Malaysia will have its first astronaut in 2007

Yesterday, Russian arms export agency Rosoboronexport signed a contract with Malaysia's Ministry of Defense to bring the country's astronaut to the ISS international space station, in the fall of 2007.

Rosoboronexport 's statement emphasized: " Under the agreement, Malaysian astronauts will visit ISS not only as a space traveler but also directly in a research program currently being implemented by both parties " .

The first Malaysian astronaut will travel to ISS on a Soyuz shuttle during the 16th launch of the missile to this international space station in September 2007. Deputy director of Russian aviation agency Yuri Nosenko confirmed the above information.

There were four Malaysian pilots selected, but there is no decision on who will become an astronaut for a historic trip. In the near future, only two of these will be taken to training at Russia's Star City space center, one of which is an official astronaut and one to reserve.

Since Russia agreed to bring a Malaysian astronaut to ISS, Kuala Lumpur has signed a contract to buy some Russian Sukhoi SU-30-MKM fighter jets worth nearly a billion dollars.

Government