`I Hope to Bring Back Russian Technology’

By Anis Ibrahim

DR Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor is not surprised at being chosen as Malaysia’s first angkasawan. The man believes that his historic journey to space is part of destiny’s grand plan for someone who has worked hard for it. ANIS IBRAHIM reports.

I worked very hard for this programme. I have let go and sacrificed everything in my line of work for this mission,” says Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, on the eve of his historic journey to the International Space Centre.

“I sacrified my profession, my business, being with my family and loved ones. So to be honest, I wasn’t really surprised when the announcement was made.

“I’ve always believed in destiny. I’m very thankful to Allah and to those who gave me the mandate to become the first angkasawan.”

At the Cosmonaut Hotel in Baikonur on Tuesday, Dr Muszaphar said he was looking forward to the blast off because he would finally be able to fulfil a childhood dream.

“I can’t wait to take the Jalur Gemilang into space. I feel like I’m living a dream, the dream of all Malaysians.”

Asked what he planned to do on his return, Dr Muszaphar said he hoped to share his experiences with others.

“To me, it’s not just about going to space. What’s more important is what I can do after returning.

“I hope to bring back the technology I learnt from Russia and share it with Malaysian scientists.”

He also wants to become a role model for Malaysian youth.

“I hope to inspire our schoolchildren and open up their minds so that they can believe in themselves. This way, there will be more angkasawan in the future.

“I think, once in space, my perception of life will change.”

Capt Dr Faiz Khaleed, the second Malaysian who underwent training for the space odyssey, may not be the first angkasawan but will still play an important role during the mission.

“After the Soyuz spacecraft docks at the International Space Station on Oct 12, I will be actively assisting the mission and helping Dr Muszaphar with the experiments from the Mission Control Centre in Moscow,” said Dr Faiz, who was also at the Cosmonaut Hotel.

“Personally, it’s very exciting and I hope the mission goes smoothly and that it will achieve its objectives.”

Like Dr Muszaphar, he was quarantined and the press could only submit questions through their contacts.

Asked about the recommendation by Roskcosmos, the Russian Space Agency, that he remain with their training programme, Dr Faiz said he was grateful.

“Firstly, I feel flattered that Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Jamaluddin Jarjis is considering me for a second mission.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity, but I am also glad that there will be continuity in this programme. Like any other scientific project, space exploration and research needs to be sustained in order to allow Malaysians to benefit.”

On his interest in an expedition to Mars, Dr Faiz said: “If given the opportunity, I would definitely like to volunteer for the mission.

“Since we were trained at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre and we are qualified cosmonauts, why not? I would be happy to participate in a Mars mission.

“After this (the Angkasawan programme, I will be doing my attachment at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Traning Centre. With the blessings of the government and people of Malaysia, I would be glad to go for the next ISS mission.”

Dr Faiz, who witnessed the blast off from the viewing point about 7km from the launch pad, added: “My message to Sheikh is, Good luck, I have no doubts you’ll do fine.

“If you need my help, I’ll be at the Mission Control Centre.”

(c) 2007 New Straits Times. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.