Second space trip runs into funds snag - NST

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's fledgling space programme has run out of money and the country cannot afford to send a second angkasawan into space.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili, who revealed this, said that based on the ministry's mid-term review, there was no budget to fund phase two of the angkasawan programme.

"There's zero money. The ministry will have to look for money if it wants to continue with the programme," said Ongkili, who added that he was still waiting for the cost-benefit analysis report.

He said that in principle, the government wanted to pursue the angkasawan programme, but subject to funds being available.

He added that the programme's successful first phase was facilitated by the fact that 70 per cent of the cost of training and sending the first angkasawan to space was offset by the purchase of the Sukhoi fighter jets from Russia.

"Also, the space programme is not just about sending Malaysians into space. It involves a broad spectrum of research in other sciences besides astronomy.

"So there are competing priorities and other social development needs. We have to ensure that the money spent is worth it."

[From http://www.nst.com.my/Tuesday/National/2220405/Article/index_html]