Malaysia To Send Second Batch Of Astronauts By 2016

MELAKA (Malaysia), Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is expected to send its second batch of astronauts to carry out numerous research work on the International Space Station (ISS) by 2016. Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah said the agencies under the ministry were working with numerous parties on the mission and direction of the programme. "We are now studying various matters including sending two astronauts and on carrying out experiments that will benefit the nation on the ISS. "All these have to be carefully looked into as the programme involves a hefty allocation and is not merely a space tour. We will submit a proposal to the Cabinet when everything is completed," he said at a press conference after opening the Science4u Carnival in Air Keroh, here, today. The one-day carnival, held to foster interest of students in science and technology was among 103 programmmes implemented by the ministry in schools nationwide. Malaysia for the first time sent an astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor to the ISS on the Soyuz TMA-11 rocket on Oct 10, 2007 in cooperation with Russia. He carried out numerous experiments including on cancer cells and leukaemia on the space station. -- BERNAMA