Plans to send Madonna into outer space fail

Madonna will not be sent into space despite efforts of some Russian politicians.Alexei Mitrofanov, member of the Russian parliament, proposed that the singer should be part of a Russian space flight to the International Space Station in 2008.He claimed that she would raise the profile of the trip and ensure that it notched up more than a fair share of column inches.Although some Russians probably couldn't think of a better place for Madonna to be after she continued with her concert in Moscow despite claims from branches of the Russian church that it was sacrilegious, the Duma turned down the proposal.Russian news agency RIA Novosti quoted Mitrofanov as saying: "Because of the television possibilities, it would be a pretty serious event in the year of elections in the United States and Russia."Although Madge has been turned down for the 2008 flight, the Russian space agency said that there would be room on the 2009 flight.According to RIA Novostu, space agency spokesman Igor Panarin said: "Taking into account her good physical preparedness and financial capabilities, the dream of [Madonna] Louise Ciccone of a space flight could be realised in 2009."