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Malaysian astronaut, Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor was in Vienna on 3 November 2008 to present to the United Nations (UN), the UN badge he had brought with him to space during his mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in October 2007.
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The badge was presented by Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar to Mr. Franz Baumann, the Acting Director General of the United Nations in Vienna in a simple ceremony held at the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UN OOSA), United Nations Vienna.
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It may be noted that the handing over of the UN badge is a symbolic act that signifies Malaysia ?s commitment to the UN system as well as to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the coming into force of the United Nations Outer Space Treaty, widely regarded as the ?Magna Carta? of space activities. 2007 was also the 50th anniversary of the space era (the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, was launched in October 1957).
The ceremony began with brief remarks by Dato? Mohd Arshad, which highlighted Dr. Sheikh Muszaphar?s achievements, particularly the inspiration he has been to all Malaysians. Dato? Mohd. Arshad also mentioned that when Tun Mahathir Mohammad, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia who laid the foundation for the space programme, initiated the Angkasawan or Astronaut programme, he wanted it to inspire young Malaysians to strive for excellence, as well as to believe in pursuing lofty dreams. Indeed, Dr. Sheikh?s achievement is testimony to the fact that dreams do come true, if one is prepared to work hard to fulfil the dream. |