An astronaut to space... soon?

Russian Ambassador to Malaysia Nail Latypov announced that Malaysia intends to send a second astronaut into orbit with Russia’s assistance.

Speaking during the DSA 2026 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, the ambassador said: "Malaysia intends to send a second astronaut into orbit with Russia’s assistance... During informal talks, the Malaysian side repeatedly mentioned that many years have passed since the first Malaysian astronaut was launched into space."

He continued: "I believe that our agencies concerned with space research and development will find a mutually acceptable way that will allow us to fulfill the Malaysians’ wish to see another Malaysian astronaut in orbit, including aboard the promising Russian orbital station."

Malaysia sent its first astronaut to the International Space Station aboard the Soyuz TMA-11 spacecraft in December 2007.