Malaysian Astronaut Wants to Stay Aboard Iss Longer Than Planned

KOROYOV, Moscow – Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor wants to stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) longer than is envisioned by his mission plan, he said during a televised press conference for Russian journalists at the Mission Control Center in Korolyov on Tuesday.

"I have been on board the station for seven days. I like it here very much. I do not want to return, I want to stay here for a while," Sheikh Muszaphar said.

He admitted that the space station was "a bit cold. It is warmer here than outdoors in Russia now, though."

Sheikh Muszaphar added that he had been carrying out daily planned experiments, three of them under a contract with the European Space Agency. "We are holding these experiments each day for the good of humankind," he said.

Asked how he celebrated the holy Muslim month of Ramadan, Sheikh Muszaphar said, "When I flew to the station, Ramadan ended, and next day I shared my Malaysian food with my colleagues. I am glad that it was not very spicy and tasted good, and everybody liked it."

For details see the Interfax Military News Agency wire.

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