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{{Short description|Malaysian government initiative}} |
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{{EngvarB|date=July 2014}} |
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| ⚫ | The '''''Angkasawan program''''' was an initiative by the Malaysian government to send a Malaysian to the [[International Space Station]] on board [[Soyuz TMA-11]]. The program was named after the Malay word for [[astronaut]], ''Angkasawan''. It resulted in [[Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor]] becoming the first Malaysian in space on 10 October 2007. |
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{{Infobox space program |
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| name = Angkasawan program |
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| image = Malaysian space tourist.jpg |
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| image_size = 250px |
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| alt = |
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| caption = A billboard advertising the ''Angkasawan'' program |
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| country = Malaysia / Russia |
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| organisation = [[National Space Agency (Malaysia)|National Space Agency (ANGKASA)]] |
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| purpose = Astronaut training |
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| cost = |
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| ⚫ | The '''''Angkasawan program''''' was an initiative by the Malaysian government to send a Malaysian to the [[International Space Station]] on board [[Soyuz TMA-11]]. The program was named after the Malay word for [[astronaut]], ''Angkasawan''. It resulted in [[Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor]] becoming the first Malaysian in space on 10 October 2007. |
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| ⚫ | |||
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| ⚫ | The program was officially announced by Prime Minister of Malaysia, [[Mahathir |
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[[File:Sukhoi Su-30MKM on the ground.jpg|right|thumbnail|Russian Federation bore the cost for the training of Malaysian astronaut for the purchase of 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets.]] |
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| ⚫ | The program was officially announced by [[Prime Minister of Malaysia]], [[Mahathir Mohamad]], as a joint programme with the Russian Federation. It was a project under the government-to-government offset agreement through the purchase of [[Sukhoi Su-30MKM]] fighter jets for the [[Royal Malaysian Air Force]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=NST175: The doctor who went to space |last=Landau |first=Eshter |date=2020-08-19 |url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/08/617670/nst175-doctor-who-went-space#google_vignette |access-date=2024-11-27 |work=[[New Straits Times]] |language=en}}</ref> |
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Under this agreement the Russian Federation bore the cost of training two Malaysians for space travel and for sending one to the [[International Space Station]] (ISS) in October 2007. |
Under this agreement the Russian Federation bore the cost of training two Malaysians for space travel and for sending one to the [[International Space Station]] (ISS) in October 2007. |
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The [[ |
The [[National Space Agency (Malaysia)|National Space Agency (ANGKASA)]], Ministry of Science, Technologies and Innovations was given the responsibility of selecting the candidates. Two candidates were then sent to the Cosmonaut Training Programme in [[Star City, Russia]] for 18 months of training. |
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The government set the main objectives of the program as uplifting the national image and instilling in the younger generation greater interest in mathematics and science. At the launch, the Malaysian Science, Technology and Innovation Minister [[Jamaluddin Jarjis]] said: "It is not merely a project to send a Malaysian into space. After 50 years of independence, we need a new shift and a new advantage to be more successful as a nation. "We want to awe and inspire, and spur Malaysians to attain greater success by embracing science and technology."<ref>Bernama. [http://www.bernama.com |
The government set the main objectives of the program as uplifting the national image and instilling in the younger generation greater interest in mathematics and science. At the launch, the Malaysian Science, Technology and Innovation Minister [[Jamaluddin Jarjis]] said: "It is not merely a project to send a Malaysian into space. After 50 years of independence, we need a new shift and a new advantage to be more successful as a nation. "We want to awe and inspire, and spur Malaysians to attain greater success by embracing science and technology."<ref>Bernama. [http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/printable.php?id=289520 First Malaysian Goes Into Space, Nation Sets History] 10 October 2007.</ref> The space programme is part of the [[Ninth Malaysia Plan]] which also included 217 space science research activities conducted by various universities and agencies in Malaysia.<ref name="Utusan 2014">{{cite news |title=Penyelidikan Angkasa (Space research) |url=http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/21374/1/scan0081.pdf |access-date=12 October 2023 |publisher=Utusan Malaysia - Mega Fokus |date=2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529165449/http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/21374/1/scan0081.pdf|archive-date=29 May 2020}}</ref> |
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Later, |
Later, Jamaluddin Jarjis was more specific as to the objective of the program when he said that it "was to create awareness among Malaysians the importance of science, technology and the space industry, which could help develop the economy further."<ref name="Space Programme A Boon For Malaysia">Bernama. [http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/printable.php?id=292700] 28 October 2007.</ref> |
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[[Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor]] himself said that "I am not seeking fame or looking forward to be welcomed like a celebrity, but my quest is to inspire Malaysians, especially |
[[Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor]] himself said that "I am not seeking fame or looking forward to be welcomed like a celebrity, but my quest is to inspire Malaysians, especially schoolchildren to like learning the subject of science and the space industry."<ref name="Space Programme A Boon For Malaysia" /> |
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==Selection == |
== Selection == |
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The four finalists were:<ref name="Malaysia Narrows Astronaut Search to Four Candidates">{{cite web|url=http://www.space.com/news/ap_060314_mayalsia_astronaut_cand.html |title=Malaysia Narrows Astronaut Search to Four Candidates |work=[[Space.com]] |accessdate=29 July 2006 | |
The four finalists were:<ref name="Malaysia Narrows Astronaut Search to Four Candidates">{{cite web|url=http://www.space.com/news/ap_060314_mayalsia_astronaut_cand.html |title=Malaysia Narrows Astronaut Search to Four Candidates |work=[[Space.com]] |accessdate=29 July 2006 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060315114600/http://www.space.com/news/ap_060314_mayalsia_astronaut_cand.html |archivedate=15 March 2006 }}</ref> |
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*[[S. Vanajah|Siva Vanajah]], 45<ref>{{cite web |
* [[S. Vanajah|Siva Vanajah]], 45<ref>{{cite web |
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|url=http://www.spacefacts.de/bios/candidates/english/siva_vanajah.htm |
|url=http://www.spacefacts.de/bios/candidates/english/siva_vanajah.htm |
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|title=Biographies of Astronaut and Cosmonaut Candidates: S. Vanajah A/P Siva Subramaniam |
|title=Biographies of Astronaut and Cosmonaut Candidates: S. Vanajah A/P Siva Subramaniam |
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*Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin, 44<ref>{{cite web |
* Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin, 44<ref>{{cite web |
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|url=http://www.spacefacts.de/bios/candidates/english/faiz_mohammed.htm |
|url=http://www.spacefacts.de/bios/candidates/english/faiz_mohammed.htm |
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|title=Biographies of Astronaut and Cosmonaut Candidates: Mohammed Faiz bin Kamaludin |
|title=Biographies of Astronaut and Cosmonaut Candidates: Mohammed Faiz bin Kamaludin |
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*[[Faiz Khaleed]], 36<ref>{{cite web |
* [[Faiz Khaleed]], 36<ref>{{cite web |
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|url=http://www.spacefacts.de/bios/international/english/khaleed_faiz.htm |
|url=http://www.spacefacts.de/bios/international/english/khaleed_faiz.htm |
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|title=Cosmonaut Biography: Faiz bin Khaleed |
|title=Cosmonaut Biography: Faiz bin Khaleed |
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*[[Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor]], 44<ref>{{cite web |
* [[Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor]], 44<ref>{{cite web |
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|url=http://www.spacefacts.de/bios/international/english/muszaphar_sheikh.htm |
|url=http://www.spacefacts.de/bios/international/english/muszaphar_sheikh.htm |
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|title=Cosmonaut Biography: Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor |
|title=Cosmonaut Biography: Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor |
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|accessdate=26 September 2008 |
|accessdate=26 September 2008 |
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On 23 July 2007, Sheikh Muszaphar participated in a NASA news conference with the [[Expedition 16]] crew.<ref name="NASA Holds Briefing With First Female Station Commander and Crew">{{cite web | url=http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2007/jul/HQ_M07087_ISS_briefing.html | title= NASA Holds Briefing With First Female Station Commander and Crew}}</ref> Faiz Khaleed served as backup to Sheikh Muszaphar. |
On 23 July 2007, Sheikh Muszaphar participated in a NASA news conference with the [[Expedition 16]] crew.<ref name="NASA Holds Briefing With First Female Station Commander and Crew">{{cite web | url=http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2007/jul/HQ_M07087_ISS_briefing.html | title= NASA Holds Briefing With First Female Station Commander and Crew}}</ref> Faiz Khaleed served as backup to Sheikh Muszaphar. |
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Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor was launched on [[Soyuz TMA-11]] on 10 October 2007 and became the first Malaysian in space.<ref>{{cite news |
Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor was launched on [[Soyuz TMA-11]] on 10 October 2007 and became the first Malaysian in space.<ref>{{cite news |title=Malaysians over the moon at their first astronaut |url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hDgQUf5Cas2bUteAYaKpy8TYS7AQ |publisher=[[Agence France-Presse]] |date=10 October 2007 |accessdate=7 December 2007 | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20071215115455/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hDgQUf5Cas2bUteAYaKpy8TYS7AQ| archivedate= 15 December 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> He returned on [[Soyuz TMA-10]] after a ten-day stay on the ISS.<ref name="One For The Record Books Malaysian Heads Into Space">{{cite web|url=http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/One_For_The_Record_Books_Malaysian_Heads_Into_Space.html|title=One for the Record Books Malaysian Heads into Space|work=[[Spacedaily.com]]|accessdate=29 July 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Baldwin |title=First Malaysian astronaut returns to hero's welcome |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSL2153871920071022 |publisher=[[Reuters]] |date=22 October 2007 |accessdate=7 December 2007 | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20071022132406/https://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSL2153871920071022| archivedate= 22 October 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> |
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==Experiments== |
== Experiments == |
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{| class="wikitable"" style="font-size: 95%;" |
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{| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;" |
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|----- bgcolor="#FFDEAD" |
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!#!! Experiment !! Code !! Description |
!#!! Experiment !! Code !! Description |
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|1 || Cells in Space || CIS || Study of the effects of microgravity and space radiation on eukaryotic cells focusing on changes in the structure and function at the cellular and molecular levels |
|1 || Cells in Space || CIS || Study of the effects of microgravity and space radiation on eukaryotic cells focusing on changes in the structure and function at the cellular and molecular levels |
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|2 || Microbes in Space || MIS || Study of the effects of microgravity on motility of bacteria, drug resistances as well as changes in gene expression (using the [[Microarray analysis techniques|microarray approach]]). Expect to show some effects of bacterial growth using a pre-determined [[minimum inhibitory concentration]] (MIC). |
|2 || Microbes in Space || MIS || Study of the effects of microgravity on motility of bacteria, drug resistances as well as changes in gene expression (using the [[Microarray analysis techniques|microarray approach]]). Expect to show some effects of bacterial growth using a pre-determined [[minimum inhibitory concentration]] (MIC). |
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|3 || Protein Crystallisation in Space || PCS || The purpose of this experiment is to compare the crystal growth of [[lipases]] on Earth with that grown in microgravity. Several test conditions will also be tested to improve the protein crystallisation process on Earth as well as in space. |
|3 || Protein Crystallisation in Space || PCS || The purpose of this experiment is to compare the crystal growth of [[lipases]] on Earth with that grown in microgravity. Several test conditions will also be tested to improve the protein crystallisation process on Earth as well as in space. |
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|4 || Malaysian Food in Space || FIS || Increase the variety and quality of food available to space travellers by identifying new food items (specifically typical [[Cuisine of Malaysia|Malaysian dishes]]) that are appropriate for consumption during space flight. |
|4 || Malaysian Food in Space || FIS || Increase the variety and quality of food available to space travellers by identifying new food items (specifically typical [[Cuisine of Malaysia|Malaysian dishes]]) that are appropriate for consumption during space flight. |
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|5 || Study of spinning motions in microgravity environment || TOP || A physics demonstration to show the effect of microgravity on the motions of spinning object using a [[top]]. |
|5 || Study of spinning motions in microgravity environment || TOP || A physics demonstration to show the effect of microgravity on the motions of spinning object using a [[Spinning top|top]]. |
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|6 || PR and Symbolics || PAS || PR and Symbolics activities. |
|6 || PR and Symbolics || PAS || PR and Symbolics activities. |
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| ⚫ | On 15 November 2006, in a response to a question in the [[Dewan Rakyat]], Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry parliamentary secretary Rohani Abdul Karim (representing the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry) stated that the Malaysian astronaut would, "spin [[top]] and toss ''[http://library.thinkquest.org/C001252F/aesthetics/games/batu_seremban.htm Batu Seremban]'' (five-stone game) as part of an experiment during his space travel". She added, "The astronaut will also paint a [[batik]] motif and make "[[teh tarik]]" ("pulled" tea) which would be shared with his fellow astronauts.".<ref name="M'sian Astronauts To Spin Top, Toss Batu Seremban In Space">{{cite web|url=http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news_lite.php?id=230193|title=M'sian Astronauts To Spin Top, Toss Batu Seremban in Space|work=[[Bernama]]|accessdate=19 December 2006}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | On 15 November 2006, in a response to a question in the [[Dewan Rakyat]], Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry parliamentary secretary Rohani Abdul Karim (representing the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry) stated that the Malaysian astronaut would, "spin [[Spinning top|top]] and toss ''[http://library.thinkquest.org/C001252F/aesthetics/games/batu_seremban.htm Batu Seremban]'' (five-stone game) as part of an experiment during his space travel". She added, "The astronaut will also paint a [[batik]] motif and make "[[teh tarik]]" ("pulled" tea) which would be shared with his fellow astronauts.".<ref name="M'sian Astronauts To Spin Top, Toss Batu Seremban In Space">{{cite web|url=http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v3/news_lite.php?id=230193|title=M'sian Astronauts To Spin Top, Toss Batu Seremban in Space|work=[[Bernama]]|accessdate=19 December 2006}}</ref> |
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However, on 18 December 2006, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Jamaluddin Jarjis said that making teh-tarik in space would not happen. Various experiments drawn up by selected Malaysian institutes would be carried out by the Malaysian astronaut while in [[Weightlessness|zero-gravity]]. In the planned physics education (live class in space) portion of the spaceflight, the astronaut will also be, "demonstrating the behavior of fluids" and "observing the effects of a spinning object", to show Malaysian students on the ground the effects of zero-gravity on selected physical phenomena.<ref name="No to teh-tarik">{{cite web|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/12/18/nation/16350473&sec=nation |title=No Space for Teh-tarik |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] |accessdate=19 December 2006 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013055644/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2006%2F12%2F18%2Fnation%2F16350473&sec=nation |archivedate=13 October 2007 |df=dmy }}</ref> |
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However, on 18 December 2006, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Jamaluddin Jarjis said that making teh-tarik in space would not happen. Various experiments drawn up by selected Malaysian institutes would be carried out by the Malaysian astronaut while in [[Weightlessness|zero-gravity]]. In the planned physics education (live class in space) portion of the spaceflight, the astronaut will also be, "demonstrating the behaviour of fluids" and "observing the effects of a spinning object", to show Malaysian students on the ground the effects of zero-gravity on selected physical phenomena.<ref name="No to teh-tarik">{{cite web|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2006/12/18/nation/16350473&sec=nation |title=No Space for Teh-tarik |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] |accessdate=19 December 2006 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013055644/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2006%2F12%2F18%2Fnation%2F16350473&sec=nation |archivedate=13 October 2007 }}</ref> |
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During the mission, Sheikh Muszaphar performed experiments on board the International Space Station relating to the characteristics and growth of liver cancer and [[leukaemia]] cells, the crystallisation of various proteins and microbes in space.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/10/11/nation/19136025&sec=nation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011182036/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2007%2F10%2F11%2Fnation%2F19136025&sec=nation |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 October 2007 |title=Mission in space |accessdate=13 October 2007 |publisher=TheStar |year=2007 }}</ref> |
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The experiments relating to liver cancer, leukaemia cells and microbes were aimed at benefitting general science and [[medical research]], while the experiments relating to the crystallisation of proteins, lipases in this case, were designed to benefit local industries.<ref name="star1">{{Cite web|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/22/nation/18514133&sec=nation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011194852/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2007%2F9%2F22%2Fnation%2F18514133&sec=nation |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 October 2007 |title=Tapping into space research |accessdate=22 September 2007 |publisher=TheStar |year=2007 |author=theStar }}</ref> After the space programme, Malaysia continue to participate in protein research in the Japanese [[JAXA]] programme and medical research in Russian [[MARS-500]] programme. Besides, eight patents were filed in Malaysia and abroad. Malaysia also registered a trademark named 1-RAP-NHOst (re-adapted normal human Osteoblast) which has the potential for commercialisation as of 2014.<ref name="Utusan 2014"/> |
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| ⚫ | The cost of sending Sheikh Muszaphar into space has been estimated at [[Malaysian ringgit|RM]] |
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| ⚫ | Numerous individuals, especially residents of Malaysia, displayed opposition and ambiguity towards Sheikh Muszaphar's title as a spaceflight participant, citing the fact that he had trained alongside his crew for spaceflight and is fully qualified, arguing that he should be considered an astronaut.<ref>{{cite web|url= |
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| ⚫ | The cost of sending Sheikh Muszaphar into space has been estimated at [[Malaysian ringgit|RM]]105 million (approximately US$26 million).<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Space Travel |series=[[The Universe (TV series)|The Universe]] |network=[[History (U.S. TV channel)|History]] |airdate=5 February 2008 |season=2 |number=22 |minutes=44 |quote=It would cost about $20 million for you to take a weekend trip up to the Space Station. |language=English }}</ref> The Malaysian space program has been criticised as a waste of money for a developing nation that could ill afford such indulgences. Officials defended the funding of the programme as part of a US$900 million defence deal struck with Moscow in 2003 to buy 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter aircraft.<ref name="ST">{{cite web|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_165525.html|title=Malaysia's first astronaut heads to space|work=[[Straits Times]]|accessdate=18 October 2007| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20071019022217/http://www.straitstimes.com/Free/Story/STIStory_165525.html| archivedate= 19 October 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> In 2023, [[Chang Lih Kang]] clarified that Malaysian government only spent RM 16 million in the programme, including the process of vetting for astronaut candidates, to carry out scientific missions, educational programmes, training at the [[National Aeronautics and Space Administration]] (NASA), and insurance for the astronaut. The return on value (ROV) for the government are in the form of knowledge generation, talent development, and knowledge transfer by the experts.<ref>{{cite news |title=Malaysia only spend RM16m, not RM105m on 2007 space venture |url=https://themalaysianreserve.com/2023/10/12/malaysia-only-spend-rm16m-not-rm105m-on-2007-space-venture/ |access-date=13 October 2023 |publisher=The Malaysian Reserve |date=12 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012070005/https://themalaysianreserve.com/2023/10/12/malaysia-only-spend-rm16m-not-rm105m-on-2007-space-venture/ |archive-date=12 October 2023}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | Numerous individuals, especially residents of Malaysia, displayed opposition and ambiguity towards Sheikh Muszaphar's title as a spaceflight participant, citing the fact that he had trained alongside his crew for spaceflight and is fully qualified, arguing that he should be considered an astronaut.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://asiancorrespondent.com/2007/10/astronaut-spaceflight-participant/ |title=Astronaut? 'Spaceflight Participant'? |work=[[Asian Correspondent]] |accessdate=27 June 2010 |archive-date=10 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110005409/https://asiancorrespondent.com/2007/10/astronaut-spaceflight-participant/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/10/4/nation/19072942&sec=nation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011152101/http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2007%2F10%2F4%2Fnation%2F19072942&sec=nation |url-status=dead |archive-date=11 October 2007 |title=Russian Envoy Confirms that Malaysian is not a 'mere passenger.' |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] |accessdate=27 June 2010 }}</ref> |
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== References == |
== References == |
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{{ |
{{reflist|2}} |
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==External links== |
== External links == |
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*[ |
* [http://www.angkasa.gov.my/?q=en Malaysian National Space Agency] |
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{{Malaysian space program}} |
{{Malaysian space program}} |
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{{Use American English|date=January 2014}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Angkasawan Program}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Angkasawan Program}} |
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Latest revision as of 06:14, 27 November 2024
 A billboard advertising the Angkasawan program | |
| Program overview | |
|---|---|
| Country | Malaysia / Russia |
| Organisation | National Space Agency (ANGKASA) |
| Purpose | Astronaut training |
The Angkasawan program was an initiative by the Malaysian government to send a Malaysian to the International Space Station on board Soyuz TMA-11. The program was named after the Malay word for astronaut, Angkasawan. It resulted in Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor becoming the first Malaysian in space on 10 October 2007.
Background and objectives
[edit]
The program was officially announced by Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mahathir Mohamad, as a joint programme with the Russian Federation. It was a project under the government-to-government offset agreement through the purchase of Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets for the Royal Malaysian Air Force.[1]
Under this agreement the Russian Federation bore the cost of training two Malaysians for space travel and for sending one to the International Space Station (ISS) in October 2007.
The National Space Agency (ANGKASA), Ministry of Science, Technologies and Innovations was given the responsibility of selecting the candidates. Two candidates were then sent to the Cosmonaut Training Programme in Star City, Russia for 18 months of training.
The government set the main objectives of the program as uplifting the national image and instilling in the younger generation greater interest in mathematics and science. At the launch, the Malaysian Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Jamaluddin Jarjis said: "It is not merely a project to send a Malaysian into space. After 50 years of independence, we need a new shift and a new advantage to be more successful as a nation. "We want to awe and inspire, and spur Malaysians to attain greater success by embracing science and technology."[2] The space programme is part of the Ninth Malaysia Plan which also included 217 space science research activities conducted by various universities and agencies in Malaysia.[3]
Later, Jamaluddin Jarjis was more specific as to the objective of the program when he said that it "was to create awareness among Malaysians the importance of science, technology and the space industry, which could help develop the economy further."[4]
Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor himself said that "I am not seeking fame or looking forward to be welcomed like a celebrity, but my quest is to inspire Malaysians, especially schoolchildren to like learning the subject of science and the space industry."[4]
Selection
[edit]The four finalists were:[5]
- Siva Vanajah, 45[6]
- Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin, 44[7]
- Faiz Khaleed, 36[8]
- Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 44[9]
On 23 July 2007, Sheikh Muszaphar participated in a NASA news conference with the Expedition 16 crew.[10] Faiz Khaleed served as backup to Sheikh Muszaphar.
Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor was launched on Soyuz TMA-11 on 10 October 2007 and became the first Malaysian in space.[11] He returned on Soyuz TMA-10 after a ten-day stay on the ISS.[12][13]
Experiments
[edit]| # | Experiment | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cells in Space | CIS | Study of the effects of microgravity and space radiation on eukaryotic cells focusing on changes in the structure and function at the cellular and molecular levels |
| 2 | Microbes in Space | MIS | Study of the effects of microgravity on motility of bacteria, drug resistances as well as changes in gene expression (using the microarray approach). Expect to show some effects of bacterial growth using a pre-determined minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). |
| 3 | Protein Crystallisation in Space | PCS | The purpose of this experiment is to compare the crystal growth of lipases on Earth with that grown in microgravity. Several test conditions will also be tested to improve the protein crystallisation process on Earth as well as in space. |
| 4 | Malaysian Food in Space | FIS | Increase the variety and quality of food available to space travellers by identifying new food items (specifically typical Malaysian dishes) that are appropriate for consumption during space flight. |
| 5 | Study of spinning motions in microgravity environment | TOP | A physics demonstration to show the effect of microgravity on the motions of spinning object using a top. |
| 6 | PR and Symbolics | PAS | PR and Symbolics activities. |
On 15 November 2006, in a response to a question in the Dewan Rakyat, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry parliamentary secretary Rohani Abdul Karim (representing the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry) stated that the Malaysian astronaut would, "spin top and toss Batu Seremban (five-stone game) as part of an experiment during his space travel". She added, "The astronaut will also paint a batik motif and make "teh tarik" ("pulled" tea) which would be shared with his fellow astronauts.".[14]
However, on 18 December 2006, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Jamaluddin Jarjis said that making teh-tarik in space would not happen. Various experiments drawn up by selected Malaysian institutes would be carried out by the Malaysian astronaut while in zero-gravity. In the planned physics education (live class in space) portion of the spaceflight, the astronaut will also be, "demonstrating the behaviour of fluids" and "observing the effects of a spinning object", to show Malaysian students on the ground the effects of zero-gravity on selected physical phenomena.[15]
During the mission, Sheikh Muszaphar performed experiments on board the International Space Station relating to the characteristics and growth of liver cancer and leukaemia cells, the crystallisation of various proteins and microbes in space.[16]
The experiments relating to liver cancer, leukaemia cells and microbes were aimed at benefitting general science and medical research, while the experiments relating to the crystallisation of proteins, lipases in this case, were designed to benefit local industries.[17] After the space programme, Malaysia continue to participate in protein research in the Japanese JAXA programme and medical research in Russian MARS-500 programme. Besides, eight patents were filed in Malaysia and abroad. Malaysia also registered a trademark named 1-RAP-NHOst (re-adapted normal human Osteoblast) which has the potential for commercialisation as of 2014.[3]
Criticism
[edit]The cost of sending Sheikh Muszaphar into space has been estimated at RM105 million (approximately US$26 million).[18] The Malaysian space program has been criticised as a waste of money for a developing nation that could ill afford such indulgences. Officials defended the funding of the programme as part of a US$900 million defence deal struck with Moscow in 2003 to buy 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter aircraft.[19] In 2023, Chang Lih Kang clarified that Malaysian government only spent RM 16 million in the programme, including the process of vetting for astronaut candidates, to carry out scientific missions, educational programmes, training at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and insurance for the astronaut. The return on value (ROV) for the government are in the form of knowledge generation, talent development, and knowledge transfer by the experts.[20]
Numerous individuals, especially residents of Malaysia, displayed opposition and ambiguity towards Sheikh Muszaphar's title as a spaceflight participant, citing the fact that he had trained alongside his crew for spaceflight and is fully qualified, arguing that he should be considered an astronaut.[21][22]
References
[edit]- ^ Landau, Eshter (19 August 2020). "NST175: The doctor who went to space". New Straits Times. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
- ^ Bernama. First Malaysian Goes Into Space, Nation Sets History 10 October 2007.
- ^ a b "Penyelidikan Angkasa (Space research)" (PDF). Utusan Malaysia - Mega Fokus. 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 May 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
- ^ a b Bernama. [1] 28 October 2007.
- ^ "Malaysia Narrows Astronaut Search to Four Candidates". Space.com. Archived from the original on 15 March 2006. Retrieved 29 July 2006.
- ^ "Biographies of Astronaut and Cosmonaut Candidates: S. Vanajah A/P Siva Subramaniam". Retrieved 26 September 2008.
- ^ "Biographies of Astronaut and Cosmonaut Candidates: Mohammed Faiz bin Kamaludin". Retrieved 26 September 2008.
- ^ "Cosmonaut Biography: Faiz bin Khaleed". Retrieved 26 September 2008.
- ^ "Cosmonaut Biography: Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor". Archived from the original on 21 October 2008. Retrieved 26 September 2008.
- ^ "NASA Holds Briefing With First Female Station Commander and Crew".
- ^ "Malaysians over the moon at their first astronaut". Agence France-Presse. 10 October 2007. Archived from the original on 15 December 2007. Retrieved 7 December 2007.
- ^ "One for the Record Books Malaysian Heads into Space". Spacedaily.com. Retrieved 29 July 2006.
- ^ Baldwin, Chris (22 October 2007). "First Malaysian astronaut returns to hero's welcome". Reuters. Archived from the original on 22 October 2007. Retrieved 7 December 2007.
- ^ "M'sian Astronauts To Spin Top, Toss Batu Seremban in Space". Bernama. Retrieved 19 December 2006.
- ^ "No Space for Teh-tarik". The Star. Archived from the original on 13 October 2007. Retrieved 19 December 2006.
- ^ "Mission in space". TheStar. 2007. Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 13 October 2007.
- ^ theStar (2007). "Tapping into space research". TheStar. Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 22 September 2007.
- ^ "Space Travel". The Universe. Season 2. Episode 22. 5 February 2008. 44 minutes in. History.
It would cost about $20 million for you to take a weekend trip up to the Space Station.
- ^ "Malaysia's first astronaut heads to space". Straits Times. Archived from the original on 19 October 2007. Retrieved 18 October 2007.
- ^ "Malaysia only spend RM16m, not RM105m on 2007 space venture". The Malaysian Reserve. 12 October 2023. Archived from the original on 12 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
- ^ "Astronaut? 'Spaceflight Participant'?". Asian Correspondent. Archived from the original on 10 November 2017. Retrieved 27 June 2010.
- ^ "Russian Envoy Confirms that Malaysian is not a 'mere passenger.'". The Star. Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 27 June 2010.