MALAYSIA ON RIGHT TRACK IN DEVELOPING AEROSPACE SECTOR

MELAKA (Malaysia), Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is on the right track in
developing the aerospace sector by organising various programmes, hence placing
itself at par with other developing countries which have the same mission.

Former astronaut from Russia, Alexander Ivanchenkov, 60, regards the
cooperation between the Malaysian and Russian governments in sending Malaysia's
first astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor into space in October 2007 as
apt in developing the field.

"Malaysia needs more such cooperation where it can encourage transfer of
technology in aerospace to the country," he said through an interpreter after
delivering a talk on space exploration at Technical University of Malaysia
Malacca (UTeM), here, Thursday.

Also present was another Russian foremer astronaut Alexander Poleshchuk, 57,
and former astronaut from the United States, Henry Hartsfield, 77.

They are in Malaysia with over 60 other astronauts and cosmonauts from 17
countries for the XXIII International Association of Space Explorers Planetary
Congress themed "1Planet, 1Hope, 1Future", from Oct 5 to 10 in Kuala Lumpur.


Ivanchenkov who went into space for the first time on July 15, 1975, hoped
Malaysia's aerospace sector development would be a continuous one by cultivating
interest in aerospace among its young generation.

Meanwhile, Hartsfield said the development of the aerospace sector was not
only limited to the technical aspects, but the development of human capital too,
especially involving the young generation.

"The future of aerospace is in the hands of young people. They must master
science and technology in order to carry on this effort (developing the sector),
besides having a high level of discipline," he said.

Hartsfield who first went into space in June 1982, has been involved in many
development programmes by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(Nasa) since 1969.

The Malaysian Multimedia University in Bukit Beruang here also held a
similar programme attended by over 1,000 university and school students who
listened to talks given by six foreign astronauts.

Malacca or Melaka dubbed The Historical State among locals) is located in
the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, on the Straits of Malacca.

-- BERNAMA