Second Space Mission Should Be Postponed - Sheikh Muszaphar - Bernama

PENDANG, April 19 (Bernama) -- National astronaut Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Sheikh Mustapha has proposed that the government postpone Malaysia's second space mission.

He said the postponement was to allow the community to be fully exposed to the programme before the second mission could take-off.

"We need to learn a lot of things about aerospace and the community must have a good understanding of the programme.

"(Moreover) the space mission uses a large amount of public funds," he told reporters after launching Mara Junior Science College's astronaut programme and the astronomy and amateur radio club here Saturday.

Muszaphar said people at the grassroots-level should have a clear understanding of education, technology and skills in aerospace before the mission could be continued.

About 2,000 students, including those from Mara junior colleges at Kubang Pasu and Beseri in Perlis, attended the launch of the programme.

[From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=327894]