Not selected but duo still brimming with hope

KUALA LUMPUR: Although Va-najah Siva was not chosen to be the first Malaysian in space, she still hopes that one day she will be the first Malaysian woman astronaut.

As one of the final four who were selected as potential astronaut candidates, Vanajah was devastated when she was told that she would not be in the final two.

"I knew that my gender was not a factor with regard to the results, but I was devastated, nevertheless," she said.

Asked if she would sign up for a second space trip in the future, Vanajah said she would jump at the opportunity anytime .

"Without a blink and no second thoughts about it. Just show me where to sign."
However, she makes it clear that being an astronaut for her is more than "girl power".

"A chance to travel to outer space as a contribution to the development of my country and the betterment of the human race is not just a competition, it's a dream."

Despite being the only woman, Vanajah said she bonded well with the other three male candidates.

She became good friends with one of them, Capt Mohammed Faiz Kamaludin, a pilot with Malaysia Airlines.

Like Vanajah, Faiz said that just because he was not chosen to be the final two astronaut candidates, it did not mean that his day would never come.

"If Malaysia decides to put a man on a second space mission, count me in. I'll sign up at the drop of a hat," said the 35-year-old.

Vanajah and Faiz both said they had full confidence in Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor and his backup Capt Dr Faiz Khaleed.

"Looking back now, it was quite clear who would be chosen.

"The decision was written in the stars and Muszaphar was destined to be the first Malaysian astronaut," said Faiz

He was also present on site to watch the launch and lend his moral support to Muszaphar.

"Muszaphar is an excellent candidate and will make an excellent first astronaut for Malaysia.

"It was a good decision but I believe any one of the two boys would had been a good choice."

Faiz hopes that putting a Malaysian in space, besides proving the "Malaysia Boleh" spirit, would also help further the development of science and technology in the country.

"I hope it will inspire an interest in science among the youths and draw more of them to study aerospace engineering."

Although they did not make the final cut, both Faiz and Vanajah admit that the experience of being considered for the role of being Malaysia's first astronaut is something they would cherish for the rest of their lives.

"Since the selection, I've been receiving numerous invitations to speak at schools, clubs and various organisations.

"It has given me a wonderful chance to motivate girls in our country and boost the confidence of women in Malaysia as well," said Vanajah

She is pursuing a master's degree at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden.