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Malaysians over the moon as their astronaut blasts into space
Kuala Lumpur (AFP) Oct 10, 2007 Malaysians were over the moon Wednesday as the majority-Muslim nation's first astronaut blasted off into space and headed for the International Space Station. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, a doctor and part-time model, launched from the Baikonour Spacedrome in Khazakhstan at 9:22 pm Malaysian time (1322 GMT), along with Russian cosmonaut Yury Malenchenko and American Peggy Whitson. "I am very proud that a Malaysian astronaut has gone into space and this is a very proud moment for the nation," a beaming Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said. Abdullah watched the historic event on a satellite feed beamed onto enormous screens set up at the futuristic Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre which drew more than 2,000 people, many in Malay national dress. "I got really excited when I saw the launch, I am already interested in science, now I will do my best," said 16-year-old student Syaz Wani Abdul Razak who was one of hundreds of high schoolers packed into the hall. The event was one of about a dozen public screenings of the launch held in the capital Kuala Lumpur, and parties and activities were organised across the country to mark the first foray into space. The crowd erupted into cheers when the Russian Soyuz rocket blasted off, and the shouts rose to a crescendo when video footage of the inside of the spacecraft showed Muszaphar with a Malaysian flag on the sleeve of his spacesuit. Muszaphar, who underwent more than a year of training at Moscow's Star City, was chosen from thousands of hopefuls in a nationwide competition that generated tremendous excitement here. Malaysian leaders see the space flight as a milestone for the country which is marking 50 years of independence. Mohammad Bostami Ahmad, an astronaut candidate who made it to the final 10 in the competition, echoed hopes that this will not be Malaysia's last journey into space. "I feel really excited about this blast-off. I believe this launch will give many the motivation to continue the Malaysian space programme," said the 26-year-old automobile designer. The project was conceived in 2003 when Russia agreed to send a Malaysian to the space station as part of a billion-dollar purchase of 18 Sukhoi 30-MKM fighter jets. Related Links Space Tourism, Space Transport and Space Exploration News
Malaysian astronaut's rocket rolled out to launchpad
Baikonur, Kazakhstan (AFP) Oct 8, 2007The Russian rocket due to take Malaysia's first astronaut into orbit was raised into position on Monday ready for a launch seen by Malaysian officials as a national milestone. |
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