In 2007, Malaysia brought its first astronaut into space

Malaysia's first astronaut will enter the universe on October 6-10. Science Minister Jamaluddin Jarjis said the flight was delayed for a month because the US postponed the space shuttle to the International Space Station (ISS).

Malaysia's first astronaut and a reserve candidate - selected from thousands of people in a national competition - are currently trained in Moscow before flying to ISS on the Russian Soyuz.

This project was formed in 2003 when Russia agreed to take a Malaysian astronaut to ISS. Crew on ISS will be changed every 6 months.

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (right) speaks at the Malaysian Space Center at Banting. On the left are two astronaut trainees - currently attending training courses in Russia (Photo: AFP)

T.VY