It’s just the first step for Malaysia

It’s just the first step for Malaysia

A START to better things. This is how Russian ambassador Alexander Karchava views the Angkasawan programme.

“I see great benefits for Malaysia after this. After Yuri Gagarin lifted off into space in 1961, the former Soviet Union benefited from so many new directions in science and technology, which led to a better economy,” says Karchava.

“The Angkasawan programme is not a one-off event but the start of bigger things.”

Karchava, who was posted to Kuala Lumpur in May 2005, says he is happy the programme to launch the first Malaysian into space is taking place during his term as ambas - sador of the Russian Federation.

“To me, the timing is perfect. This year is the 50th anniversary of Malaysia’s independence and 40th anniversary of the start our countries’ diplomatic relations.

“To paraphrase Neil Armstrong: this is a small step for Malaysia into space but a giant leap for Malaysian science and technology.”

Karchava, 59, says space research added numerous benefits to Russian science and economy.

“Not only were many new jobs created, our experience in space inspired a lot of new scientific research.

“The space flight also built our base in fundamental science and it is likely that Malaysia will benefit in the same manner.”

Karchava recalls the rush of pride in the former Soviet Union after Yuri Gagarin’s launch into space.

“I was a schoolboy then. There was a great national consciousness, people went into the streets to celebrate. Schools were closed. We were 100 per cent proud because it was such a breakthrough.

“I expect to see the same happiness here,”he adds.

Angkasawan, a programme to send the first Malaysian into space, is an offset agreement between Malaysia and Russia.

The cost of the programme will be offset by Malaysia’s purchase of 18 Russian-produced Sukhoi-30MKM fighter jets and in return, the Russian government is bearing the cost of
training and sending a Malaysian to the International Space Station (ISS).

The launch, scheduled for Oct 10, will take place from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor (first crew), 35, and Capt Dr Faiz Khaleed (second crew), 27, are the two candi - dates undergoing training.

On sceptics who question the advantages
of sending a Malaysian into space, Karchava says: “Sceptics are everywhere. They are short-sighted.

“Your angkasawan will be conducting
research and experiments. They will have a detailed programme co-ordinated with Russian scientists. ”

Investing money into space science, he says, is the same thing as parents investing in their children’s education. “You cannot confine yourself to your kampung.”

Citing Portuguese and Spanish seafarers of old, he says they benefited from their travels.

“I am sure your leaders have concrete plans and intentions, otherwise they wouldn’t have signed up for the programme.”

Karchava says another mutual project is the Mars Exploration Programme where Malaysian scientists were asked to suggest experiments and projects.

“There are possibilities for many other projects. Neither is the Angkasawan our first space project, Russia also assisted in launching TiungSAT-1 and Measat 3.”

Karchava, who began his diplomatic career in 1973 as a press attache at the USSR embassy in Thailand, says one area in which Russia is eager to open up further to Malaysia is education.

“There are 2,500 Malaysians studying in Russia, all doing medicine. We are very happy to co-operate in this field.

“We also hope to offer a subject like aviation to Malaysians.”