Malaysia Space M/S FDC

Malaysia Minisheet FDC
Name: National Angkasawan Programme
Date of Issue: 21 October 2008

National Space Agency (ANGKASA), Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovations have been given the responsibility of commissioning the process of selecting the national astronaut (Angkasawan Negara). This process reached its peak when two out of the four final candidates was chosen and announced by the Prime Minister of Malaysia before they go through the Astronaut Training Program for 18 months in Russia.

The Malaysian people and the country has benefited from this program mainly in the fields of science and technology. This includes Space Medicine, Aviation Medicine, Life Science, Environmental Science, and Physics were scientists are able to involve themselves to create and design experiments that could be carried out in a unique environment. These researchers will benefit selected industries such as in the medical and Aerospace Industries while working towards achieving a scientific society.

This is a pioneer program for this country to cater the next generation into exploring new technologies that is capable of bringing into existence, another advantage for Malaysia to compete in the global arena.

M/S: Launching
Malaysian Angkasawan, Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Syukor Al-Masrie was launched to space at 9.21 pm (Malaysian time), 10 October 2007 from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan on board the Soyuz TMA-11 rocket. This marks a significant milestone in Malaysia's history where for the first time ever, a Malaysian was successfully able to go to the outer space and this is indeed a catalyst for future space exploration projects.

Comment: Baikonur Cosmodrome, a very hot scene for space theme stamps. It appears twice on this set.

2008 Malaysia National Angkasawan Programme FDC
2008 Malaysia National Angkasawan Programme Minisheet FDC