He will blast off on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft and visit the International Space Station in September 2007. Army dentist Mr Khaleed was chosen as the back-up astronaut.

"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.

Sheikh Muszaphar, who is an orthopaedic doctor, 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 programmes have been Star Trek and the Star Wars movies."

The project was conceived back 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.

Source: The Daily Mail (UK) Online

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

Wednesday, 2 May 2007

MUSLIM ASTRONAUT IN SPACE WORSHIP PROBLEM
Topic: - Challenges/Hurdles

By THE TIMES (AUSTRALIAN)

HOW do you pray facing Mecca five times a day when you are circling the Earth 16 times every 24 hours?

This is one of the problems facing Malaysian authorities as they prepare to send their first man into space.

There are others: how to hold the prayer position in zero gravity, ensure that only halal freeze-dried food is in your space cupboard and perform your ritual ablutions before worship?

They have all been answered by a team of Islamic scholars and scientists that has spent more than a year working on guidelines for the astronaut.

The Malaysian will travel to Russia's International Space Station in October, in exchange for a lucrative arms deal.

The Government hailed the mission as an important milestone but religious scholars questioned how a practising Muslim could accommodate worship with the demands of space travel.

The space station travels around the world at 27,000km/h, making Mecca a target in perpetual motion. With 16 orbits a day and five daily devotion sessions determined by times of sunrise and sunset, devout Muslim astronauts could find themselves chanting their prayers as many as 80 times in 24 hours.

Water is a valuable commodity in space, but Muslims are required to wash before each prayer session.

The holy month of Ramadan also falls during the mission.

All Muslims are required to abstain from food during daylight hours - but what is daylight in space?

Only two Muslims have gone into space, Prince Sultan bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, who travelled on the US shuttle Discovery in 1985, and Anousheh Ansari, an Iranian-American space tourist, who went to the space station last year. Both had to work out their obligations on their own.

Malaysia insists, however, that maintaining Islamic beliefs "is mandatory for Muslims in every situation, time and place".

Mustafa Abdul Rahman, the head of the nation's Department of Islamic Development said: "Circumstances on the ISS that are different from circumstance on Earth are not an obstacle for an astronaut to fulfil a Muslim's obligations."

Two finalists remain from 10,000 applicants: Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and Faiz Khaleed.

The winner will be told that he may choose to fast in space or make up for it when he returns. If an astronaut doubts that the food provided is halal, he "should consume it only to the extent of restraining hunger".

On prayers to Mecca, however, the guidebook sidesteps. These should be performed, it says, "according to the capability of the astronaut".

Source: The Times @ News.com.au

Posted by site editor at 12:01 AM JST

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