Geopolitics of Malaysia Astronaut Program

Malaysia sent its first astronaut Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar to the International Space Station (ISS) via the Soyuz space shuttle in 2007 under the offset program agreement with the Russian government when Malaysia procured 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM jet fighters. Sending astronaut to ISS is part of the Malaysia Astronaut Program (MAP) which, is a critical component of the more ambitious Malaysia Space Program (MSP). The Malaysian government is also in the opinion that space activities are not meant for technology advancement purpose only but can be used to pursue its foreign policy. The book discussed the effect of MAP on society, and, if so, on what aspects of it? And how do we measure any such impact? Discussed too about the intangible, difficult to quantify cultural and societal effects that range from inspiring a young boy to become an astronaut to building national pride and prestige in what are, after all, spectacular scientific and technological, managerial, and industrial achievements.