oneworldtalk

WHILE some Malaysians are excited as the country's first astronaut prepares to blast into space today, others see the trip as a waste of money.

There are those who hope that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor will be the first in a line of Malaysian astronauts. But some see him as a space tourist squandering US$25 million (S$37 million) of public money.

The critics have seized on Nasa's description of the part-time model as a 'space flight participant', suggesting he is merely along for the ride, although Kuala Lumpur has been quick to point out that Russia's space agency has recognised him as a cosmonaut.

Dr Muszaphar, who beat 11,274 other candidates to win his place on the Russian Soyuz-FG rocket, will use his 12-day trip to study the effects of microgravity and space radiation on cells and microbes. He will also be conducting experiments with proteins for a potential HIV vaccine.

He said: 'I promise to make Malaysia proud. That is a promise I plan to keep.'

The doctor is scheduled to arrive at the International Space Station (ISS), in orbit 333km from Earth, on Friday.

Criticism of the cost of the trip has led to officials avoiding any mention of it, other than to say it is part of a US$900 million defence deal struck with Moscow in 2003 to buy 18 Sukhoi Su-30 MKM fighter jets.

The director of the national astronaut programme, Col Dr Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh, said in July that most Malaysians thought the programme was a waste of money.

'A recent survey revealed that they still think it's a waste of time and money, and that we're just going to undertake a little science project when our astronaut is sent into space,' he was quoted as saying in The Star newspaper.

He said 'nothing could be further from the truth', as the first angkasawan - Malay for astronaut - will carry out serious experiments.

Guys, I for one would love to feel nothing less than pride for our nation's accomplishments. But this overly glorified 'accomplishment' leaves a rather sour taste in my mouth. To me, we're tagging along for the ride - no more, no less - like any other space tourist, regardless of what we're doing up in space. And it ain't free.

Fighter type
RUSSIAN SU-30MK

Wikipedia price
USD 33 MILLION - USD 45 MILLION

Estimated averaged price
USD 40 MILLION

Total cost paid
USD 900 MILLION

Overpaid amount
USD 180.00 MILLION

I remember reading somewhere that we're replacing the Israeli parts and having new components added in, so I guess that might be why the cost is so much higher (or maybe lower?), but I also remember it being said that because of the limited quantity produced (because of a limited quantity ordered), spare parts for this fighter might become a problem in the long run.

Now that would be a fine mess in the middle of a firefight, wouldn't it?

It would be great if our trip to space was based something concrete, on real aspirations and accomplishment, but as it is now, this is nothing more than a PR trip, moreso because of the overdone hype.

I wish all the best to Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, but I believe that we need to clean up our mess down here before we start littering up there.
10/10 12:01:50
Kids with no shoes,no school uniforms,walking miles to school,no rural, Internet, rapes,bashings,corruption great idea, will really advance the Malaysian Society..NOT. Dont these Ministers get even a little itty bit embarrsed? Lots of people have paid for the ride, and they have been part of the team, done experiments its no big deal.So much other stuff going on and they are yippity do dah in Moscow.
10/10 10:23:05
We already seen the Auditor General's report highlighting the cheating that's going on in the various gomen's department. We can imagine the kind of cheating that's going on in the organizing of this space travel show. I wouldn't want to give this travel show's host a damn. We could use the money, our money, for something more rewarding and worthwhile than something like this which is totally not a cost effective venture.

What do we get out of this, bragging rights that we have sponsored a tourist to space?
10/10 11:20:00
will use his 12-day trip to study the effects of microgravity and space radiation on cells and microbes. He will also be conducting experiments with proteins for a potential HIV vaccine.
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You have got to be kidding me.
10/10 14:41:44
Overpriced space tourist. This is taxpayers money which should be used in more urgent circumstances then this this needless extravaganza. Is there any benefit from this? Zilch!!! There is nothing to be proud about.The price aboard Soyuz spacecraft cost USD30 million only but we pay USD200 million. This bunch of corrupt BN ministers is leading Malaysia to bankruptcy. Time for change. NEXT GE.
10/10 15:10:08

BAIKONUR (Kazakhstan):

Despite all the cutting-edge science involved in a space mission, the Russians still fall back on superstition to ensure everything goes well.
For one, the launch of the Soyuz spacecraft never takes place on Oct 24. This was the day, in 1980, that the spacecraft exploded during a mission.
They also believe it is bad luck to send out invitation cards for guests to attend the launching celebration party before successful take off - hence, invitations are made only after the launch.

Another no-no is for the primary crew to visit the launch pad during the uplifting process of the rocket launcher. This, again, is considered bad luck.

Malaysian Space Programme director Kol (Dr) Zulkeffeli Mat Jusoh said seven hours prior to the launch of Soyuz around 9pm (Malaysia time) today, the cosmonauts will take a bus from their hotel to the launch area.

Two buses will ferry the primary and secondary crew respectively. The primary crew will stop midway and conduct a ritual that has been practised since the time of Yuri Gagarin, the first man to go to space on April 12, 1961.

“The ritual is to urinate on the bus tyres.

“But of course, Peggy Whitson (the mission commander) will not go through this ritual,” he said.