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