Madonna Cleared For Space Travel

Madonna received permission to travel into space from the Russian Space Agency in spite of opposition from the parliament, according to mirror.co.uk.
Calling the singer by her given name, a spokesman for the Russian Space Agency said that "taking into account her good physical preparedness and financial capabilities, the dream of [Madonna] Louise Ciccone for space flight could be realized in 2009." Places for tourist spatial flights organized by the agency can be booked until the end of 2008.
On Wednesday, a Russian deputy submitted the request asking for the examination of the possibility for the organization of a flight for Madonna to a vote. The artist had expressed her wish to fly on the International Space Station during the first concert she held in Moscow on Tuesday. Forty-two deputies supported the request while 252 voted against it.
Madonna, 48, has numerous opponents in Russia because of her use of Christian symbols in the concerts of her tour for the promotion of her album "Confessions on a Dance Floor." The singer was harshly criticized by the Russian Orthodox Church in the press and before the concert numerous Orthodox people protested against the diva.