Experiments From Space Trip Vital For Mankind's Interest - Malaysian Astronaut

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- The most crucial point from a space trip, is not the trip itself, but the valuable researches and experiments that can be gained from the journey, says Malaysian renowned astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor. He said today that astronauts, as a group of professionals who could contribute towards the development of space science based on their scope of expertise, were well-trained with knowledge as well as strict disciplines - the two factors that could motivate and inspire younger generations. "This is the mentality we want to introduce to students to be involved and inspired to explore the science field, hoping that within five or ten years, we can have more talents in this industry," he told a press conference in conjunction with the 7th National Astronaut Day, to be held at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM or National University of Malaysia) Monday. Also present were three top notch astronauts, Lt Colonel Klaus-Dietrich Flade from Germany, Colonel Salizhan Shakirovich Sharipov from Russia and Dr Chiaki Mukai from Japan. Meanwhile, Dr Chiaki, who was the first Japanese woman to become an astronaut besides being the first Japanese citizen to run through two space missions, also highlighted the importance of having expertise from different fields to join the space mission. From the perspective of medical field, she said that there were so many medical-related researches that could be done at outer space, including cures for cancer. As for Flade, who first visited the Mir Space Station in 1992, he praised the Malaysian government's commitment to contribute towards the development of space science, even though a trip to space was considered as very costly. The three astronauts were scheduled to participate in the National Astronaut Day at UKM's Dewan Canselor Tun Abdul Razak, UKM, Monday, including sharing knowledge and experiences gained from their respective missions, to UKM's students as part of efforts to create more awareness and interest towards the industry. More information about the special day can be obtained at https://www.facebook.com/UKMdiAngkasa?fref=ts. --BERNAMA