Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor was born in Kuala Lumpur and earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India.
He was pursuing his Masters of Surgery in Orthopaedic Surgery at University Kebangsaan Malaysia when he joined the 'Angkasawan' program.
Sheikh Muszaphar is an orthopedic surgeon, and also a part-time model.
Sheikh Muszaphar and three other finalists were selected at the beginning of 2006 for the Malaysian Angkasawan spaceflight program. The program arose after Russia agreed to transport one Malaysian to the ISS as part of a multi-billion purchase of 18 Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets by Malaysia.
After completing initial training at Star City in Russia, Sheikh Muszaphar was selected to undergo an 18-month training program in Russia, at the end of which Sheikh Muszaphar was chosen as the prime crew member, Following the final medical tests and training examinations, on September 17, it was announced that Sheikh Muszaphar would be flying on Soyuz 11.