Baikonur - Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor is set to become the first Malaysian to go into space but his backup Kapt Dr Faiz Khaleed may still get to be the second one to do so.
Science, Technology and Innovations Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jaris said the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) also conveyed their desire for Dr Faiz to continue training at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City Moscow.
“They said that if there is vacancy to send a cosmonaut in a mission in 2008 or 2009, Malaysia can send Dr Faiz.
“I will relay their proposal to the Cabinet as soon as I return after the launch, for a decision. Of course a decision on a second space mission will also depend on funding,” Dr Jamaluddin told reporters covering the launch here.
Earlier, the Minister also announced that the Roscosmos at its selection committee meeting Tuesday had decided to go ahead with the primary crew and Dr Sheikh Muszaphar would be the country`s first astronaut.
Dr Jamaluddin said the Dr Faiz would remain as the back-up cosmonaut as changes could happen up to four hours before the launch.
He said members of the primary and secondary crew were also at the meeting but were separated from everyone through a glass mirror, as they were under strict quarantine.
“Both our cosmonauts looked very ready and confident. Dr Sheikh Muszaphar said he was ready and Dr Faiz said `Yes, I am ready too, don`t forget about me`,” said Jamaluddin.
He added that the decision to send Dr Sheikh to space was made because Roscosmos had certified both of them equally qualified to go on space missions but Dr Sheikh had earlier been declared as the primary crew member.
“We are proud of both of them because they showed they were equally qualified. The Russians clapped their hands when they spoke in fluent Russian during the press conference. Their mission is no ordinary one,” he said.
“The Russians worked hard to assist our scientists prepare for the space experiments,” he said.
Jamaluddin said he told Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and Dr Faiz that all Malaysians would pray for their safety and success of the mission.
Source: www.topix.com (10 Oktober 2007)
