Name: Muizzuddin Munir
Book: JOURNEY TO SPACE: A MEMOIR OF MALAYSIA’S FIRST ANGKASAWAN
Author: Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor
Publisher: MPH Group Publishing Sdn Bhd
Publication Year: 2009
Book Language: English
Official Synopsis:
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor was the first Malaysian to go into space on 10 October 2007, when he was launched to the International Space Station aboard Soyuz TMA-11 with the Expedition 16 crew.
Journey to Space details his personal account of the rollercoaster emotions of excitement and tribulations throughout his experience in the Angkasawan programme-starting from when he made his application, the arduous training and medical examinations that followed and when he was selected to undergo a one-year training stint in Star City, Russia, and finally being chosen as the prime crew member on the Soyuz 11. Journey to Space is a memoir that will be an inspiring read to others who may wish to tread in the footsteps of Sheikh Muszaphar and shows that with enough determination, faith, and belief in yourself, no dream is impossible.
Comment:
“Journey To Space” provides an engaging, diary-like account of the author’s experiences, particularly highlighting his intense training period in Russia. Once in space, the author shares his daily routine aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which included conducting scientific experiments, performing maintenance tasks, and participating in international collaborations. He shares his awe at the breathtaking views of Earth from orbit and is overwhelmed by God’s creation.
The book is also filled with personal details, including the heart-wrenching story of his brother’s death, news that was kept from him until he returned from space. These personal anecdotes make the narrative more compelling.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in space exploration. The author’s vivid storytelling and honest reflections provide a personal perspective on space, making it a must-read for aspiring space explorers, scientists, and astronomists.
Excerpt:
“I’d just finished examining a patient and was saying goodbye to her when my phone rang. It was from my little brother Sheikh Arwiz, the youngest and by far the most pampered of all. He told me that there was, on the internet, an offer to become the first astronaut of Malaysia. I was dumbfounded. That had always been my dream.” – How It All Started, page 28
“One of the main criteria of becoming an astronaut is to have leadership qualities and being able to work as a team at the same time. You must be able to take orders too. There were many psychological group activities performed to see how the candidates cope with stress or be able to work together as a team.” – The Selection Process Begin, page 39.
“All the waiting had come to this. In the evening, the Russian Board Committee announced that I was fit to become an astronaut. I was ecstatic. I was one step closer to my dream. Everything seemed to be going well. I can’t say how the other three candidates fared as the results were strictly confidential.” –Awaiting The Announcement, page 65.
“Your height does not really matter but what counts is your length from your vortex (skull) to your coccyx (tailbone) which should not be more than 99cm. I just missed it by 4cm. If I had been born just two inches longer, my dream of becoming an astronaut would have disappeared. I thank God for the fit. I have always believe in destiny.” – Challenges In Becoming An Astronaut, page 107.
“And finally, there it was. The Soyuz capsule that would take us to space. It was the first time we had seen it up close. It was beautifully built. We walked closer to the spacecraft. Every step brought me close to my dream. Every step reminded me of the prayers of all Malaysians. It’s a small step for me but a giant leap for all Malaysians.” – Life In Space, page 203.
“I have given my life and soul to go to space and I have never looked back. I wanted this badly and I somehow achieved my dream. For the first time in my life, I started to question myself, was it really worth it? I found a new lease of life in space and lost a life upon my return.” – Back On Earth, page 230.
This book is available at the Perdana Library. If you are interested in reading or borrowing the book, please visit our Library in Putrajaya, or contact us at 03-8885 8961 (Library Counter).
