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