Three protein samples produced by a local scientist will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) onboard the Russian Soyuz spaceship this September.

The research findings of Prof Dr Raja Noor Zaliha Raja Abdul Rahman, a lecturer at Universiti Putra Malaysia's (UPM) Microbiology Department, will be tested by the Japan Aerospace And Exploration Agency (Jaxa) at the ISS for two to three months.

"Jaxa stated their interest in testing the protease and lipase protein sample I came up with.

"After talks with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti), we sent two samples to Japan and in August, I will go there to send the third sample before it boards the Soyuz in September," she told reporters after presenting the findings of a research on micro gravity science under the National Angkasawan Programme in Parliament here Tuesday.

Dr Raja Noor was among scientists involved in preparing five samples that were taken to the ISS by the Malaysia's first astronaut Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor in October 2007.

However, she said this delivery would not involve the astronaut since the samples would be filled in Japan and sent directly on the Soyuz.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili, in his speech, said the government was committed to commercializing the micro gravity science research findings.

He said this was because it would generate new income for the country through patent royalties which could be used for the oleo chemical, biotechnology and medical industries.

"The ISS is one of the largest laboratories built in space to conduct micro gravity science experiments. Industry products generated by the European Space Agency (ESA) is between RM332 million and RM369 million.

"Meanwhile, in America, commercialization of micro gravity science research in various industries such as aero gel, protein crystallization and ceramic bones has raked in almost RM100 billion," he added.

Source : Bernama