Astronauts depart for Russian training
Malaysiakini
Sep 26, 2006

Malaysians bade a fond farewell to its first astronaut and his back-up, who are departing for a training stint in Russia before realising the country's dreams of a star-filled future.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 34, and his back-up Faiz Khaleed, 26, to do their best to forge a good name for Malaysia with their historic journey, the state Bernama news agency said.

"Bon voyage and carry out your duties well," Abdullah was quoted as saying.

The prime minister said Malaysians had high hopes the pair would realise the country's first space mission and wished them good health and mental, physical and spiritual fortitude.

Blast off - Sept 2, 2007

"This is the strength that one who is involved in such an important programme should have, to continue with the mission," he said after handing over the Malaysian flag to the men.

Sheikh Muszaphar (left), a doctor and part-time model, and Faiz (right), an army dentist, were chosen earlier this month after a nationwide hunt that saw thousands of hopefuls lining up.

Both men are leaving later today for Russia, where they will undergo a year of training in Moscow's Star City before Sheikh Muszaphar blasts off on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft on Sept 2, 2007.