KUALA LUMPUR: SPACE exploration became a reality in Malaysia on Oct 10, 2007, when it sent orthopaedic surgeon Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al Masri Sheikh Mustapha to board the Russian Soyuz rocket to the International Space Station (ISS).
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar conducted a range of scientific experiments when he was in space for 10 days and was hailed as the country's first-ever astronaut upon his return.
On board the ISS, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar reportedly conducted experiments relating to the characteristics and growth of liver cancer and leukaemia cells, as well as studied the crystallisation of proteins and microbes in space.
It was reported that while the experiments relating to liver cancer, leukaemia cells and microbes would benefit science and medical research in general, the experiments relating to the crystallisation of proteins and lipases (a type of protein enzymes used in the manufacturing of a diverse range of products from textile to cosmetics) would directly benefit local industries.
Born in Kuala Lumpur and of Arab and Malay descent, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, now 48, received his secondary education at Maktab Rendah Sains Mara in Muar, Johor.
He earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree from Kasturba Medical College, an affiliated college of Manipal University in Manipal, India.
He started his medical career as an orthopaedic surgeon at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and in 1998, he worked at Seremban Hospital.
He then moved to Kuala Lumpur General Hospital in 1999 and later Selayang Hospital (from 2000 to 2001).
In early 2006, he and three other finalists were selected for the Malaysian Angkasawan spaceflight programme.
The programme started after Russia agreed to transport one Malaysian to the ISS as a part of a multi-billion purchase of 18 Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKM jet fighters by Malaysia.
After completing the initial training at Star City in Russia, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar and his colleague, Faiz Khaleed, were selected to undergo an 18-month training programme in Russia. He was chosen as the prime crew member, while Faiz served as back- up.
Following the final medical tests and training examination, on Sept 17, it was announced that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar would fly on the Soyuz TMA-11 mission on Oct 10.
Together with two other expedition crew members, he left for space on Oct 10 and returned to Earth on Oct 21.
On Sept 25 that same year, the then prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced Dr Sheikh Muszaphar as Malaysia's first astronaut/cosmonaut.
The historic moment took place towards the end of Ramadan. It was reported that Dr Sheikh Muszaphar broke fast and celebrated Hari Raya Aidilfitri with rendang in space.
He also took a small copy of the Quran with him to the space station.
During a meeting with Abdullah in November that year, the former prime minister commended Dr Sheikh Muszaphar for bringing home specimens safely despite the rocket's reported rough landing.
"Dr Sheikh Muszaphar has made the country proud. You are Malaysia's hero," said Abdullah.
During the Movement Control Order period recently, social media was abuzz when Dr Sheikh Muszaphar shared a photo of himself as a food delivery rider on his social media account.
He revealed that he had been delivering food to customers from a popular local restaurant in the city, which he co-owns.
The post was accompanied with a caption: "Being a delivery boy".
Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, who married Dr Halina Mohd Yunos in 2010, are expecting another set of twins.
The couple's other children are Sophea Isabella, 9, Sophea Natasha, 7, and twin sons Sheikh Adam and Sheikh Noah, 3.