| As Malaysia prepares to pick its first | | | | begin astronaut training for a near future |
| astronauts, the country's space agency is | | | | trip (Oct. 2007) in conjunction with Russia . |
| hunting for solutions to the problems it | | | | The trip will be made aboard a Soyuz |
| expects devout Muslims to face while in | | | | spacecraft and is part of a major arms |
| orbit, such as in which direction to pray. | | | | agreement/purchase between the two countries. |
| | | | |
| Devout Muslims are required under Islam rules | | | | The trip was the deal maker for a |
| to pray fervently five times a day facing | | | | $900-million deal for Russian fighter jets. |
| their holy city of Mecca. Mecca is the | | | | The Malaysian astronauts will spend a week |
| birthplace of Islam and of Muhammad, the | | | | aboard the International Space Station |
| founder of Islam. It is therefore the most | | | | amongst other activities and learn from |
| sacred of cities in both Islam and the middle | | | | Russian astronauts. Rumor has it there could |
| east. According to Islamic traditions, | | | | also be a satellite launched with an as of |
| Muslims around the world must face Mecca | | | | yet unknown purpose - Islamic satellite |
| during their daily prayers. The question that | | | | programming? |
| must be answered is how Astronauts aboard | | | | |
| spaceships determine which way to pray. How | | | | This is all apart of Malaysia's recent |
| do you correctly pray and face Mecca?. | | | | strides in increasing science and technology |
| | | | programs and research. "We want the world to |
| "Among the astronaut's needs, if he is a | | | | know that Malaysia has great capabilities, |
| Muslim, are guidelines on performing prayers | | | | knowledge, education and resources for the |
| in space, and other aspects of life according | | | | future." Stated Malaysian Prime Minister |
| to Islamic principles," Malaysian government | | | | Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. We will not only be |
| official Mohd Ruddin Abdul Ghani. | | | | known for low cost manufacture, but also for |
| | | | high quality and cutting edge research both |
| Malaysia is currently in their astronaut | | | | chemical and technical. Malaysia is gearing |
| candidate selection process. They will soon | | | | up and getting ready for the future. |