RIYADH: A Malaysian astronaut who went into space last year said Prince Sultan bin Salman, the first Muslim astronaut, has set a positive example for the Muslim world.
“When Prince Sultan went into space in 1985, I was a 10-year-old kid but I was inspired by him,” said Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, 36, speaking to a packed audience on Sunday night at the King Abdul Aziz City For Science and Technology (KACST) in Riyadh.
“Prince Sultan’s journey into space gave a new thought to the Muslim world,” he added.
Shukor, who came to the Kingdom with his parents and three brothers, was speaking at a lecture, entitled “The Glory of Islam in Space — True Journey and Experience,” on the invitation of Prince Sultan bin Salman, secretary-general of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities.
Shukor, who said he was the ninth Muslim to go into space, said Prince Sultan’s feat changed the mindset of Muslims and encouraged them to tread an untrodden path. He added that the purpose of his visit to the Kingdom was to share his experience with his Saudi brethren. Shukor said the Muslim world, which boasts of its past achievements in science, medicine and mathematics, should bring back its lost glory.
He said he took off from Kazakhstan on a 12-day journey in Soyuz with two pilots, one American and one Russian. Shukor was selected from 12,000 Malaysian applicants and was one of four people sent by Malaysia for the final selection, which was done after a strenuous training program.
The $25 million agreement for a Malaysian astronaut to fly into space was negotiated in 2003 along with a $900 million deal for the country to buy 18 Russian fighter jets.
During his space trip, Shukor studied the effects of microgravity and space radiation on cells and microbes, and carried out experiments with proteins for a potential HIV vaccine.
Addressing Muslim youths, the astronaut said they should be prepared to face the challenges of the society. “This could be done only with strong physical and mental strength,” he said, adding that the youth should have diversified interests and work for the community by harnessing their talents and skills. “Although I am an orthopedic surgeon by profession, I am interested in science, flying and even running a restaurant in Kuala Lumpur.”
He also advised them not to smoke. “An astronaut needs strong lungs. If I were a smoker, I would have been disqualified in the preliminary rounds,” he said.
Speaking to reporters following the lecture, Prince Sultan said astronauts throughout the world should work together in the global community to develop scientific and technological research in space travel.
