Review:My mission in space

December 21st, 2007

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Dear beloved Malaysians,

It has been close to two months since my journey to space but it still seems like yesterday. A cosmonaut friend told me that once you are in space, you certainly want to go back. He was truly right! I itch to go back for a 6-month duration. It was definitely the best 12 days of my life; I am yearning to start my roadshow meeting to all the schools and universities throughout Malaysia which probably would start in January 2008. I have lived a dream of all Malaysians and raring to share my experiences with all of you.

I will continue with my previous write-up on things I did in space. Besides the experiments that I did with the Malaysian scientists (cancer cells, bacteria and protein crystallization), there were also other experiments with the ESA (vestibular effect on microgravity, backache and muscle propioception) and JAXA (radiation effect on my body).

The first 9 days I was truly busy conducting these experiments. I have been trained many times on ground conducting these experiments, hence was well prepared conducting them onboard the ISS. With my medical background, it definitely helped conducting them with ease.

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Most importantly is to introduce our Malaysian culture to the rest of the world. Bringing our Malaysian food was one way of doing them. The crew loved the food especially our banana rolls and ginger jelly but found the satay and rendang tok too spicy. Your taste buds tend to change in space. There are some food that I loved on Earth but “find them no-way-I-am-going-to-eat-those-food” onboard the ISS. I loved the mash potatoes provided by the Russians and put them on my daily menu but never ate them when I was in space. I find our Malaysian food very delicious except for the chicken biryani and tempe which were not to my liking. The Italians brought pizza, the French brought cheese, the Japanese brought Ramen and the Koreans who are going next would be bringing their National food Kimchi.

Then there was the Malaysian Batik which was specially designed for my trip to space. It was printed with planets, stars and galaxies which I find unique.The crew loved my batik and even made some orders. I went to the International Batik in KLCC recently displaying the batik to the public. It would be kept in the National Gallery in the future. My proud moment was bringing the Jalur Gemilang and reading the Rukun Negara in space. I am just proud to be Malaysian and we should not take them for granted. Being far away training in Russia made me realize how fortunate we are to live in a multi racial and peaceful country.

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During our freetime before going to sleep, we would play some Russian songs for a bit of relaxation. I do not want to feel left out so I played some Malaysian songs through the speaker onboard the ISS. There were Seribu Bintang by Alleycats, Malam Bulan Di Pagar Bintang by the late P Ramlee and Balik Kampung by Sudirman. In space religion and nationality does not matter. We work as a team. It feels like one big happy family. We helped each other out. What matters is our contribution to make the world a better place through our scientific experiments.

I get to spend my time observing earth on my last day after completing all my experiments. Seeing earth was just magical and spectacular. I did get to see Penang Island and it was the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. I could feel the Malaysian warmth 400km above and wished that one of you Malaysians could just look up and wave up to me. Being close to the equator makes it difficult to view Malaysia as it tends to be very cloudy there. Somehow it’s always night time when I passed by. I was always ready with my powerful camera lens hoping to take pictures of our twin tower KLCC but it was not meant to be.

On my next write-up, I would be talking about my daily life in space like having a shower, shaving, exercise and the most frequent question on how do I go to the toilet , etc. and my plans for the future. I was touched by the impact of the space programme on our country mainly the schoolchildren and it was definitely worth sending a Malaysian to space. Changing the mindset of the younger generation to be a better and developed nation is what matters most and I have seen the effects it has on kids. No matter what some minority of Malaysians say, it was definitely worth it!

“Towards a stronger and intellectual nation”


Wassalam

Dr Sheikh

Angkasawan Malaysia

Review:Our space program

December 18th, 2007

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Dear all,

I’ve been reading the comments posted on the blog and thank everyone again for their support and wishes. I was released from hospital on Wednesday and am now resting at home. The process of recovery is going well and the injury should heal on time, if not sooner. Insya-Allah. My only regret is not being able to move about and attend the various programmes that have been arranged for us, including the recent Angkasawan and Innovation Showcase at PWTC. Sorry I couldn’t be there, but moving about too much will hamper the recovery process. So I have been told by the doctors to just stay at home and rest. I was informed that many visitors turned up, and am delighted that the Angkasawan programme had created so much interest especially amongst the young.

It appeared that one the main objectives of the programme, which was to inspire the younger generation of Malaysian and instill interest in the areas of science and technology, had achieved astonishing success. So many of the students that came up to meet me and Sheikh at various places throughout our involvement in this space programme, had enthusiastically told us how they want to become Angkasawan, how they are suddenly interested in learning science, how they want to build rockets etc. And the questions they asked showed that they have certainly done much reading on the subject, which is very surprising as I believe (correct me if I’m wrong here) our science curriculum is yet to cover much about space sciences.

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However, I have been told by our Western friends (Russians and Americans) that we shouldn’t find this too surprising. Apparently the manned Apollo space missions to the Moon in the 1960s and 1970s led to a surge in interest in science and technology among American youngsters which resulted in the training of a generation of highly-skilled people, many of them turning into engineers and scientists. Many eventually worked for NASA and many others ended up in other areas of science and engineering.

So hopefully, this will also be true of our experience; that these youngsters whose interest has been fired up by this Angkasawan programme will one day be leading engineers and scientists that will serve the country.

So is it just about inspiring students? Of course not. Parents too have been excited, and have stated to us that they want their children to become more involved in science, and some asked us what sort of careers in space science would be available if their children pursue that study some day. Many also want their children to become medical practitioners like Sheikh and I, although I have to admit that this is something completely unexpected when I joined the program. But it is still a good thing, isn’t it?

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Explaining Jata Negara

Explaining the Jata Negara to my commander, Shalizan Sharipov

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The fact is, this space programme has opened up a new perspective in the thinking of many Malaysians. Of course, it has also shown to everyone that when one sets a mind to achieve something, then anything might be possible. The launching of our first astronaut has inspired many to try to realize their dreams.

But providing inspiration is only one of the many benefits of our Angkasawan programme. The Angkasawan programme has pushed the local scientific community into the realm of space science – the experiments carried out at the ISS were mostly experiments for our universities’ research projects. In one stroke, whole new areas of scientific studies were opened up by the Angkasawan programme domestically. This can only be positive for our nation and our people. Again, this boost will not sustain if the Angkasawan programme is stopped at its very beginning. A continuous effort is necessary before significant scientific knowledge and spin-offs are generated from this programme.

To be continued.

Faiz Khaleed

Review:Thank you for the well wishes

November 27th, 2007

Dear all,

I’m sure most of you know by now that I am nursing my injury. Alhamdulillah, I’m fine. Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes I have received. I hope to get back on my feet very soon. My surgeon said this injury will not affect any future training and 100% recovery will be possible within one and a half to two months time. Syukur Alhamdulillah!

I have plenty of time in my hands now. I was going through my thumbdrive the other day and saw that many pictures had not yet been posted either in the gallery or in the blog. So I suppose it won’t do any harm for me to put some of my favourite images here.

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This is a statue of Yuri Gagarin. He has a special place in the heart of all Russians, and they certainly show it in the various memorials they made for him. I’ve put up the picture of the monument in Star City, but this is probably the most impressive memorial. This monument is situated in the heart of Moscow, amazing!

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Inscribed at the foot of the monument are the following words:

12 April 1961, a soviet spacecraft ‘Vostok’ with a man on board fly around the world. First human in space, a citizen of Soviet Union Yuri Alexandervich Gagarin.”

I have also been reading some of the older entries and noticed that I had not written anything or post related images on the time at Baikonur, just before Sheikh went up. Maybe I can share some pictures and my experiences, especially because as Sheikh and I were completely separated, we had totally different experiences in Baikonur.

Before going to Baikonur, there was a special ceremony where we pay respect to Gagarin, Korolev (Королёв), Kamarov (Cosmonaut Vladimir Kamarov, tragically killed in Soyuz-1 in 1967), amongst others.

Both crews then visited Red Square and Kremlin. Thereafter, like Sheikh said, we went to Baikonur on separate planes. When we arrived in Baikonur, we resumed our training. Until the launch itself, both sets of crew were required to have the same level of capabilities, so there was no slack of training. Such was the level of preparations related to this mission. At Baikonur, both sets of crew were always separated. We had police escort all the time. The bus carrying us didn’t stop for traffic lights or for other cars. It shows how serious everyone treats space missions here. We also visited the rocket assembly plant to see it being assembled for launch. Like the space craft, the launch rocket is also called Soyuz. But they are two separate vehicles.

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At Red Square

 

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The crew also got the chance to see how the launch rocket was brought to Baikonur and erected on the launch pad (there is a superstition that primary crew shouldn’t see their launch rockets).

The rocket was brought to launchpad from the assembly factory using a special train. The train moved very slowly, and there were lots of people around the tracks watching the procession.

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With Dr Zul. Notice the rocket in the background

 

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Up close: Rear view of launch rocket

 

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Upon reaching the launch pad, my crew was given the chance to go very near to watch how the rocket was erected. The train itself was used to erect the rocket and the process involved very precise calculation. The distance between rocket and the wall of the launchpad were only a few centimetres at times. I was deeply impressed and amazed watching this exhibition of extreme engineering at its best.

That’s all for now. Thank you again very very much for all your prayers, wishes and thoughts.

Faiz

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Review:Inauguration ceremony in Star City

November 14th, 2007

Dear beloved Malaysians,

8th November 2007 was a great day for our nation. The day which Russia acknowledged Malaysian Angkasawan as a qualified cosmonaut. It was on this day too that the NASA representatives acknowledged me as an Angkasawan. After all the hard work and determination it had finally paid off. This commisioning event which commemorated me as a cosmonaut is important not only to me but to all Malaysians. It’s important to prove to the world that we Malaysians have what it takes to produce an angkasawan.

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My mission to the ISS though it was a short stint (12 days), I have conducted many experiments with our talented local scientists from UKM, UPM, UiTM and UM with the cells in space (cancer cells, endothelial cells and osteoblasts bone cells), microbes in space and protein crystallization. We also collaborated with the European Space Agency (ESA) on experiments involving the Eye Tracking Device (ETD), backache and muscle motion in space. Not forgetting with the Japanese Space Agency JAXA on the radiation on human in space. In short I believed my mission to space was a success in terms of the experiments. I was told so far that the experiments results have been very encouraging but have to wait for at least a month for the results. Upon my ballistic reentry and emergency landing, the only thing that was on my mind was the protein crystals. I was worried the enormous G load might affect the crystals but after seeing the results analysis from Japan, I am glad everything went smoothly. I do hope to find a cure for cancer or osteoporosis for the benefit of mankind.

I also was given the mandate to fix an equipment onboard the ISS by the ESA which was given to only professional cosmonauts. That shows how much they trusted us. I have worked very hard to prove a point what Malaysians are made of. I know how huge my responsibilities are. It’s a path I chose. To me this is just the very beginning. There are more difficult obstacles ahead which is to change the mindset of the Malaysians especially the youth. Together I believe we could make Malaysia a developed nation. Probably sooner than 2020. Back to the inauguration. The four of us - Oleg Kotov & Fyodor Yurchikhin (who I came back with in the Soyuz ), Sunita Williams - who is also part of expedition 15 and stayed for 6 months onboard the ISS and me started our inauguration from the Yuri Gagarin statue. We were given red carnations to pay our respects to the first man to space. We then headed to the Cosmonaut House where we sat on the centre stage. All the generals and top officials were there. They played Negaraku and I was beaming with pride. It was the greatest day of my life to finally being officially called a cosmonaut. Bouquet of flowers and gifts were given. The 4 of us received the award of recognition. I held the certificate knowing this is for you Malaysia. I gave my speech in 3 languages, Russian, English and Bahasa Malaysia. Everything lasted for 3 hours. The whole Malaysian delegates were present.

It is a tradition for the Russians to acknowledge those who have gone to space. This is what the ceremony is all about. Honoring the astronaut, cosmonaut and an angkasawan. This is for you Malaysia.

Dr Sheikh
Angkasawan Negara

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Review:My journey to the ISS

November 8th, 2007

Dear beloved Malaysians,

As promised I would like to share with you my experience on my journey to space. After putting on my spacesuit, the three crew walked over the pavement to pay our last respect to the commission. There were hundreds of people everywhere wishing us goodbyes. My thoughts were only one. My dream is soon becoming a reality. I have waited 25 years for this. It has been my childhood dream. But most importantly this is the dream of all Malaysians. I will be the eyes and ears for my nation during my 12 days in space. That is the reason I kept a diary with me at all times.

We boarded the bus which was a 40 minute ride to the launch pad. There were still traditions to abide. Five minutes upon reaching the launch pad, both male crew decided to follow tradition by “peeing” over the right rear of the bus tyres. It wasn’t an easy task as I had to undo my spacesuit which took 5 minutes and an additional 5 minutes to put them back on. But I enjoyed performing every tradition. We were each escorted to the staircase of the Soyuz. The space vehicle looks huge from below. It was 48 metres high and I was eager to jump in. There was another tradition where we were kicked over the butt twice before climbing the steps. In other words, we followed every step of the first man to space Yuri Gagarin.

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 We waved to the journalists and media for the very last time. We went into the lift which brought us all the way up to the Soyuz hatch. It was quite dark inside. I sat on my seat along with the rest of the crew. We checked our communication and carried out leak check of the spacesuit. It was still 3 hours prior to launch and we were already sitting testing every button and command. I was in charge of several switches and valves including the oxygen tanks and condensation pumps.

Thirty minutes prior to launch my knees were already starting to cramp. You couldn’t extend your legs and would be in this position for a total of 6 hours. Some say I looked nervous prior to my launch but the fact was I was quite uncomfortable being in that position for quite some time. Sometimes I wish I was born smaller in size. But I guess I should be grateful with what I am. Forgive me.

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It took 8 minutes and 48 seconds to reach the orbit at 200km from earth and it was the longest 8 minutes of my life. It was actually a smooth ride with only 4G loads and lots of vibrations. I looked out of the window and could see flames everywhere. But being in microgravity for the first time was definitely worth it. Everything started to float inside including my book and pen. I had to pinch myself to remind me that I was not dreaming.

After many hours of orbiting and maneuvering, we were allowed to unstrap and open the hatch to go to the top of the Soyuz. Finally I was able to stretch my legs. I fasted during my 2 days in the Soyuz and it was the best fast ever! I felt relaxed and complete. We slept in the sleeping bags and there were times we had to go to our seats for other orbit de-burn and more maneuvering. I was just too preoccupied watching Earth through my window. I didn’t even blink for a minute. It was just magical and spectacular. Docking to the ISS was done automatically and the whole 2-day journey was considered a perfect flight. Meeting the other 3 crew onboard the ISS gave me much joy. We were like one big happy family.

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In my next blog I would describe in detail the things I did onboard the ISS. I was told many cried during my launch, touched by seeing a Malaysian launching to space. I felt the same way knowing I am doing this for the nation. I would do anything for the country and I am sure you would have done the same!

Just proud to be a Malaysian.

Love
Dr Sheikh
Angkasawan Negara

 

 

 

Review:Tribute to my beloved brother Ajil

November 2nd, 2007

To all Malaysians,

I have completed my mission in space successfully. The 12 days in space was the most exciting time of my life. It feels like I was living in a dream. Even now, there are times when I had to pinch myself to remind me of the times that I had been to space. It was such a magical moment! I am definitely going to share as much as possible my experiences with all Malaysians.

I would like to contribute my journey to space to my beloved little brother Sheikh Mustapha Shukor or ” Ajil ” whom I missed dearly. He has been a great supporter of me. In fact he was my No 1 fan. He gets very excited and thrilled when I was announced as the first Malaysian angkasawan. His room is filled with my pictures and about space showing his much vast interest in these field. He loves to debate with me on every topic from politics to the small petty things in life. Among the 5 brothers, he is the most intelligent, determined and ambitious. If he would have joined the space programme, he would surely be my strongest competitor. He would probably be the angkasawan and me as his back-up. He even had completed a book on my journey to space which I have yet to read but is with me for my safekeepings. That was his gift to me.

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Being in space has changed my perspective in life. Small petty things does not concern me anymore. Space has taught me to look at the bigger picture. I am more concerned of the global problems such as war, world hunger, poverty and pollution. I could see the beauty of God’s creation and it touches me spiritually. I encourage everyone from all walks of life to keep our earth green and save our planet. After all, it is our home !

I have done my soul-searching for many many years by going to Afghanistan in 2002 after the war and Cambodia in 2003 for humanitarian aid under MERCY. I have always felt some emptiness inside not knowing what it was. But I have found my inner soul in space. I felt somehow complete while I was in space.

Thank you again to all Malaysians for their Fatihah and prayers to Ajil. He shall always be in my heart. I will continue my role as an angkasawan as I knew that is what he wanted. I am ready to face the world.

“I have found my life in space but lost a life upon return”
My journey to space is for you Ajil!

Dr Sheikh
Angkasawan Negara

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Review:My ballistic re-entry!

October 26th, 2007

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To my beloved Malaysians,

First of all thank you so much for all the prayers and support from Malaysians of all walks of life. I was told many cried during my launch seeing a Malaysian being blast off to space and I am truly touched and honored to be given the mandate to be the first Malaysian angkasawan. Though I have completed my 12-day mission in space conducting many scientific experiments from the Malaysian scientists, European Space Agency and Japanese Space Association which I believe was a success, my task has actually just begun. To me it’s not just about going to space but more importantly is to come back and change the mindset of the Malaysian particularly the youth and spark interest especially amongst schoolchildren hoping many would be involved in taking science and mathematics from now onwards. What touches me the most is that many young kids have started dreaming to become an angkasawan and that is definitely a good start!

My launch in the Soyuz from Baikonaur, Kazakhstan was a smooth ride though I felt the 8 minutes and 48 seconds before reaching the orbit was the longest 8 minutes of my life. Being in the cramped seat for 2.5 hours prior to the launch along with the spacesuit was not an easy task. You started to get cramps especially under your knees but these are some of the things that you have been trained for.

It’s a tradition for every commander to say out loud upon the start of the launch (the famous word of Yuri Gagarin was “paexali” meaning “lets go”) but Yuri Malachenko the commander gave me the honor instead. I don’t know whether you heard me but I screamed “Malaysiaku Gemilang” out loud which was heard by the mission control in Moscow and Houston. That was a proud moment for me and all Malaysians included. That was my very first word upon leaving earth.

After spending 12 days in space, I was sad to leave the ISS but was excited at the same time for I can’t wait to meet and share my experiences with all Malaysians. The re-entry was an off-nominal situation which occurs only once before during the ISS period and again during the MIR station time. So it is a very rare occasion but was very glad that I had at least experienced the toughest re-entry ever to earth. The reason for ballistic reentry was not known but is still under investigation by the Russian authorities.

The feeling of 9G load was like an elephant pressing on your chest. I just couldn’t breathe and hence was trained to use your abdomen instead. Your inhale of breath start to become shorter which start to cloud your vision and everything happens so fast. The Soyuz started to spin and tumble for about 10 seconds and you just have to make sure that you are conscious. It’s important for you to fix your neck as not to cause a fracture upon landing.

At 2.5 km the soft thrusters started to operate but the landing was still with a great impact. I could see the grass was burning and some came into our air ventillation which the commander quickly shut. Smokes were coming out from the front. Fortunately we had our spacesuit with our helmet closed so our breathing was not interrupted. The Soyuz landed on its sides and I was laying there on the very top and looking down I could see the other crew members. We waited for about 20 minutes before the hatch was opened by the rescue team. That was amazing on how fast they reached our location since we landed 400km away from the actual landing site. Only one chopper made it since the other five helicopter have no reserve fuel tank which includes the paramedics and scientists (since usually the Soyuz lands within 10km radius to the expected site).

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There is an emergency satellite phone in the Soyuz and I used them to call my dad informing my safety. We waited for about an hour before the paramedics arrived. I felt great upon my landing and had no qualms or any side effect whatsoever. It’s as though I was born for space. Truthfully, it is the prayers of all Malaysians that make my mission a success .

I have heard of my beloved little brother in a very critical condition and I pray for his speedy recovery. I have completed my 5-day rehabilitation and post flight scientific experiments in Star City and am heading back to be with him as soon as possible. And I hope that all Malaysians would pray for my beloved brother recovery as how you have prayed for me during my entire mission in space.

I am glad to have brought Jalur Gemilang to space.
I am glad to have read the Rukunegara in space.
I am glad to have fast and pray in space.
I am glad to have brought Malaysian food to space.
I am glad to have worn batik in space.
I am glad to have conducted the scientific experiments successfully in space.
Most importantly I am glad to bring MALAYSIA to space!

I believe I have accomplished what needs to be done and I believe the mission to space was a success. I just can’t wait to be back home.

Lots of love
Angkasawan Malaysia

Review:I am back on Earth!

October 24th, 2007

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To all Malaysians,

I am ecstatic to be back on Earth after my 12-day trip to the ISS and everything has gone smoothly. It was the best 12 days of my life and seeing the earth from the ISS for the first time makes my heart stops beating. It was just magical and spectacular.

The feeling of being in microgravity and being able to float and fly in space just makes it more memorable. It took me some time to adapt. Doing things in space takes 4 times longer compared to earth. I did my ibadah as a Muslim in space and praying on the ISS wasn’t a problem. Fasting in space was totally peaceful and calm and I feel like I have found my inner soul during my 12 day stay onboard the ISS.

My tastebud did change where some of my favourite food in Russia wasn’t up to my liking in space. But having rendang Tok and Satay ayam was the best flavour ever. I did had the chance to see Malaysia on one of the orbits though usually it was cloudy and dark outside and it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Malaysia was just a beautiful homeland to see from the ISS and I felt the warm aura from beneath.

Thank you Malaysia for all your support and doa. I just can’t wait to go back home and share you all the pictures and videos when I get back.

Lots of love from me
Angkasawan Malaysia

Review:The nation’s future involvement in space

October 20th, 2007

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I’m sure all our regular blog readers have heard the news that our Malaysian government is seriously considering continuing with manned spaceflight program. First things first. It has been mentioned that if there is a next spaceflight, I will be the one going to utilize the training that I have gone through in the past year. I feel very humbled and honoured to be given this trust, and will as always be ready for what the nation requires of me.

On another note, I am thankful enough for all the new knowledge I have learned and all the great experiences I have had since getting involved in the program. They were experience that can’t be bought with money, and I have every intention to share them with the nation and to help the nation achieve our aim of making today’s younger generation of Malaysian the scientists and explorers of tomorrow through the program.

I am also very proud to be involved in making the program a success so far, and like millions of other Malaysians, am proud that finally we have joined the small number of nations that have sent their sons and daughters to space.

I have been asked of my opinion on future manned space missions. Here are some of my personal views.

One of the main aims of the program is to stir up interests amongst the younger generation in science. Another aim is to motivate Malaysians, to inspire and show that you can achieve your dream if you really work hard. From my shoes, I think that we have achieved astounding success in these two objectives. Why do I say that? Well, you need only see the comments in this blog to see how many Malaysians young and old are inspired by this program and firmly interested in all things space-related. The media coverage and the live TV Channel “Angkasa 1” on Astro are big news and watched by millions. And we have had thousands of requests from school teachers and students for us to come and give talks to their school, as there is a definite buzz and excitement amongst school students for the space program. So to stop now will in some way defeat what we set out to achieve in the first place. It is not easy to create this type of buzz and genuine interests, and we should keep the momentum going, and keep building from it.

1957 was a memorable year for Malaysians because that was the year our nation achieved independence. But it was also memorable for the global community because that was the year Sputnik 1, the first man-made satellite was sent to space. Since then, we have learned so many things about space. But is it right to leave the responsibility of learning and exploring about space to a handful of countries only? Today space exploration is all about co-operation. The ISS itself is a joint program of 15 nations. By getting ourself involved, we have signalled our intention to join the international effort to learn and explore space. In fact, even as I’m writing this blog entry, our scientists and astronaut is working with scientists from various countries in carrying out various scientific experiments. As a mature nation, we are doing our bit for mankind, and that is why we should continue with our space program.

There are so many other reasons for us to continue the space program. The country’s name has been in the limelight in the past two weeks for all the right reasons. I’m no economist, but I am sure that there are economic benefits from this kind of name recognition and super-positive publicity.We are strengthening our relationship with our partners in this program, especially with Russia and the US, and our scientific collaboration will surely open doors in various new areas and fields. We have shown our interests and resolve, and it is only right that we continue.

Faiz

Review:Selamat Hari Raya Malaysia!

October 19th, 2007

Rasanya masih belum terlambat bagi saya untuk mengucapkan Selamat Hari Raya untuk seluruh rakyat Malaysia, di mana saja mereka berada. Bagi saya, ini kali kedua beraya di Moscow. Sudah tentu Sheikh pula mempunyai pengalaman yang sangat unik bila beliau sempat beraya di angkasa tahun ini!

Seperti tahun lepas juga, tahun ini saya menyambut Aidilfitri di Kedutaan Malaysia di Moscow. Terima kasih dan tahniah kepada Dato’ Mohamad Khalis dan isteri beliau yang menjadi tuanrumah yang sempurna dan menjadikan majlis ini seolah-olah seperti beraya di Malaysia. Seperti biasa, kakitangan kedutaan dan pelajar-pelajar Malaysia di Rusia berkumpul di sini, tetapi berbanding tahun lepas, masyarakat Malaysia di sini disertai oleh pegawai-pegawai dari MOSTI, ATSB, saintis-saintis negara serta pihak media yang sudah berada di sini sebelum pelancaran angkasawan negara minggu lepas. Jadi sudah tentunya keadaan lebih meriah, dan berikutan pelancaran yang berjaya, kami semua sangat bersyukur dan ini dapat dilihat dari ‘mood’ semua yang hadir.

Akhir kata, marilah sama-sama bersyukur atas kejayaan negara , dan berdoa supaya kemasukan semula Sheikh ke ruang udara Bumi dan pendaratan nanti akan berlangsung dengan selamat. Sekali lagi, Selamat Hari Raya!

Faiz