Malaysia's first astronaut is set to blast off for a voyage to the International Space Station (ISS).
Malaysia's first astronaut is set to blast off for a voyage to the International Space Station (ISS).
Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor will lift off from Kazakhstan's Baikonur site at 1322 GMT, together with one Russian and one US astronaut.
Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor will lift off from Kazakhstan's Baikonur site at 1322 GMT, together with one Russian and one US astronaut.
He will spend nine days on the space station before returning to Earth with the outgoing crew.
He will spend nine days on the space station before returning to Earth with the outgoing crew.
The launch has been eagerly anticipated in Malaysia, where it has been hailed as a landmark for the Asian nation.
The launch has been eagerly anticipated in Malaysia, where it has been hailed as a landmark for the Asian nation.
The Malaysian astronaut will fly in a Russian Soyuz rocket with American Peggy Whitson, the space station's new commander, and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko.
The Malaysian astronaut will fly in a Russian Soyuz rocket with American Peggy Whitson, the space station's new commander, and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko.
Ms Whitson and Mr Malenchenko will remain on the station for six months, replacing two astronauts with whom Mr Shukor will return.
Ms Whitson and Mr Malenchenko will remain on the station for six months, replacing two astronauts with whom Mr Shukor will return.
The 35-year-old doctor will conduct a series of scientific experiments while he is in space.
The 35-year-old doctor will conduct a series of scientific experiments while he is in space.
He described his mission as a "giant leap" for all Malaysians, and said he hoped to inspire his countrymen.
He described his mission as a "giant leap" for all Malaysians, and said he hoped to inspire his countrymen.
Mr Shukor will be the first Muslim to fly in space during the holy month of Ramadan and will be there for the Eid festival, when he will treat his crewmates to a celebratory meal.
Mr Shukor will be the first Muslim to fly in space during the holy month of Ramadan and will be there for the Eid festival, when he will treat his crewmates to a celebratory meal.
Officials in Malaysia have prepared special guidelines for him on observing religious rules while on the ISS.
Officials in Malaysia have prepared special guidelines for him on observing religious rules while on the ISS.
His visit to the station was agreed as part of Malaysia's billion-dollar purchase of Russian-made jets.
His visit to the station was agreed as part of Malaysia's billion-dollar purchase of Russian-made jets.
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