Russia proposed to sell spacecraft to Malaysia

Russia is proposing to sell the Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft to Malaysia - the ship has brought this Muslim first astronaut to the ISS space station in early October.

Speaking to the Russian request, Malaysian Minister of Science and Technology Jamaludin Jarjis said: 'It is a good idea but our government has not made any decisions regarding this issue'. Mr Jarjis said he received the offer from Russia while waiting for Malaysia's first astronaut, Sheikh Muszaphar, to return to Earth.

According to Malaysia's Bernama news agency, the government may consider buying Soyuz TMA spacecraft if it achieves reasonable prices.

Jarjis said: 'This is the ship that brought the first Malaysians to space. And that is a historic event for my country. ' However, Mr. Jarjis also said he had to submit the idea of ​​buying the spacecraft to the government.

The Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft brought Sheikh Muszaphar and two other astronauts to the ISS International Space Station on October 10.

Malaysia's first astronaut, Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, sits on the right-hand seat of the Soyuz spacecraft TMA-11 departing from the port of Baikonur, Kazakhstan on October 10, 2007.( Photo: Spacefacts )

Linh Huy