KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The family of astronaut Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha is sad and disappointed over a newspaper report that he has amassed RM1.2 million from giving talks since last year.
His brother Sheikh Taufik Shukor Al Masrie said the family regretted that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar's untiring efforts to share his aerospace experience with the young generation was manipulated by certain people.
"We did not ask for any credit be given to him, just sad that he had been treated this way," he told Bernama in an exclusive interview here Monday.
Sheikh Taufik described the report as a "grave tragedy" as it was reported by a newspaper belonging to an opposition party that claimed to uphold Islam.
"They do not give a hoot to our aerospace venture, unlike other Muslim countries that were proud of his (Dr Sheikh Muszaphar) achievement. I do not understand why they want to destroy our future."
Sheikh Taufik said the claim that his brother received RM8,000 per hour for giving talks was not true at all.
He did not deny that many people had acted as middlemen or third parties to arrange for the astronaut to deliver talks or just to motivate people.
"Schools normally come directly to me or my brother and no money is involved. However, for non-governmental organisations and the private sector, there are many middlemen who manipulate the situation."This can give rise to things that may lead to such claims," he said when commenting when a report by an opposition newspaper that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar charged RM8,000 per hour for talks.
The report said the astronaut had amassed RM1.2 million from 150 corporations since his return from the International Space Station (ISS) in Oct last year.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar on Sunday denied that he had had asked for specific amounts to deliver talks on his aerospace experience.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili had said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Major Dr Faiz Khaleed were contracted to the ministry until Dec 31 and thus could not charge for giving talks.
His deputy Fadillah Yusof was reported as saying the ministry would investigate the report.
Sheikh Taufik said he had wanted to reply to the report but was advised against it as it would be a waste of time.
"Their job is to pit one person against another and to rundown the government," he added.
On Dr Sheikh Muszaphar's reaction, he said although the astronaut was disappointed, it was nothing compared to what he had to go through before becoming an astronaut."My brother was calm and said the truth will prevail."
He said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar received many invitations but were careful as he did not want to be seen as a celebrity but an educator.
Meanwhile, his father Datuk Sheikh Mustapha Sheikh Shukor denied those who attended his talks were forced to buy the book "My Journey To Space" that related his experience during training and when at the ISS.
"I hope the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry will defend my son now that he can be considered a son of the state," he added.
-- BERNAMA
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News. Show all posts
Monday, November 17, 2008
No Complaints Received On Dr Sheikh Muszaphar
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Science, Techonology and Innovation (MOSTI) has not received any official complaints regarding an allegation by a local daily that national astronaut, Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha, charged RM8,000 an hour to give a lecture.
Its minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said if the allegations were true, the complainant could make an official complaint to the ministry.
"So far we have not received any official complaints. If the newspaper's allegations are true then the complainant can file an official complaint and we will go through the matter to see if it is against the contract (the governmnet has with him)," he said when met after the National Innovation Awards ceremony, here today.
Ongkili explained that the government's contracts with national astronauts Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Major Dr. Faiz Khaleed will expire on Dec 31.
He said based on the contract signed by the astronauts and the ministry, they must take part in all promotional programmes arranged by the ministry and its agencies.
They are also prohibited from receiving any rewards other than those from the ministry, he said.
When asked if the contracts of both astronauts would be renewed, Ongkili said they proposed to renew Dr Faiz's contract to prepare for the future mission, while they have not received an application from Dr Sheikh Muszaphar to renew his contract.
-- BERNAMA
Its minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said if the allegations were true, the complainant could make an official complaint to the ministry.
"So far we have not received any official complaints. If the newspaper's allegations are true then the complainant can file an official complaint and we will go through the matter to see if it is against the contract (the governmnet has with him)," he said when met after the National Innovation Awards ceremony, here today.
Ongkili explained that the government's contracts with national astronauts Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Major Dr. Faiz Khaleed will expire on Dec 31.
He said based on the contract signed by the astronauts and the ministry, they must take part in all promotional programmes arranged by the ministry and its agencies.
They are also prohibited from receiving any rewards other than those from the ministry, he said.
When asked if the contracts of both astronauts would be renewed, Ongkili said they proposed to renew Dr Faiz's contract to prepare for the future mission, while they have not received an application from Dr Sheikh Muszaphar to renew his contract.
-- BERNAMA
China Awards Outstanding People In Spacewalk Mission
BEIJING, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- China held a meeting Friday morning to award people who made outstanding contributions to the Shenzhou VII manned space flight, Xinhua news agency reported.
Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and other top leaders Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang and He Guoqiang attended the meeting.
Vice-Premier Li Keqiang announced a decision jointly made by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, which decides to award Zhai Zhigang with the title of "Space Flight Hero" and Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng with the title of "Heroic Astronaut".
Chinese President Hu Jintao presented the three with medals and certificates to mark their outstanding performance during the spacewalk mission.
He said Chinese astronauts' successful spacewalk was an important milestone in the country's space flight history and was one of the major achievements in building an innovative nation.
Chang Wanquan, chief commander of the manned space project said that the success of Shenzhou VII's space flight showed the great strength of national cohesion and boosted the confidence of people working for space missions to make new achievements.
Chang said that more than 110 research institutes were involved in the mission, and more than 3,000 organizations nationwide were offering co-ordination and helps.
Zhai Zhigang, speaking on behalf of the Shenzhou VII space flight team, said completing the mission successfully was their lifelong dream and biggest honor.
He said the space walk he conducted was a small step of himself but a big step for the Chinese nation.
Shang Zhi, general director of the mission's spacecraft system, said that Chinese scientists and researchers are ready to begin the next phase of space mission, which focusing on the spacecraft's rendezvous and docking in orbit and the manufacture of space laboratory.
-- BERNAMA
Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and other top leaders Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang and He Guoqiang attended the meeting.
Vice-Premier Li Keqiang announced a decision jointly made by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, which decides to award Zhai Zhigang with the title of "Space Flight Hero" and Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng with the title of "Heroic Astronaut".
Chinese President Hu Jintao presented the three with medals and certificates to mark their outstanding performance during the spacewalk mission.
He said Chinese astronauts' successful spacewalk was an important milestone in the country's space flight history and was one of the major achievements in building an innovative nation.
Chang Wanquan, chief commander of the manned space project said that the success of Shenzhou VII's space flight showed the great strength of national cohesion and boosted the confidence of people working for space missions to make new achievements.
Chang said that more than 110 research institutes were involved in the mission, and more than 3,000 organizations nationwide were offering co-ordination and helps.
Zhai Zhigang, speaking on behalf of the Shenzhou VII space flight team, said completing the mission successfully was their lifelong dream and biggest honor.
He said the space walk he conducted was a small step of himself but a big step for the Chinese nation.
Shang Zhi, general director of the mission's spacecraft system, said that Chinese scientists and researchers are ready to begin the next phase of space mission, which focusing on the spacecraft's rendezvous and docking in orbit and the manufacture of space laboratory.
-- BERNAMA
Review Likely Of Plan To Send Second Astronaut Into Space
PETALING JAYA, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- A review seems likely of the plan to send the country's second astronaut into space in 2011 or 2012 in view of the uncertain global economy.
Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Fadhillah Yusof said today priority had to be given to more important programmes in view of the current economic situation.
Major Dr Faiz Khaleed, the candidate to make the space trip, would continue to attend the scheduled training sessions to create awareness and kindle the interest of young people in science and technology, which is necessary to boost the nation's competitiveness, he told reporters after launching an ISO 26000 seminar on " Guidance on Social Responsibility: Impact on Trade and Social Development in Southeast Asia", here.
Fadhillah said that if necessary the priority for the programme would be lowered or the programme postponed, but the decision would have to be made by the Cabinet.
The National Angkasawan (Astronaut) Programme was launched in 2003 after the Russian government agreed to help send a Malaysian to the International Space Station (ISS) in geo-stationary orbit as part of a technology transfer deal tied with Malaysia's purchase of 18 Russian Sukhoi fighter jets.
Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha became the first Malaysian astronaut when he spent 12 days in the ISS in October last year.
-- BERNAMA
Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Fadhillah Yusof said today priority had to be given to more important programmes in view of the current economic situation.
Major Dr Faiz Khaleed, the candidate to make the space trip, would continue to attend the scheduled training sessions to create awareness and kindle the interest of young people in science and technology, which is necessary to boost the nation's competitiveness, he told reporters after launching an ISO 26000 seminar on " Guidance on Social Responsibility: Impact on Trade and Social Development in Southeast Asia", here.
Fadhillah said that if necessary the priority for the programme would be lowered or the programme postponed, but the decision would have to be made by the Cabinet.
The National Angkasawan (Astronaut) Programme was launched in 2003 after the Russian government agreed to help send a Malaysian to the International Space Station (ISS) in geo-stationary orbit as part of a technology transfer deal tied with Malaysia's purchase of 18 Russian Sukhoi fighter jets.
Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha became the first Malaysian astronaut when he spent 12 days in the ISS in October last year.
-- BERNAMA
Friday, October 24, 2008
Malaysia's First Planetarium To Be Upgraded Using Warner Bros. Expertise
KUCHING, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- The Sultan Iskandar Planetarium here, Malaysia's first astronomy education centre, is to be upgraded with the possibility of using expertise from Warner Bros, one of the world's largest producers of film and television entertainment.
Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Fadillah Yusof who disclosed this, said the ministry was prepared to assist the planetarium in this effort.
"The country's first planetarium which has been in operation for 19 years is now in need of upgrading in terms of infrastructure, in line with current technological developments.
"The ministry will cooperate with the Sarawak government to identify aspects or areas which need to be improved in order to continuously draw people to the planetarium and avoid boredom for the visitors.
"If possible, we want to create realistic situations during the screenings at the planetarium," he told reporters after launching its "Mirrordome" digital screening, today.
For instance, Fadillah said, visitors watching on the screen, a rocket being launched into space might "experience" what the astronauts were going through, and his could happen with Warner Bros. expertise.
"Perhaps the seats need to be changed so that the visitors could 'feel' the vibrations when the rocket is launched into space or hit a meteor," he added.
Fadillah said the use of Mirrordome technology was the beginning of the upgrading process, while the initiative of the Sarawak government which was responsible for the daily operations of the Sultan Iskandar Planetarium should be emulated by others.
The Mirrordome technology allows for digital film screening while previously a projector was used for showing the planets and stars to the planetarium visitors.
The technology application was contributed by Paul Bourke, a computer visualisation researcher from the University of Western Australia.
On the state government's request from the federal government to set up a science centre in Sarawak to promote interest in science among the younger generation, Fadillah said his ministry was prepared to study it but the decision would depend on the country's financial situation.
-- BERNAMA
Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Fadillah Yusof who disclosed this, said the ministry was prepared to assist the planetarium in this effort.
"The country's first planetarium which has been in operation for 19 years is now in need of upgrading in terms of infrastructure, in line with current technological developments.
"The ministry will cooperate with the Sarawak government to identify aspects or areas which need to be improved in order to continuously draw people to the planetarium and avoid boredom for the visitors.
"If possible, we want to create realistic situations during the screenings at the planetarium," he told reporters after launching its "Mirrordome" digital screening, today.
For instance, Fadillah said, visitors watching on the screen, a rocket being launched into space might "experience" what the astronauts were going through, and his could happen with Warner Bros. expertise.
"Perhaps the seats need to be changed so that the visitors could 'feel' the vibrations when the rocket is launched into space or hit a meteor," he added.
Fadillah said the use of Mirrordome technology was the beginning of the upgrading process, while the initiative of the Sarawak government which was responsible for the daily operations of the Sultan Iskandar Planetarium should be emulated by others.
The Mirrordome technology allows for digital film screening while previously a projector was used for showing the planets and stars to the planetarium visitors.
The technology application was contributed by Paul Bourke, a computer visualisation researcher from the University of Western Australia.
On the state government's request from the federal government to set up a science centre in Sarawak to promote interest in science among the younger generation, Fadillah said his ministry was prepared to study it but the decision would depend on the country's financial situation.
-- BERNAMA
Friday, October 10, 2008
China To Issue Commemorative Coins For Maiden Spacewalk Success
BEIJING, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- The People's Bank of China, the central bank, said on Monday that it would issue a set of gold and silver coins on Oct 10 to commemorate the success of the country's maiden spacewalk.
The issuance comprises 30,000 gold coins, with a face value of 150 yuan (US$22) each, and 60,000 silver coins, with a face value of 10 yuan each, Xinhua reported Monday.
The head of each coin will have the solar system design while the tail will bear a color portrait of a taikonaut conducting a spacewalk and the Chinese words "To commemorate the success of China's first spacewalk", the central bank said.
The coins are produced by Shenyang Mint and will be distributed by the China Gold Coin Inc., it said.
Zhai Zhigang, the first Chinese to walk in outer space, and the other two astronauts in the Shenzhou-7 spacecraft safely returned to earth from a historic mission Sunday afternoon.
The Shenzhou-7 that carried the three astronauts blasted off Thursday evening and flew 68 hours in space which included the 20-minute spacewalk on Saturday
BERNAMA
The issuance comprises 30,000 gold coins, with a face value of 150 yuan (US$22) each, and 60,000 silver coins, with a face value of 10 yuan each, Xinhua reported Monday.
The head of each coin will have the solar system design while the tail will bear a color portrait of a taikonaut conducting a spacewalk and the Chinese words "To commemorate the success of China's first spacewalk", the central bank said.
The coins are produced by Shenyang Mint and will be distributed by the China Gold Coin Inc., it said.
Zhai Zhigang, the first Chinese to walk in outer space, and the other two astronauts in the Shenzhou-7 spacecraft safely returned to earth from a historic mission Sunday afternoon.
The Shenzhou-7 that carried the three astronauts blasted off Thursday evening and flew 68 hours in space which included the 20-minute spacewalk on Saturday
BERNAMA
China's Spacewalk Team Returns To Rousing Welcome In Beijing
BEIJING, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Hundreds of people lined the streets to give a rousing welcome to China's three astronauts when they returned to the Beijing Aerospace Centre on Monday morning after the space walk mission.
Flight commander Zhai Zhigang, who performed the extra vehicular activity (EVA) and fellow crew members Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng, dressed in blue uniforms and black boots, were garlanded and showed with bouquets, state television showed.
They appeared in good spirits as they waved and smiled to the crowd, each standing in the back of open-top sedans with Zhai in the lead.After the brief parade, the astronauts will undergo two weeks of quarantine to check on their physical condition.
Zhai's walk in space triggered another wave of China patriotism after the country's table-topping golden harvest in the recent Olympic Gamesin Beijing and another remarkable earlier feat of taking the Olympic flame up Mount Everest, the world's highest peak.
The latest Shenzhou VII mission, the third manned flight by China in five years, was closely followed by the Chinese leadership with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao congratulating the astronauts and shaking hands with ground command centre workers.
"It was a glorious mission, full of challenges with a perfect ending. I feel proud of the motherland," said Zhai after stepping outside the space capsule that landed in Inner Mongolia on Sunday evening.
He had worn a China-made spacesuit, considered another breakthrough for the country's space technology.
Space mission spokesman Wang Zhaoyao revealed China's ambition to aim for a manned moon landing but gave no timetable for that.
The next step is to assemble a space laboratory in 2010 and a space station by 2020.
The eighth and ninth Shenzhou, meaning divine vessel in Chinese, missions are unmanned to test out docking technology.
Shenzhou VIII will lift off "in early 2009, only months from now", an inside source with the project's rocket system told the China Daily.
The launch of Shenzhou IX is also planned for next year, followed by Shenzhou X, the next manned journey to set up the space laboratory.
-- BERNAMA
Flight commander Zhai Zhigang, who performed the extra vehicular activity (EVA) and fellow crew members Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng, dressed in blue uniforms and black boots, were garlanded and showed with bouquets, state television showed.
They appeared in good spirits as they waved and smiled to the crowd, each standing in the back of open-top sedans with Zhai in the lead.After the brief parade, the astronauts will undergo two weeks of quarantine to check on their physical condition.
Zhai's walk in space triggered another wave of China patriotism after the country's table-topping golden harvest in the recent Olympic Gamesin Beijing and another remarkable earlier feat of taking the Olympic flame up Mount Everest, the world's highest peak.
The latest Shenzhou VII mission, the third manned flight by China in five years, was closely followed by the Chinese leadership with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao congratulating the astronauts and shaking hands with ground command centre workers.
"It was a glorious mission, full of challenges with a perfect ending. I feel proud of the motherland," said Zhai after stepping outside the space capsule that landed in Inner Mongolia on Sunday evening.
He had worn a China-made spacesuit, considered another breakthrough for the country's space technology.
Space mission spokesman Wang Zhaoyao revealed China's ambition to aim for a manned moon landing but gave no timetable for that.
The next step is to assemble a space laboratory in 2010 and a space station by 2020.
The eighth and ninth Shenzhou, meaning divine vessel in Chinese, missions are unmanned to test out docking technology.
Shenzhou VIII will lift off "in early 2009, only months from now", an inside source with the project's rocket system told the China Daily.
The launch of Shenzhou IX is also planned for next year, followed by Shenzhou X, the next manned journey to set up the space laboratory.
-- BERNAMA
Shenzhou VII Returns Safely To Earth After Historic Spacewalk
BEIJING, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- China's latest space heroes with flight commander Zhai Zhigang, who performed the country's first space walk, hurled back to earth and landed safely in the central steppes of Inner Mongolia on Sunday evening.
Applause and cheers greeted the three-men crew whose mission was broadcast in great detail over local television since they powered off on a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan satellite launch centre in northwestern Gansu Province on Thursday.
Millions of Chinese were riveted on the 'live' broadcast by state television as the re-entry module floated steadily down to earth, tied to a giant parachute, two days before China's 59th national anniversary.
Premier Wen Jiabao arrived at the Beijing Aerospace Control Centre more than an hour earlier before the capsule's anticipated return 5.44 pm and applauded heartily when it touched ground a few minutes ahead of schedule.
Underscoring the national pride and breakthrough feat, President Hu Jintao was at the Jiuquan centre to see the astronauts off and he was again at the Beijing centre to congratulate the crew, lauding them for a "great job" done.
Zhai and fellow crew, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng, were reported to be in fine shape after their 68-hour mission, and Zhai flashed a thumbs-up sign to the ground rescuers, according to state television, and stayed inside for a while to re-adapt to gravity.
State television showed a convoy of four-wheel vehicles speeding across the grassy plains towards the located capsule.
Three hundred search and rescue staff and six helicopters were mobilised for the landing and all five of China's satellite-tracking ships had been on standby in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans before Shenzhou VII took off.
Xinhua said the three astronauts will be quarantined for half a month.
"We can't see them during that period, but we can rest our hearts as long as they are on the earth," Zhai's wife, Zhang Shujing, was quoted as saying by Xinhua.
Zhai and fellow crew, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng, add to the list of Chinese astronauts who flew on successful manned flights, going back to solo pioneer Yang Liwei in 2003 and pair of Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng in 2005.
Yang, Fei and Nie all had asteroids named after them.
-- BERNAMA
Applause and cheers greeted the three-men crew whose mission was broadcast in great detail over local television since they powered off on a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan satellite launch centre in northwestern Gansu Province on Thursday.
Millions of Chinese were riveted on the 'live' broadcast by state television as the re-entry module floated steadily down to earth, tied to a giant parachute, two days before China's 59th national anniversary.
Premier Wen Jiabao arrived at the Beijing Aerospace Control Centre more than an hour earlier before the capsule's anticipated return 5.44 pm and applauded heartily when it touched ground a few minutes ahead of schedule.
Underscoring the national pride and breakthrough feat, President Hu Jintao was at the Jiuquan centre to see the astronauts off and he was again at the Beijing centre to congratulate the crew, lauding them for a "great job" done.
Zhai and fellow crew, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng, were reported to be in fine shape after their 68-hour mission, and Zhai flashed a thumbs-up sign to the ground rescuers, according to state television, and stayed inside for a while to re-adapt to gravity.
State television showed a convoy of four-wheel vehicles speeding across the grassy plains towards the located capsule.
Three hundred search and rescue staff and six helicopters were mobilised for the landing and all five of China's satellite-tracking ships had been on standby in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans before Shenzhou VII took off.
Xinhua said the three astronauts will be quarantined for half a month.
"We can't see them during that period, but we can rest our hearts as long as they are on the earth," Zhai's wife, Zhang Shujing, was quoted as saying by Xinhua.
Zhai and fellow crew, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng, add to the list of Chinese astronauts who flew on successful manned flights, going back to solo pioneer Yang Liwei in 2003 and pair of Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng in 2005.
Yang, Fei and Nie all had asteroids named after them.
-- BERNAMA
Shenzhou VII Locks In For Return To Earth After Space Walk
BEIJING, Sept 28 (Bernama) - The Shenzhou VII space mission that pulled off China's first spacewalk has entered into the journey back to earth and can expect a euphoric welcome on Sunday evening.
The return capsule carrying astronaut Zhai Zhigang, who performed the historic feat, and two other astronauts will touch down at about 5.40pm in the steppes of central Inner Mongolia, the official Xinhua News Agency said.
Set to be the new poster space hero is Zhai whose image has dominated newspapers and repeatedly replayed on television waving China's red national flag in space after slipping out of the space capsule on Saturday evening.
The 42-year-old former fighter pilot, as with all Chinese astronauts, is the first generation of China's 14 space explorers picked in 1998 for the country's ambition to mark its presence in space and build its own space station by 2020.
Zhai and fellow crew, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng blasted off in a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan satellite launch centre in northwestern Gansu Province on Thursday.
President Hu Jintao met the astronauts before their trip at the launch centre and spoke to them again from the Beijing Aerospace Centre after their achievement.
"The successful extra vehicular activity symbolises China has achieved a new breakthrough on manned space missions. All three of you have made a great contribution to China's undertaking of space technology," he said.
Another triumph lauded has been the China-made "Feitian" (lying in the sky) spacesuit worn by Zhai, a 10-layer outfit costing 30 million yuan (RM13.7 million) and weighing 120kg suit.
Shenzhou VII was China's third manned space mission after Shenzhou V which took off with solo astronaut Yang Liwei, now a national hero, and the subsequent Shenzhou VI flight with two other astronauts in 2005.
China's next step is to start work by 2010 to put together a space laboratory and by 2020 to build its own space station.
The country's space march will demand more astronauts and a spokesman, Wang Zhaoyao, told newsmen after the spacewalk that research had begun on developing woman astronauts.
China's astronaut training chief engineer Deng Yibing said a second selection of astronauts will be held after the Shenzhou VII mission.
Xinhua quoted Deng as saying that a fresh team may be involved in the Shenzhou X mission, which will seek another breakthrough in orbiter docking technology.
Some of the present group of astronauts, with average age of 40, may already be too old by then.
The eighth and ninth Shenzhou (meaning "divine vessel" in Chinese) missions will be unmanned to test docking technology first, Xinhua quoted Li Yuqing, a consultant of the Shenzhou VII mission as saying.
-- BERNAMA
The return capsule carrying astronaut Zhai Zhigang, who performed the historic feat, and two other astronauts will touch down at about 5.40pm in the steppes of central Inner Mongolia, the official Xinhua News Agency said.
Set to be the new poster space hero is Zhai whose image has dominated newspapers and repeatedly replayed on television waving China's red national flag in space after slipping out of the space capsule on Saturday evening.
The 42-year-old former fighter pilot, as with all Chinese astronauts, is the first generation of China's 14 space explorers picked in 1998 for the country's ambition to mark its presence in space and build its own space station by 2020.
Zhai and fellow crew, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng blasted off in a Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan satellite launch centre in northwestern Gansu Province on Thursday.
President Hu Jintao met the astronauts before their trip at the launch centre and spoke to them again from the Beijing Aerospace Centre after their achievement.
"The successful extra vehicular activity symbolises China has achieved a new breakthrough on manned space missions. All three of you have made a great contribution to China's undertaking of space technology," he said.
Another triumph lauded has been the China-made "Feitian" (lying in the sky) spacesuit worn by Zhai, a 10-layer outfit costing 30 million yuan (RM13.7 million) and weighing 120kg suit.
Shenzhou VII was China's third manned space mission after Shenzhou V which took off with solo astronaut Yang Liwei, now a national hero, and the subsequent Shenzhou VI flight with two other astronauts in 2005.
China's next step is to start work by 2010 to put together a space laboratory and by 2020 to build its own space station.
The country's space march will demand more astronauts and a spokesman, Wang Zhaoyao, told newsmen after the spacewalk that research had begun on developing woman astronauts.
China's astronaut training chief engineer Deng Yibing said a second selection of astronauts will be held after the Shenzhou VII mission.
Xinhua quoted Deng as saying that a fresh team may be involved in the Shenzhou X mission, which will seek another breakthrough in orbiter docking technology.
Some of the present group of astronauts, with average age of 40, may already be too old by then.
The eighth and ninth Shenzhou (meaning "divine vessel" in Chinese) missions will be unmanned to test docking technology first, Xinhua quoted Li Yuqing, a consultant of the Shenzhou VII mission as saying.
-- BERNAMA
China's First Space Walk Set For Saturday
BEIJING, Sept 26 (Benama) -- China's first space walk attempt is set for Saturday to last 20 minutes and astronauts onboard the Shenzhou VII spacecraft have begun assembling the bulky spacesuits, a task that will take several hours.
Since the liftoff on Thursday night, the expedition has proceeded smoothly and the three astronauts have had their first meal and nap, mission spokesman Wang Zhaoyao told a news conference in Beijing.
Third manned flight took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern Gansu province and has entered its destined orbit of 343km from earth."Our astronaut will stay in space for 20 minutes, that is our plan," he said.
The space walk, widely reported to be attempted by flight commander Zhai Zhigang, will be telecast 'live'.
Wang said the Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) is scheduled for 4.30pm Saturday subject to the conditions of the spacesuit and the astronaut.
During the EVA, he said it was important to ensure that communication between earth and space will not be disrupted.State media had reported that 42-year-old Zhai would don a 120kg China-made "Feitian" (fly to the sky) spacesuit with the assistance of fellow crew, Liu Boming, who will be standing by in a Russian developed "Haiying" (sea eagle) suit.
The third astronaut, Jing Haipeng, will be inside the re-entry module of the space craft which will make a return landing in Inner Mongolia on Sunday after a 68-hour voyage according to the schedule.
The success of the EVA is crucial to China's ambition of building its own space station in the next decade.
The chief designer of spacecraft who provided the name Shenzhou meaning "divine vessel", told the Xinhua News Agency on Friday that China would mass produce the model to shuttle astronauts to China's space station.
-- BERNAMA
Since the liftoff on Thursday night, the expedition has proceeded smoothly and the three astronauts have had their first meal and nap, mission spokesman Wang Zhaoyao told a news conference in Beijing.
Third manned flight took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern Gansu province and has entered its destined orbit of 343km from earth."Our astronaut will stay in space for 20 minutes, that is our plan," he said.
The space walk, widely reported to be attempted by flight commander Zhai Zhigang, will be telecast 'live'.
Wang said the Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) is scheduled for 4.30pm Saturday subject to the conditions of the spacesuit and the astronaut.
During the EVA, he said it was important to ensure that communication between earth and space will not be disrupted.State media had reported that 42-year-old Zhai would don a 120kg China-made "Feitian" (fly to the sky) spacesuit with the assistance of fellow crew, Liu Boming, who will be standing by in a Russian developed "Haiying" (sea eagle) suit.
The third astronaut, Jing Haipeng, will be inside the re-entry module of the space craft which will make a return landing in Inner Mongolia on Sunday after a 68-hour voyage according to the schedule.
The success of the EVA is crucial to China's ambition of building its own space station in the next decade.
The chief designer of spacecraft who provided the name Shenzhou meaning "divine vessel", told the Xinhua News Agency on Friday that China would mass produce the model to shuttle astronauts to China's space station.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Space experiment a commercial hit
PUTRAJAYA: An experiment in space by Malaysia's first astronaut is a success with findings being patented overseas.
The Protein Crystallisation in Space experiment, which saw the successful testing of the effects of microgravity on protein enzymes, has been termed a breakthrough in the field. The experiment by Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor on behalf of Universiti Putra Malaysia's Prof Dr Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd Rahman was aimed at comparing the crystallisation of proteins in space with those crystallised on Earth.
The proteins were found to be crystallising on a larger scale in space, making it more accurate for Raja Noor to study the structure of protein enzymes.
"When we know how it acts, we can use the protein fully to benefit the oleochemical, food supplement and pharmaceutical industries.
"By producing our own enzymes, we can sell them to generate income for the country or even improve the job market in the industries," Raja Noor Zaliha said after the opening of a workshop on microgravity sciences at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here yesterday.
The patent has been filed here, in Europe, the United States and Japan, with the protein crystallisation technology already in use.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said the research component of the space programme would continue for the next five years and was likely to be included in the 10th Malaysia Plan. The cabinet will decide on the programme scale and funding.
The Protein Crystallisation in Space experiment, which saw the successful testing of the effects of microgravity on protein enzymes, has been termed a breakthrough in the field. The experiment by Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor on behalf of Universiti Putra Malaysia's Prof Dr Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abd Rahman was aimed at comparing the crystallisation of proteins in space with those crystallised on Earth.
The proteins were found to be crystallising on a larger scale in space, making it more accurate for Raja Noor to study the structure of protein enzymes.
"When we know how it acts, we can use the protein fully to benefit the oleochemical, food supplement and pharmaceutical industries.
"By producing our own enzymes, we can sell them to generate income for the country or even improve the job market in the industries," Raja Noor Zaliha said after the opening of a workshop on microgravity sciences at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here yesterday.
The patent has been filed here, in Europe, the United States and Japan, with the protein crystallisation technology already in use.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said the research component of the space programme would continue for the next five years and was likely to be included in the 10th Malaysia Plan. The cabinet will decide on the programme scale and funding.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Malaysians Of All Ages Participate In 51st Merdeka Celebration
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- The 51st Merdeka Day parade at the Dataran Merdeka here was not only participated by Malaysians of all races and religions but also included the various age groups.
The national-level celebration today included, for the first time, 150 pre-school pupils in the parade and mammoth procession comprising 16,433 participants including police pensioners.
With the theme 'Unity, the Thrust of Success', the parade began to assemble immediately upon the arrival of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, together with his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, arrived in a white Proton Pesona electric car driven by Abdullah himself.
His deputy, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor arrived in a red Proton Savvy driven by Najib.
The parade and procession began with the national anthem 'Negaraku' being played as a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) helicopter flew past carrying the 'Jalur Gemilang' and the Malaysian Armed Forces' flag and emitting red, blue and yellow-coloured smoke, the colours of the Malaysian flag.
Tuanku Mizan then inspected the Guard of Honour mounted by four officers and 103 men from the First Royal Malay Regiment.
The ceremony then proceeded with the raising of the Jalur Gemilang as the national anthem 'Negaraku' was sung and the artillery fired 14 rounds.
This was later followed by the singing of patriotic songs 'Jalur Gemilang', 'Cemerlang, Gemilang, Terbilang', and the theme song for the celebration "Perpaduan Teras Kejayaan", sung by a 2,000-member choir group from the teaching colleges.
Seven secondary school students, representing the various ethnic groups in the country, led by Mohd Hafizul Akhmal Azeman, then read the "Rukunegara" which was followed by shouts of 'Merdeka' reverberating seven times.
The Dataran Merdeka then transformed into a sea of colours as 2,880 students staged a field performance carrying the theme 'Unity, the Thrust of Success' which included a drill formation and martial arts presentation, and aerobics, which were interspersed with human graphics performed by students of several schools in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
The parade began with a procession carrying a mammoth Jalur Gemilang and the flags of the various states by trainees of the National Service Training Programme, including a contingent of 30 national figures from the various fields.
They included national astronaut Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, national badminton coach Datuk Misbun Sidek, social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and environmental activist Karam Singh Walia riding in national cars.
The almost two-hour event which ended at 10.10am was also witnessed by thousands of Malaysians who flocked to the Dataran Merdeka as early as 6.30am, as well as millions of others who watched the proceedings live over television.
The national-level celebration today included, for the first time, 150 pre-school pupils in the parade and mammoth procession comprising 16,433 participants including police pensioners.
With the theme 'Unity, the Thrust of Success', the parade began to assemble immediately upon the arrival of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah.
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, together with his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah, arrived in a white Proton Pesona electric car driven by Abdullah himself.
His deputy, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor arrived in a red Proton Savvy driven by Najib.
The parade and procession began with the national anthem 'Negaraku' being played as a Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) helicopter flew past carrying the 'Jalur Gemilang' and the Malaysian Armed Forces' flag and emitting red, blue and yellow-coloured smoke, the colours of the Malaysian flag.
Tuanku Mizan then inspected the Guard of Honour mounted by four officers and 103 men from the First Royal Malay Regiment.
The ceremony then proceeded with the raising of the Jalur Gemilang as the national anthem 'Negaraku' was sung and the artillery fired 14 rounds.
This was later followed by the singing of patriotic songs 'Jalur Gemilang', 'Cemerlang, Gemilang, Terbilang', and the theme song for the celebration "Perpaduan Teras Kejayaan", sung by a 2,000-member choir group from the teaching colleges.
Seven secondary school students, representing the various ethnic groups in the country, led by Mohd Hafizul Akhmal Azeman, then read the "Rukunegara" which was followed by shouts of 'Merdeka' reverberating seven times.
The Dataran Merdeka then transformed into a sea of colours as 2,880 students staged a field performance carrying the theme 'Unity, the Thrust of Success' which included a drill formation and martial arts presentation, and aerobics, which were interspersed with human graphics performed by students of several schools in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur.
The parade began with a procession carrying a mammoth Jalur Gemilang and the flags of the various states by trainees of the National Service Training Programme, including a contingent of 30 national figures from the various fields.
They included national astronaut Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, national badminton coach Datuk Misbun Sidek, social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and environmental activist Karam Singh Walia riding in national cars.
The almost two-hour event which ended at 10.10am was also witnessed by thousands of Malaysians who flocked to the Dataran Merdeka as early as 6.30am, as well as millions of others who watched the proceedings live over television.
Enzyme Tested In Space By Malaysian Astronaut Gets US Patent
PUTRAJAYA, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- The Geobacillus Zalihae enzyme derived from protein crystallisation that was tested in space by Malaysian astronaut Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor last year has received a patent in the United States.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said the rights for the patent for the enzyme, named after researcher Prof Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abdul Rahman, were also filed in Malaysia, Europe and Japan.
"Four more items of research conducted in space on the same expedition, and involving cells and microbes, are in the final process of development and are expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year," Ongkili told reporters after launching a workshop on Microgravity Science here Tuesday.
The objective of the two-day workshop, which gathered 150 local and foreign participants, including 20 who presented research papers, was to study and discuss the experiments carried out by Dr Sheikh Muszaphar.
Meanwhile, Raja Noor Zaliha, of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), said the enzyme could be used for industrial purposes like in the production of cleansers, pharmaceutical products and food supplements.
"This enzyme can generate income and, if we produce this enzyme, it can provide job opportunities to graduates majoring in biotechnology.
"We can also sell the technology to other countries as the market potential for the enzyme is really big," she said.
She said the research on protein carried out in space was important as bigger protein crystals could be formed there, twice the amount that could be produced on earth.
"A bigger crystal is needed to view the structure of protein, how it acts and how it can be utilised fully," she said.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar went into space in a Russian Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft on Oct 10 last year, conducted the experiments in the International Space Station (ISS) and returned to earth in a Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft on Oct 21.
-- BERNAMA
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili said the rights for the patent for the enzyme, named after researcher Prof Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abdul Rahman, were also filed in Malaysia, Europe and Japan.
"Four more items of research conducted in space on the same expedition, and involving cells and microbes, are in the final process of development and are expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year," Ongkili told reporters after launching a workshop on Microgravity Science here Tuesday.
The objective of the two-day workshop, which gathered 150 local and foreign participants, including 20 who presented research papers, was to study and discuss the experiments carried out by Dr Sheikh Muszaphar.
Meanwhile, Raja Noor Zaliha, of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), said the enzyme could be used for industrial purposes like in the production of cleansers, pharmaceutical products and food supplements.
"This enzyme can generate income and, if we produce this enzyme, it can provide job opportunities to graduates majoring in biotechnology.
"We can also sell the technology to other countries as the market potential for the enzyme is really big," she said.
She said the research on protein carried out in space was important as bigger protein crystals could be formed there, twice the amount that could be produced on earth.
"A bigger crystal is needed to view the structure of protein, how it acts and how it can be utilised fully," she said.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar went into space in a Russian Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft on Oct 10 last year, conducted the experiments in the International Space Station (ISS) and returned to earth in a Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft on Oct 21.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Malaysia to share results of tests aboard International Space Station
KUANTAN:
Angkasawan Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor said the studies made on three types of cancer cells and protein crystalisation in zero gravity would be announced at a special session to be held at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
"We have a very good and positive results which can help the scientists who are working in the respective areas," he said after a motivational talk at Shahputra College here yesterday.
He said the studies made on cancer cells would in a way help scientists to find cure for the disease.
"The results may not give an instant cure for cancer but will help us understand how the cells react in such a condition," he said.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar also expressed his disatisfaction with the lack of direction in Malaysia's space programme.
Malaysia will share the results of the experiments done on board of the International Space Station (ISS) with local and international scientists on Sept 2.
"We have a very good and positive results which can help the scientists who are working in the respective areas," he said after a motivational talk at Shahputra College here yesterday.
He said the studies made on cancer cells would in a way help scientists to find cure for the disease.
"The results may not give an instant cure for cancer but will help us understand how the cells react in such a condition," he said.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Astronaut's Research Report To Go To Cabinet
SHAH ALAM, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- A report on the findings of the research and studies conducted by the country's first astronaut, Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, at the International Space Station (ISS) will be presented to the Cabinet by the end of this month, said Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili.
He said the report needed to be studied by the Cabinet first before it was announced to the public and only then could the future of the country's astronaut programme be considered.
"The Cabinet will decide on all future programmes, big or small, and the ministry will make suggestions.
"With our current economic situation we need to focus on investment in sectors that yield faster and provide maximum income, and this will have an impact on programmes such as the astronaut programme," he told a press conference after the ministry's monthly assembly and 2008 Excellent Service Awards presentation, here Monday.
Ongkili said although the second astronaut programme had not yet been decided on, the ministry would still send Major Dr. Faiz Khaleed to undergo training to ensure continuity of Malaysia's space programme.
-- BERNAMA
He said the report needed to be studied by the Cabinet first before it was announced to the public and only then could the future of the country's astronaut programme be considered.
"The Cabinet will decide on all future programmes, big or small, and the ministry will make suggestions.
"With our current economic situation we need to focus on investment in sectors that yield faster and provide maximum income, and this will have an impact on programmes such as the astronaut programme," he told a press conference after the ministry's monthly assembly and 2008 Excellent Service Awards presentation, here Monday.
Ongkili said although the second astronaut programme had not yet been decided on, the ministry would still send Major Dr. Faiz Khaleed to undergo training to ensure continuity of Malaysia's space programme.
-- BERNAMA
Partial Lunar Eclipse On Aug 17
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- Astronomy enthusiasts in Malaysia will have the opportunity to witness a partial lunar eclipse on Aug 17.
According to the National Space Agency (Angkasa) in a statement here, people in the peninsular could see the eclipse from 2.25am to 6.44am while those in Sabah and Sarawak from 2.25am to 5.10am.
The phenomenon could also be seen live at Angkasa's website, www.angkasa.gov.my/planetarium.
In conjunction with the eclipse, Angkasa would host a special programme at the National Planetarium from Aug 12 to 17.
Among the activities were a drawing contest, quiz and lecture.
-- BERNAMA
According to the National Space Agency (Angkasa) in a statement here, people in the peninsular could see the eclipse from 2.25am to 6.44am while those in Sabah and Sarawak from 2.25am to 5.10am.
The phenomenon could also be seen live at Angkasa's website, www.angkasa.gov.my/planetarium.
In conjunction with the eclipse, Angkasa would host a special programme at the National Planetarium from Aug 12 to 17.
Among the activities were a drawing contest, quiz and lecture.
-- BERNAMA
MOSTI Allocates RM4 Billion For Science And Technology Research
KUCHING, July 31 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Science Technology and Innovations (MOSTI) has set aside a RM4 billion fund for research works in science and technology, involving food production, agriculture and bio-fuel industry, in the 9th Malaysian Plan (9MP).
Its Deputy Minister, Fadillah Yusof, however, said part of the fund was also allocated for research and development (R&D) as well as product commercialisation projects.
"The ministry provides various funds for science and technology research which will benefit those involved in R&D in the country," he told reporters after visiting and presenting donations to the Kampung Gita Laut fire victims here Thursday.
Fadillah said the funds were aimed at helping various parties including the public and private institutions of higher learning, as well as private researchers to conduct certain study and research, such as the one conducted by Crown Research Centre on 'bintangor' and sago trees in Sarawak.
Meanwhile, he said an exhibition on science, technology and innovations would be organised by MOSTI at the Kuching Waterfront, starting Friday.
The three-day exhibition to be held in conjunction with the Sarawak Regatta 2008, would feature the second national astronaut, Major Dr Faiz Khaled.
-- BERNAMA
Its Deputy Minister, Fadillah Yusof, however, said part of the fund was also allocated for research and development (R&D) as well as product commercialisation projects.
"The ministry provides various funds for science and technology research which will benefit those involved in R&D in the country," he told reporters after visiting and presenting donations to the Kampung Gita Laut fire victims here Thursday.
Fadillah said the funds were aimed at helping various parties including the public and private institutions of higher learning, as well as private researchers to conduct certain study and research, such as the one conducted by Crown Research Centre on 'bintangor' and sago trees in Sarawak.
Meanwhile, he said an exhibition on science, technology and innovations would be organised by MOSTI at the Kuching Waterfront, starting Friday.
The three-day exhibition to be held in conjunction with the Sarawak Regatta 2008, would feature the second national astronaut, Major Dr Faiz Khaled.
-- BERNAMA
Government To Reconsider Satellite Launch Pad At Kudat
NILAI, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- The government will reconsider the possibility of building a satellite launch pad in the country if it benefited the nation.
"The proposal to build one was made in the Eighth Malaysia Plan and identified Kudat in Sabah as the most appropriate location, " Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili told reporters after visiting Inno Biologics' bio-pharmaceutical complex at Bandar Baru Nilai here Tuesday.
Inno Bio is a subsidiary company of the Finance Ministry established specially to delve into the field of biotechnology.
Through its subsidiary, Inno Biologics Sdn Bhd, it offers gene-cloning using mammalian cells, development of bio-processes and bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Ongkili said the proposal for the pad had been put on hold.
"We actually have the expertise with the cooperation of international bodies to build it given the vast extent of the South China Sea. That was the opinion of international experts.
"There is no allocation under the Ninth Malaysia Plan but I propose to bring it to the Cabinet," he said
On another matter, he said, the launch of the RazakSAT, the country's second microsatellite, scheduled for launch in September in the time slot provided by United States' Space Exploration Technology (SpaceX) has been postponed as the launch station has problems with the launch pad.
"With this new development, the RazakSAT launch is now delayed two years. I will informm the Cabinet. We are still negotiating with Astronautic Technology Sdn Bhd (ATSB) for a new date in the near future. If we cannot resolve the matter we will look for a new launch site," he said.
-- BERNAMA
"The proposal to build one was made in the Eighth Malaysia Plan and identified Kudat in Sabah as the most appropriate location, " Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili told reporters after visiting Inno Biologics' bio-pharmaceutical complex at Bandar Baru Nilai here Tuesday.
Inno Bio is a subsidiary company of the Finance Ministry established specially to delve into the field of biotechnology.
Through its subsidiary, Inno Biologics Sdn Bhd, it offers gene-cloning using mammalian cells, development of bio-processes and bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Ongkili said the proposal for the pad had been put on hold.
"We actually have the expertise with the cooperation of international bodies to build it given the vast extent of the South China Sea. That was the opinion of international experts.
"There is no allocation under the Ninth Malaysia Plan but I propose to bring it to the Cabinet," he said
On another matter, he said, the launch of the RazakSAT, the country's second microsatellite, scheduled for launch in September in the time slot provided by United States' Space Exploration Technology (SpaceX) has been postponed as the launch station has problems with the launch pad.
"With this new development, the RazakSAT launch is now delayed two years. I will informm the Cabinet. We are still negotiating with Astronautic Technology Sdn Bhd (ATSB) for a new date in the near future. If we cannot resolve the matter we will look for a new launch site," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Blind girl inspired by Angkasawan
ALL these years, partially blind student Alfa Nur Aini Erman Afandi, 17, thought that the blind could never aspire to be enjoy adventures in space as astronauts.
But after attending a motivational talk by Malaysia’s Angkasawan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, she realised that everything is possible, even for physically challenged people to go to space one day.
The St George’s Girls School Form Five student said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar had inspired the handicapped and now she was able to imagine being an astronaut in outer space.
Alfa Nur Aini said that after hearing the inspiring talk given by Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, she was now determined to do well in her forthcoming SPM examination.
“Who knows, one day I may be one of those going up into space,” she added.
Alfa Nur Aini was among those who attended the talk organised by St Nicholas Home in Penang.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar spoke about his space mission and his feelings.
He said the handicapped should not regard their condition as an obstacle to achieving success.
“Being handicapped does not mean that you are not capable of achieving your dreams. The only thing you should remember is that physically challenged people just have to try harder than the rest,” he said.
He later visited the Home’s Wellness Centre, which provided training in massage therapy and reflexology to the visually impaired.
But after attending a motivational talk by Malaysia’s Angkasawan Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, she realised that everything is possible, even for physically challenged people to go to space one day.
The St George’s Girls School Form Five student said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar had inspired the handicapped and now she was able to imagine being an astronaut in outer space.
“I can now imagine what it is like inside the International Space Station,'' she said.
Alfa Nur Aini said that after hearing the inspiring talk given by Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, she was now determined to do well in her forthcoming SPM examination.
“Who knows, one day I may be one of those going up into space,” she added.
Alfa Nur Aini was among those who attended the talk organised by St Nicholas Home in Penang.
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar spoke about his space mission and his feelings.
He said the handicapped should not regard their condition as an obstacle to achieving success.
“Being handicapped does not mean that you are not capable of achieving your dreams. The only thing you should remember is that physically challenged people just have to try harder than the rest,” he said.
He later visited the Home’s Wellness Centre, which provided training in massage therapy and reflexology to the visually impaired.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Misi ke angkasa lepas bukan melancong
SEREMBAN 11 Jun – Angkasawan negara, Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha menjelaskan sekali lagi bahawa misinya ke angkasa lepas bukan untuk melancong sebaliknya melakukan uji kaji saintifik.
Menurut beliau, uji kaji yang dilakukan itu begitu penting untuk kegunaan perubatan terutamanya dalam merawat pesakit kanser.
‘‘ Saya ke sana untuk melakukan uji kaji di Stesen Angkasa Antarabangsa (ISS),” kata Sheikh Muszaphar kepada kira-kira 500 pelajar dalam program motivasi di Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dato’ Haji Mohd. Redza di sini semalam.
Sheikh Muszaphar memberitahu, ketika di angkasa lepas, beliau sempat mencipta sajak dan puisi selain mengenakan pakaian batik.
‘‘Saya juga menjadi umat Islam pertama yang berpuasa dan menyambut Hari Raya di ISS.
‘‘Ini semuanya untuk negara dan Malaysia kini berada setanding dengan negara lain khususnya dalam bidang penerokaan angkasa lepas,” katanya.
Pada program motivasi itu, Sheikh Muszaphar terus menyuntik semangat kepada golongan pelajar agar mengikuti jejak langkahnya menjadi seorang angkasawan pada masa hadapan.
Kata beliau, adalah wajar golongan pelajar meletakkan azam tinggi serta belajar bersungguh-sungguh untuk terus mengisi peluang dalam Program Angkasawan Negara sekali gus mengembangkan minat terhadap aktiviti berkaitan aero angkasa.
‘‘Jika pelajar berminat menjadi seperti saya sebagai angkasawan, saya minta supaya pelajar rajin-rajin belajar dan paling penting kita perlu fokus dalam setiap aktiviti yang dilakukan,” katanya.
Sheikh Muszaphar juga berharap pada masa akan datang lebih ramai wanita terpilih menyertai program tersebut dan diberi peluang untuk menjadi angkasawan negara.
‘‘Saya berharap selepas ini akan ada angkasawan wanita yang berlepas ke ISS.
‘‘Saya juga berharap lebih ramai anak kelahiran Negeri Sembilan turut berjaya meneroka ke angkasa lepas,” tambahnya.
Menurut beliau, uji kaji yang dilakukan itu begitu penting untuk kegunaan perubatan terutamanya dalam merawat pesakit kanser.
‘‘ Saya ke sana untuk melakukan uji kaji di Stesen Angkasa Antarabangsa (ISS),” kata Sheikh Muszaphar kepada kira-kira 500 pelajar dalam program motivasi di Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Dato’ Haji Mohd. Redza di sini semalam.
Sheikh Muszaphar memberitahu, ketika di angkasa lepas, beliau sempat mencipta sajak dan puisi selain mengenakan pakaian batik.
‘‘Saya juga menjadi umat Islam pertama yang berpuasa dan menyambut Hari Raya di ISS.
‘‘Ini semuanya untuk negara dan Malaysia kini berada setanding dengan negara lain khususnya dalam bidang penerokaan angkasa lepas,” katanya.
Pada program motivasi itu, Sheikh Muszaphar terus menyuntik semangat kepada golongan pelajar agar mengikuti jejak langkahnya menjadi seorang angkasawan pada masa hadapan.
Kata beliau, adalah wajar golongan pelajar meletakkan azam tinggi serta belajar bersungguh-sungguh untuk terus mengisi peluang dalam Program Angkasawan Negara sekali gus mengembangkan minat terhadap aktiviti berkaitan aero angkasa.
‘‘Jika pelajar berminat menjadi seperti saya sebagai angkasawan, saya minta supaya pelajar rajin-rajin belajar dan paling penting kita perlu fokus dalam setiap aktiviti yang dilakukan,” katanya.
Sheikh Muszaphar juga berharap pada masa akan datang lebih ramai wanita terpilih menyertai program tersebut dan diberi peluang untuk menjadi angkasawan negara.
‘‘Saya berharap selepas ini akan ada angkasawan wanita yang berlepas ke ISS.
‘‘Saya juga berharap lebih ramai anak kelahiran Negeri Sembilan turut berjaya meneroka ke angkasa lepas,” tambahnya.
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