A 10-day mission to the International Space Station in October 2007 established Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor as the first Malaysian to travel into space. Travelling aboard Soyuz TMA-11, he served as a spaceflight participant, conducting scientific experiments and marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan while orbiting the Earth within the Expedition 16 crew.
Early Life and Medical Training
Born in Kuala Lumpur in 1972, Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor is the son of Sheikh Mustapha bin Abdul Shukor and Zuraidah Sheikh Ahmad. His secondary education was completed at MARA Junior Science College in Terendak. He later pursued medical studies in India, earning a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Kasturba Medical College, an institution affiliated with the Manipal Academy of Higher Education.
Medical Career
Before his transition to spaceflight, he worked as an orthopaedic medical officer. His professional clinical experience includes positions at Hospital Seremban in 1998, Kuala Lumpur General Hospital in 1999, and Hospital Selayang from 2000 through 2001. He also gained experience as a part-time model. He pursued specialist training at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, though he did not complete the programme.
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The Angkasawan programme was initiated following a national agreement to purchase 18 Russian Sukhoi Su-30 MKM fighter jets. In early 2006, Sheikh Muszaphar was selected as one of four finalists for the spaceflight mission. Following rigorous training at Star City in Russia, he and Faiz Khaleed were chosen for an 18-month programme. On 17 September 2007, he was confirmed as the prime crew member for the Soyuz TMA-11 mission.
Scientific Research and Religious Observance
During his stay on the International Space Station, Sheikh Muszaphar conducted experiments on liver cancer and leukaemia cells, as well as the crystallisation of proteins and microbes. As his mission coincided with Ramadan, the Islamic National Fatwa Council produced a guide for observing Islamic rites in microgravity. He celebrated Eid ul-Fitr on 13 October 2007 by sharing traditional satay and cookies with the crew.
Re-entry and Legacy
He returned to Earth on 21 October 2007 aboard Soyuz TMA-10. The descent proved complex, as the craft transitioned to a ballistic re-entry caused by a damaged cable in the control panel. The capsule landed in Kazakhstan, off-course from the intended target. In 2008, he was awarded the Knight Companion of the Order of Loyalty to Negeri Sembilan, bearing the title Dato'.
Fast facts
- Born: 1972, Kuala Lumpur
- Education: Manipal Academy of Higher Education
- Spacecraft: Soyuz TMA-11
- Mission duration: 10 days, 20 hours, 14 minutes
- Return flight: Soyuz TMA-10
- Language: Malay, English
- Title: Dato'
Questions readers ask
What scientific research did he perform in space?
He conducted experiments involving liver cancer and leukaemia cells, as well as protein and microbe crystallisation.
Why did his mission involve a ballistic re-entry?
A cable in the spacecraft's control panel was damaged, which forced the Soyuz TMA-10 to switch to a backup ballistic re-entry mode.
