Malaysia Space Exploration

SPACE EXPLORATION : A FARCE?

Putting a Malaysian in space at the expense of taxpayers does not seem like a very wise move for a small nation with poverty still apparent within its population. Afterall, it's all about money. Without which of course, Dr Sheikh Muzaphar would not have had the opportunity to venture into space.

Thus, the argument of whether he is indeed a full fledged astronaut or just a space tourist has arisen. Training for space flight is rigorous and no doubt challenging. The selection is often extremely competitive and the eventual crew will usually represent contributing nations. Most astronauts perform such tasks as their vocation. In fact, the crew that accompanied Dr Muzaphar to space will be manning the International Space Station for a prolonged period as opposed to the one week stay of Dr Muzaphar. The Russians could have sent another person to relieve the ISS crew instead of Dr Muzaphar who occupied a space that would otherwise have been better utilised.

There is no harm in dreaming about space exploration but I feel Malaysia needs to concentrate on more important and fundamental issues. The hundreds of millions of ringgit could have been better spent improving local conditions rather than sending an individual that will hardly make any impact on international space exploration.

If we are serious about space, we should improve our space programme, if it exists. Training individuals in the science concerned with space travel will be paramount for a firm foundation in the field of space exploration. Like China, we should not be paying others to send our nationals to space but rather develop our very own programs.

Indeed, I see Dr Muzaphar's travel to space as a farce and a complete waste of public funds.